Home inspections were being performed in the mid 1950s, and by the early 1970s were considered by many consumers to be essential to the real estate transaction.  the escalating demand was due to a growing desire by homebuyers to learn about the condition of a house prior to purchase.  Meeting the expectations of consumers required a unique discipline, distinct from construction, engineering, architecture, or municipal building inspection. As such, home inspection requires its own set of professional guidelines and qualifications.

Home inspectors inspect structual components, exterior and interior of a building, the roofing, plumbing, electrical system, the air conditioning, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces. Please click below to view the Home Inspection Virtual Tour created by ASHI, The American Society of Home Inspectors.

The home inspector only gives the report the the principal who hired him for the home inspection.  The home inspector may make a copy for the principal to distrubute to other parties who the principal approves.  The extra copy may contain a fee if printing, but free if electronically sent through email or fax.