The Importance of Inspections

Marvin Goldstein is one of the original founding and charter members of ASHI and a past ASHI national president. We asked
Goldstein to share a bit more about his background, the importance of ASHI, and the home inspection industry.
My personal history with ASHI stems from my beginning as a building inspector in 1970. To understand why ASHI was founded in the first place, it is useful to understand the development of the home inspection business in the US.
Before 1970, 95% of houses were not professionally inspected by a home inspector. There really wasn’t an inspection industry before 1970. In 1969, during a housing crisis with interest rates extremely high, HUD started requiring plumbing, heating, electric, roofing, and termite certifications on their FHA-insured single-family properties. My dad, Milt Goldstein—who had been doing inspections for years—founded Building Inspection Service in 1938 when he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering. He would do inspections every now and then when requested. He suggested to me that this would be an interesting business opportunity.
In 1970, I agreed to be trained to be a building inspector by him. I assisted him on 50 inspections before I went out on any of my own. These were all HUD certification inspections which require plumbing, heating, electric, roofing, and termite certifications. There was such a demand for these inspections that I credit HUD for the creation of the home inspection industry in the US.
Within a few years, half a dozen companies like Building Inspection Service—which was founded in 1938 by my dad and incorporated in ’71 by me—were created. We formed a local organization of building inspectors. In 1976, Ron Passaro—who ended up being the first president of ASHI—called and asked if I would be interested in helping to form the American Society of Home inspectors. I agreed. So, long story short, I am one of the charter members—member number 32. I’ve been very active ever since. But I say again, I credit HUD with the creation of the industry, and as everyone knows, today most homes are inspected by home inspectors, whereas in 1969 and 1970 hardly any were inspected at all.
FAQs with Charter Member Marvin Goldstein
Why should someone aim to become an ASHI-Certified Inspector?
An ASHI-Certified Inspector has more opportunity for higher paid inspections because of his/her experience. That experience will be recognized by organizations such as HUD and by lawyers and real estate agents who recommend home inspectors. I think becoming an ASHI-Certified Inspector is something all inspectors should be working to achieve. That’s why we, as part of this NSPIRE pilot program, are recruiting ACIs or those who have done more than 250 inspections.
What advice would you give new home inspectors?
I would suggest new home inspectors go on many ridealongs to learn the profession with an experienced inspector. Also, sign up for the ASHI training program to get classroom and field training—Building Inspection Service has endowed a scholarship for the best graduate of each class.
I would advise new inspectors to always have a mentor or someone from their local chapter of ASHI who is highly experienced that they can call with questions. In your first couple of years in business, you’re going to have many questions. It’s always good to consult other professionals in the organization for advice.
I would also suggest participating in ASHI’s online and educational programs and attending ASHI’s Inspection World. I have attended almost every one of the conferences (all but one) and find their educational sessions very valuable.
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In this Issue
Electrical Testers: Which Ones are Right for Your Business?
What is a Water Softener?
7 Areas of Restricted Access
The Future of Federal Housing Inspections
New Innovation in Inspection Camera Technology
How Can Inspectors Prepare to Answer Homebuyers’ Biggest Questions?
How to Submit Articles to the Reporter
Postcards From The Field
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