“Consumer Protection With Home Inspection” Law Impacts Homebuyers

Legislation hailed by ASHI will educate buyers on the importance of obtaining an inspection

• President Obama signed legislation acknowledged by ASHI as effective means to help homebuyers protect themselves
• New law mandates HUD revise counseling programs to include more advice to buyers on the importance of obtaining home inspections
• It is vital that HUD arm buyers with the knowledge to hire a certified professional home inspector

DES PLAINES, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) played a critical role in the inclusion of the “Consumer Protection with Home Inspection” law in the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed by President Obama on July 21. ASHI hails this legislation as an innovative and low-cost means to help homebuyers weigh their options when looking to obtain a home inspection.

“These are critical issues to homebuyers, because some can be expensive repairs and others can be dangerous. HUD’s counseling will help consumers to ask the right questions at the right time to protect themselves.”

The new law requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) modify its existing housing counseling programs to include more robust advice on home inspections, including the importance of an inspection, its advantages, and where and how a future homeowner can obtain one.

“Home inspectors often find problems ranging from plumbing and moisture issues to structural, roofing and electrical problems,” said David Tamny, ASHI president. “These are critical issues to homebuyers, because some can be expensive repairs and others can be dangerous. HUD’s counseling will help consumers to ask the right questions at the right time to protect themselves.”

Through HUD’s vast counseling networks, they will reach buyers with messages made available on their website, through HUD documents, public service announcements, as well as a toll-free hotline to ensure consumers’ questions are being answered.

With HUD’s counseling in place, a future homeowner will have the option to learn about the home inspection process at the earliest opportunity, which is when it can be the most helpful.

Jeff Arnold, executive director and CEO of ASHI, considers the new law to be very valuable to buyers. “HUD counseling programs will help homebuyers seek the right qualifications in a professional home inspector. There are no universal qualifications within the profession. However, an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) is one who has extensive training and years of inspection experience, is committed to the highest ethical standards and professional guidelines, and pursues continuing education,” said Arnold.

Consumers can find more information about the Consumer Protection Act and HUD’s involvement, by visiting their website.

To schedule a home inspection or to find out more about ASHI, homebuyers can visit the association’s website. ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows consumers to locate an inspector in their area by language or services provided.

About the American Society of Home Inspectors

Founded in 1976 and with more than 5,500 members, ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is the industry standard. For more information, visit www.ASHI.org.