Conflict of Interest

Home inspectors are normally qualified and certified people who operate under and within the guidelines of the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).

When you have a home inspector come to visit you want to be certain that they are going to be impartial and fair, and that they are going to give you creditable information about the condition of your house. What you do not want to happen is for the inspector to play-up the issue of certain repairs and then propose that you use a particular plumber, electrician or other maintenance specialist to fix the problems.

This ‘pushing’ of customers’ towards recommended professionals is a conflict of interests and is banned by the American Society of Home Inspectors. In effect the code of conduct that is laid down by the American Society of Home Inspectors highlights that its home inspectors are not to use a home inspection "as a vehicle" for gaining additional work in a related field. For example, a home inspector is forbidden from offering roofing services for a home they have found to require roof repairs.

The policy of prohibiting members of the American Society of Home Inspectors acting in a manner that is consistent with a referral system makes very good sense, as it keeps the credibility of the organization and its members, meaning that nay customers can sleep safe in the knowledge that they are not being ripped of, taken for a ride or any other term for being misled.

If a home inspector, after finishing the report, recommends certain contractors then you should be wary of their motives and check with your realtor or the American Society of Home Inspectors. You should not accept a home inspectors offer of a referral and also you should be concerned about the quality of the inspection if a home inspector acts in a referral manner.

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