The State of Washington does not license home inspectors. So how can you be sure that your inspector is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy? One way is through membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). To become a full member, a candidate must complete 250 fee paid inspections, submit their reports to the Society for verification of compliance with the ASHI Standards of Practice, pass the National Home Inspector's Exam (a proctored, psychometrically verified exam), and agree to abide by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Members are required to receive a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year.
As a certified member of ASHI (member #201816), you can be assured that I am qualified, and I adhere to the association’s standards of practice and code of ethics. You can find more information about ASHI at www.ashi.org.
Beware of other home inspector organizations. Some are private, for profit organizations, whose primary purpose is to make money for the owners. Some are popular with new inspectors and the unscrupulous because they don't require testing, a minimum number of inspections, or verification of reports: just pay your money, and you are "certified." None of the other organizations has as strict membership requirements or reporting standards as ASHI.
