Standards of Practice

What Are Standards of Practice?

Standards of Practice (SOPs) are professional guidelines that establish what a home inspector is required to examine, report on, and communicate during an inspection. Think of them as a rulebook that protects both you and the inspector.

Why Do They Matter?

Without a recognized standard, home inspections could vary wildly from one inspector to the next. SOPs protect you by ensuring:

• Consistency — Every inspection follows the same baseline scope of work
• Accountability — Inspectors are held to a measurable, published standard
• Transparency — You know exactly what will and won't be covered before the inspection begins
• Professionalism — Inspectors who follow recognized SOPs are committed to ethical, high-quality practice

Why ASHI Standards?

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is one of the oldest and most respected professional associations in the industry. The ASHI Standards of Practice define the minimum requirements for a home inspection and are widely recognized as the industry benchmark.

How I Apply Them in Every Inspection

When I arrive at your home, the ASHI Standards along with the Indiana Licensing Standards guide everything I do — from the roof to the foundation. Specifically, they direct me to evaluate:

• Structural components
• Roofing systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Insulation and ventilation
• Doors, windows, and interior spaces

My report clearly documents what was inspected, what condition it was found in, and any items that may need attention. The ASHI Standards also define what falls outside the scope of a general inspection, so you'll always know exactly what to expect.