Home inspection industry growing throughout nation

A recent study estimates that nearly 4.9 million home inspections were completed in the United States in 2000, according to a news release from the American Society of Home Inspectors

The National Home Inspection Study, conducted jointly by ASHI and the National Association of Realtors, said that the inspections were carried out on more than 77 percent of all home sales.

The study showed that existing single-family homes were the primary living unit in which inspections were completed in 2000. The inspection totaled nearly 4 million. Apartments, condos, and co-ops, newly constructed homes made up the remainder, where approximately 537,000 and 377,000 were done, respectively.

Regionally, the South led the nation with nearly 2 million home inspections in 2000. This is followed by the West with 1.4 million home inspections), the Midwest with 900,000 and the Northeast with 620,000.

"It's clear from the study that more people are recognizing the importance of home inspections," said John Ghent, president of ASHI, the largest professional organization for home inspectors and a nonprofit organization. "By hiring a qualified home inspector, the client gains an understanding of the overall condition of the home, which can prevent surprises down the road."

The study surveyed home buyers and real estate agents via an omnibus poll, and found that among those who retained an inspector, 97 percent believe that the home inspection was a good value for the price they paid.