FIND A HOME INSPECTOR

4.9 Million Home Inspections Performed in 2000;
ASHI/ NAR Study Suggests Dramatic Growth in Home Inspection Industry

A recent study completed by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that nearly 4.9 million home inspections were completed in the U.S. in 2000. Conducted on more than 77% of all homes sales, home inspections have become an integral part of the real estate transaction process.

The first-ever National Home Inspection Study shows that existing single-family homes were the primary living unit in which inspections were completed in 2000, totaling nearly 4 million. Apartments/Condos/Co-ops and newly constructed homes made up the remainder of inspections, where approximately 537,000 and 377,000 home inspections were obtained, respectively.

Regionally, the South led the nation with nearly 2 million home inspections last year. This is followed by the West (1.4 million home inspections), the Midwest (900,000) and the Northeast (620,000).

"It's clear from the study that more people are recognizing the importance of home inspections," said John Ghent, president of ASHI, the largest and most respected non-profit professional organization for home inspectors. "By hiring a qualified home inspector, the client gains an understanding of the overall condition of the home, which can prevent surprises down the road."

Ghent also added that while obtaining a home inspection prior to purchasing a home is the most common reason for an inspection, consumers retain inspectors for a number of additional reasons.

"Many consumers want a home inspection before selling their home to better understand its condition prior to putting it on the market," he explained. "For those building a new home, there is often a desire to monitor the progress and quality of the home construction. And consumers also retain inspectors, even if they are not buying or selling, to periodically identify the condition of their home, in case any repairs are needed. In fact, a significant part of the inspection business has been built on periodic inspections for homeowners."

State of the Industry

The National Home Inspection Study surveyed home buyers and real estate agents via an omnibus poll, and found that among those who retained an inspector, ninety-seven (97%) percent believe that the home inspection was a good value for the price they paid.

These and other key findings, as well as additional information on the methodology employed in the study, are available from ASHI.

For More Information

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the oldest and most respected non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its mission is to promote excellence and exemplary practice within the profession.

Those seeking to obtain more information about the American Society of Home Inspectors or the names of ASHI members may contact the organization at 932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Phone: 800-743-2744. Website: www.ashi.org.

SIDE BAR: Home Inspections Throughout the United States

Total Home Inspections

Region	Total Sales	Approximate Number of Home Inspections
U.S.	6,726,000	4,874,500
Northeast	830,000	619,200
Midwest	1,357,000	902,200
South	2,724,000	1,998,400
West	1,815,000	1,354,700

Existing Single Family Homes

Region	Total Sales	Approximate Number of Home Inspections
U.S.	5,114,000	2,962,500
Northeast	645,000	504,600
Midwest	1,115,000	805,700
South	1,992,000	525,100
West	1,362,000	1,127,100

Apartments, Condominiums or Co-ops

Region	Total Sales	Approximate Number of Home Inspections
U.S.	702,000	537,000
Northeast	112,000	90,100
Midwest	82,000	61,600
South	309,000	233,300
West	199,000	152,000

New Home Construction

Region	Total Sales	Approximate Number of Home Inspections
U.S.	910,000	375,100
Northeast	73,000	24,500
Midwest	160,000	34,900
South	423,000	240,000
West	254,000	75,700