Code of Ethics

The Global Association of Prime Home Inspectors (GAPHI) promotes exceptional, professional home inspections. Members are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics, except in instances where local laws take precedence.

For this Code of Ethics, compensation shall be defined as anything of benefit to the inspector that is given to the inspector for inspecting and reporting on a property. This includes direct monetary gain, as well as indirect benefits such as future referrals and payment to companies in which inspector owns an interest.

Inspectors shall strive to remain as objective as possible. In order to avoid even the appearance of bias, the following rules must be followed:

A. Inspectors shall not perform any of the following actions for compensation:

B. Inspectors shall not perform any of the following actions for any reason:

1. Knowingly understate or overstate conditions on the property.

2. Inspect properties when present or future compensation relies directly or indirectly on what is reported.

3. Receive compensation from parties in return for recommending their products or services to clients.

4. Use fraudulent or misleading information in any form of promotion.

5. Provide compensation for referrals to any party (except when purchasing marketing services or products).

Inspectors shall strive to remain professional, remembering that the actions of one reflect on all within the home and commercial inspection industry. Therefore, inspectors shall:

A. Provide opinions only when they are based on firm professional judgment and sufficient education or experience in the relevant area.

B. Not disclose personal information of those involved in an inspection to third parties, without expressed permission.

C. Not disclose inspection observations to a third party without the expressed permission of the client(s), except conditions that may pose an immediate safety hazard.

D. Use professional language and behavior when working in the capacity as an inspector.

E. Obey all laws, including but not limited to copyright laws and discrimination laws.

F. Report all known violations of the Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics by other members to GAPHI headquarters.

G. Uphold the GAPHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.