Why ASHI Matters

(Left to right: Rebecca Castro, Ed Castro, Charles Gifford, Lisa Alajajian Giroux)

As a member of ASHI, you stand with members of the oldest and most respected society of home inspectors. ASHI not only serves its members but is a steward of the industry.

Here are a few recent testimonials shared with the ASHI team.

Charles Gifford, Allspec Services

ASHI Certified Inspector

Background Verified Inspector

Member since 1992

As I move into the later stages of my career as a home inspector and small business owner, I wanted to reflect on what ASHI means to me—and why I have been a long-term member.

My journey started in 1992 when I began to explore opportunities in the profession of home inspection. I was working with a local home builder and conducting inspections on the side when I met an ASHI Member who invited me to a local chapter meeting. I learned there was a group available to me so I could improve my skill set and become better at my craft. That mentoring was critical to my growth as an inspector.

I soon learned that ASHI is a membership association, and that was important to me. It encouraged volunteering and mentoring and provided opportunities in leadership—all of which I appreciated.

What followed were years of learning at local, state, and national conferences. Those conferences connected me to vendors and technology and built lifelong friendships.

My membership has been crucial to me, my business, and my inspection team. I could not have done it alone.

Roger Herdt, Herdt Home Inspections

ASHI Certified Inspector

Member since 2008

For the first 20 years of my home inspector career I was not a member of ASHI. While I was a founding member of our state association, I did not see the value of joining a national organization until virtually all of our founding members joined ASHI.

I was a little slow on the uptake but eventually decided to join ASHI and take the National Home Inspector Exam to become an ACI. It turned out to be the best decision of my career.

Now, 35 years after my first inspection, I feel like I learn something new every time I sign on to www.ashi.org. The outstanding education we get with our membership is worth the annual dues by itself. Not to mention the business from Find an Inspector and the respect the ASHI Certified Inspector label brings.

Lisa Alajajian Giroux, HomeQuest Consultants

ASHI Certified Inspector

Background Verified Inspector

Member since 1998

I joined ASHI in 1997, was the 2023 Past President, and have been involved in leadership since 2000. This testimonial is not coming from your Past President; I am speaking on behalf of myself, Lisa, the Massachusetts home inspector.

For me, the most valuable resource ASHI provides is the Find an Inspector Search tool. This is because, in my state, our licensing act has a firewall between real estate agents and home inspectors. I can work with an exclusive buyer representative only if they have a signed contract with a buyer. My marketing is different from many of you out there performing the same job.

The ASHI Find an Inspector site has more than paid my dues over the last two decades. I average two to four referrals a month; I can turn those referrals into actual cash jobs. I received a condo inspection from the ASHI site while writing this testimonial.

How can you do the same?

Update and refresh your profile page, add a photo, change your wording on services, and let the buyer know this is your full-time job and that you love what you do.

When you receive that text from ASHI stating someone wants to know more about your services, call them back. Don’t wait until late that night or the next day, or they will call the next person. Timing and perception are everything.

Last year I can honestly say that because I tracked my referrals, I was able to profit $25,000. That’s not a bad return on investment.

This is only one thing ASHI does for me and my business. There are other benefits. But you, the inspector, also need to put in the work.

Ed Castro, Sunrise Inspections

ASHI Certified Inspector

Member since 2005

I’ve been inspecting for more than 20 years, and one of the best investments I have made has been in ASHI. I get more referrals from ASHI due to the fact these people are familiar with the association because they’re in different states. They call me because I’m an ASHI Certified Inspector.

Rebecca Castro, Sunrise Inspections

ASHI Certified Inspector

Member since 2021

I have been a member of ASHI for a few years now and love the education and support that they provide to me as a home inspector. As it pertains to my business and clients, I get many phone calls for jobs by being an ASHI member. People are able to find me on the ASHI website and because ASHI is so credible, they feel comfortable using their inspectors. My membership gives the customer a level of confidence and comfort, as they know ASHI members are educated and stay up-to-date on education and knowledge about the industry. Clients have expressed to me that it is important for them to feel that way when making such a huge purchase. ASHI is a community of great people and inspectors and I am happy to be part of it.