TOPIC: Home Inspector Trade Organizations

Home Inspector Trade Organizations

As a new home inspector, I wanted to get other inspectors opinion on joining a home inspector trade organization pros and cons.  For example it looks like two of the big ones are InterNachi and ASHI.  The state I'm in "Texas" also has one.  So far I have checked on InterNachi which seems pretty good with a heavy emphasis on continuing education.  I wonder how this organization compares to ASHI?  Are there other inspector trade organizations on the national level besides the two mentioned above?  Does each have similar goals/purpose or are there distinct differences?  As a small business owner, I plan to build my own brand; however, it seems if I were to affiliate too closely with a trade organization taking advantage of their various tools/marketing, symbols, brands etc., my own identity/brand would be overwhelmed by the trade organization.  I am interested in hearing your take on this subject.  Thank you.

James Giacobbe

To begin with, you must first decide/explain what it is that you want from a Home Inspector Association? Do your personal and business needs actually align with any of the available organizations and what they have to offer? There are many inspectors that are "dual" or "multiple" members of more than one association. Your needs dictate your decisions.

Jeffrey,

Thank you, your answer has value, and I appreciate your time.  I would like to hear from other inspectors as to what they feel is a value to them and why concerning specific home inspector trade organizations and the name of the organization they are a member of.  Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

James Giacobbe

Answering the question about these two organizations is like talking about Democrats and Republicans. Good inspectors in both.  Bad inspectors in both.  There are plenty of super inspectors that do not belong to any organization.

National organizations are what YOU make of them.  The organizations can be heavy on marketing, branding, education, gimmicks, etc.  It is up to you to choose what you need FROM the organization and then use it to your best advantage.  If you get caught up in the "my organization is best" mentality, then you are wasting time that could be spent working on your business, education and skills.

Good luck.

James, ASHI & InterNACHI are the two largest nationally. They both have their strengths and weaknesses and many inspectors belong to both. InterNACHI is best for online education and marketing help. ASHI is best for live education, local chapter meetings, fighting for inspectors in legislature, etc. As the others said though, if you don't take advantage of the two, there's no benefit.

Thank you Stephen and Dominic for your comments. I really appreciate it and all of the comments have been helpful.  I can see this forum has great value for home inspectors.  Thanks again.