National Association of Home Inspectors
The National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI) was established in 1987 as a nonprofit association to promote and develop the home inspection industry. The mission of the National Association of Home Inspectors is to promote excellence and professionalism in the Home Inspection industry; to provide a standards of practice and a code of ethics; to educate its members; and to inform the public of the benefits and scope of a professional home inspection. NAHI Inspectors must meet strict membership requirements and are held to the highest Standards of Practice in the industry. NAHI Inspectors continue to build their knowledge each year by attending educational events.
By working together to develop and maintain standards of excellence, NAHI members benefit from professional development and the exchange of ideas through continuing education and seminars. Information and support are available for members regarding their business and inspection practices and service to their clients.
NAHI promotional activities educate the public and promote the importance of a reputable home inspection as an integral part of the residential real estate transaction. A national referral service helps consumers find facts about the industry and NAHI standards, and unites NAHI members with new clients.
What To Expect
During a home inspection, the home inspector will concentrate on the condition and structure of your home and point out observed safety concerns. The home inspection is a visual inspection of the house - home inspectors do not do any destructive testing, nor can they inspect what they cannot see. A professional home inspector should, at a minimum, inspect the following items:
- Exterior Home Site
- Building Foundation
- Exterior Home Walls
- Roof Coverings, Flashings & Gutters
- Roof Support Structure
- Attic
- Basement
- Insulation Quality
- Garage
- Electrical
- Visible Interior and Exterior Plumbing
- Central Air and Heating System
- Interior Condition of the Home
For more details regarding what a home inspector will inspect, please see the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. While the Standards provide a minimum guideline for conducting a home inspection, the NAHI Code of Ethics sets a standard of professional behavior for members.
Home Inspectors are generalists - they need to know the home's many systems and components and how they work, both independently and together. In addition, they need to understand why and how the system(s) fail. Consumers should expect a written report to describe the actual condition of the home at the time of the inspection and to provide an indication of the need for major repairs.
NAHI members Are Professionals
A NAHI inspector is well qualified with experience in all phases of home inspection
NAHI members meet standards of excellence and follow comprehensive inspection guidelines
Each member is required to follow strict rules that are stated in the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
Every NAHI applicant’s credentials are reviewed to ascertain that members have the proper training and experience to conduct a professional home inspection.
NAHI's highest level of membership is Certified Real Estate Inspector. Only those inspectors who qualify are authorized to use the CRI Logo (as shown in the margin at left) on their advertising.
NAHI Florida is the State Chapter of NAHI, and prospective members are all required to adopt the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Conduct. The main purpose of State Chapters is to hold meetings within that state, and to offer Continuing Education Classes for the members. It is designed to build a network of “subject matter experts” for its members to call when they have questions. The local chapter meetings also gives members and prospective members a chance to meet and socialize with others in the home inspection field to compare notes, share experiences, and build relationships and friendships.
