ASHI Study Shows Home Buyers Believe Inspection
Lowers Risk, Leads to Better Decision Making
Jason Bird
Publicist Dialog-Chicago

DES PLAINES, Ill. - Homebuyers surveyed by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) believe the two most important benefits of a home inspection are the peace of mind provided by lowering the risk of potential problems and the ability to make a fully informed purchase decision.

The study of 600 homebuyers throughout the United States also showed that technical knowledge, high level of inspection experience and professional disclosure of findings are the top qualities homebuyers seek in a home inspector.

"We're delighted to learn that homebuyers recognize that an inspection lowers their risk and enables them to obtain the information needed to make a confident buying decision, but I can't say that we're all that surprised," said Rich Matzen, president of ASHI, the largest professional society for home inspectors in the nation. "After all, we know fully well what the benefits of a home inspection are and can't imagine anyone ever buying a home without one. But we are heartened by the results that show a growing appreciation among homebuyers for the peace of mind they can achieve with a thorough and professional home inspection. We're also encouraged that homebuyers recognize the importance of hiring a home inspector with exceptional technical knowledge, a high level of experience and the ability to effectively present his or her findings," said Matzen.

"These are the kinds of qualities homebuyers should determine before they hire a home inspector and before they make what is often the biggest investment of their life."

Matzen added that ASHI members are some of the most experienced in the industry. They are required to perform a minimum of 250 paid professional home inspections and successfully complete two written examinations that test home inspectors' knowledge of building systems and components, report writing, the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and the diagnosis of building defects.


Changing Industry
This recent survey is the first in a series of studies ASHI is conducting to better address the needs of the home buying public as the Society prepares a new branding and consumer education campaign to be launched next year.

"We're going to accelerate our efforts to help homebuyers fully understand the importance and benefits of home inspections and to be able to hold their home inspector accountable for meeting the industry's highest standards," said Matzen. "Changes in state regulations governing home inspections and the growing number of home inspectors throughout the nation make it important that homebuyers be educated when it comes to hiring an inspector. We owe it to them and to our members to promote ASHI standards, long considered the benchmark for the industry."

To obtain more information about the American Society of Home Inspectors or a list of ASHI inspectors by area, contact the organization at 800-743-2744. Or visit the ASHI Web site at www.ashi.org.