A New Poll From ASHI Reports More Than 70 Percent of Homeowners Agree Their Home Inspection Helped Them Avoid Potential Problems
# Nearly 90 percent of all U.S. homeowners surveyed believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.
# A home inspection conducted by an ASHI Certified Inspector examinesthe physical structure and systems of a house.
# ASHI is the only professional organization of home inspectors that has completedNCCA certification process.
Des Plaines, IL – February 22, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Nearly three in four (72 percent) U.S. homeowners agree the home inspection they had when they purchased their current primary residence helped them avoid potential problems with their home, according to a survey released today by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).? Also, almost two in three (64 percent) noted, in the long run, they saved a lot of money as result of their home inspection. As the housing market begins to recover, ASHI encourages homeowners and buyers to hire a certified home inspector and to get a home inspection to help further protect their investment.
The survey1 was recently conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of ASHI to gauge current consumer perceptions about the purpose and value of a home inspection. Results revealed 88 percent of all homeowners believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.
???ASHI’s goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of home inspectors,??? said Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. ???It is encouraging to know consumers are listening and understand the significance of protecting their largest single investment, their home.???
While it is clear homeowners who had an inspection understand the value it serves, many still incorrectly believe certain components are included in a standard home inspection. For example, septic systems, electrical wiring and plumbing behind drywall and swimming pools are commonly mistaken as items that are included when, in fact, they typically are not.
???ASHI remains committed to educating consumers on what a standard home inspection is likely to include,??? said Salomon. As such, ASHI members have committed to following a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what consumers should expect to be covered in a home inspection report.
During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes a detailed look at the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. An ASHI home inspector will examine the condition of the home??™s roof, attic and visible insulation, foundation, basement and structural components, as well as interior plumbing and electrical systems. For a complete list of what??™s included in a home inspection, please visit www.ASHI.org.
Additionally, nearly three in four homeowners surveyed (70 percent) assume all home inspectors must be certified and licensed, when in fact, not all are. ???It is important for consumers to do their homework before hiring an inspector,??? said Salomon.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) has recognized ASHI as an accrediting association for its profession-leading Certified Inspector Program.? As the only home inspection association program approved by the NCCA, this accreditation helps consumers make educated buying decisions and further recognizes ASHI??™s Certified Inspectors Program.
ASHI’s “Find an Inspector” tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.
About the American Society of Home Inspectors
Founded in 1976 and with more than 5,000 members, ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is the industry standard. For more information, visit ASHI online. To stay connected to ASHI news and updates, please visit the association??™s Facebook Fan Page ??“ the American Society of Home Inspectors, or follow ASHI on Twitter – @ashi_inspection.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world??™s leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us ??“? and our clients ??“? stay ahead of what??™s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
1 This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of ASHI from November 30-December 2, 2010 among 2,122 adults ages 18 and older, of whom, 1,333 are homeowners and 659 had a home inspection when they purchased their current primary residence. This survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Roxanne Pipitone at 847-519-9150, x2112.
Contact:
Roxanne Pipitone
Gibbs & Soell Public Relations
847-519-9150, x2132
