In 1976, a group of visionary home inspectors established the American Society of Home Inspectors, a not-for-profit membership organization. Their goal was to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance professionalism by developing high Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics.

Today, ASHI is the largest and most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America, with 6,000 members. ASHI's Standards of Practice, covering all of a home's major systems, are specifically noted in state and federal legislation and recognized by consumers as the definitive standard for professional home inspection.