It’s common knowledge that nothing improves unless there’s a growth process. The business of property inspection has come a long way. Several commercial adjustments, technological developments, and best practices continue to enhance the industry for its professionals, as well as its clients. Without these changes to diversify the field, there’s little chance that it would flourish and overcome the ups and downs of the housing and real estate market. Get a close look at how the commercial enterprise that eventually birthed innovative inspection software originated and its plans for the future.
How It All Began
Homebuyersand sellers didn’t have the option to hire professionals that could survey properties before the early 1970’s. Up until that time, people relied on the judgment of a trusted confidante, like a family member, a close friend, or an acquaintance with a general background in real estate or housing construction. A generation of mostly blue collar workers that dominated the country through the 1960’s was content with the simplified process of the home-buying process then.
However, with college-level education becoming increasingly popular, as well as the need for an unbiased assessment, many individuals started wanting the expertise of building contractors who specialized in determining the conditions of various establishments. By 1975, these societal changes had led to the emergence of a distinct home inspectors’ sub-group that labored to expand their knowledge of examining residential properties. “Contractors’ Inspection”, a term that was formed to describe the utilization of general contractors’ services, eventually turned into “Home Inspection.” And, of course, the rest is history.
A New Industry is Recognized
The popularization of home inspection positively impacted the entire industry and led to the formation of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in 1977. With time (and the influence of the famous Easton vs. Strassberger court decision in 1984), professionals in the field were expected, by law, to carry out competent, trustworthy assessment of homes for clients. The standards of best practices were regulated and licensure requirements quickly became the norm across the country after the state of Texas enacted the first law for credentials in the early 1990’s. In addition, real estate brokers and agents began to fully respect this growing sector, rather than looking at it as a threat to their roles in the housing market. It became widely understood that people deserved the educated and objective advisements of those who were specially trained to help customers in this capacity.
What’s Next
Since the early turn of the century, the home inspection industry has witness steady progression. State-of-the-art developments have produced ingenious additions in the trade, including inspection software that makes it easier for professionals to conduct business and simplify customer relations. The industry continues to holdexperts accountable for facilitating greater consumer awareness and maintaining a happy client base.
Despite the housing market’s recent instability, there’s no sign of this business taking a downturn. Rising population rates require more homes to be designed and built, which leads to continual reliance on tradesmen who know how to properly assess the value of a home. It’s only likely that upcoming trends and developments will take the processes that are currently in place to new heights beyond our wildest imaginations.
