Registered? Certified? Licensed? What qualifications should my inspector have?
Written by David Cook
Date Created 27/08/2009
99% of the time when my phone rings, the only question I get is "How much is a home inspection?" That is like going to buy a car and looking at several in a line and saying "That one is cheapest, I will take it."
Why is one inspector cheaper than another? Why are some so cheap it looks like a bargain basement deal? Is there something else I should be looking for? What helps me to make sure my inspector is qualified? These are just some questions to ask about your inspector. You will be spending a huge amount of money, not just to purchase your new home, but also to repair or maintain your home.
What qualifications should an inspector have? Currently in Ontario, anyone can call themselcves an inspector - yesterday they had a job where their main question was, "Do you want fries with that?" and today they are a home inspector.
Some "inspectors" go to one website where they can take a test numerous times untill they pass it and then they call themselves a "CERTIFIED" home inspector.
SO where do you find a home inspector with real qualifications?
One way to find a qualified inspector is to go through http://cmhc.ca/en/co/buho/buho_001.cfm Their website will advise of some of the details that will be included in a home inspection. You will also see the average cost of an inspection should be close to $500.
CMHC shows CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home Inspectors) is a reliable link to find a qualified inspector. It will bring you to the OAHI.com site (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors) and there you can track down individual inspectors such as Lighthouse Inspections Barrie Huronia and see my qualifications.
This site also shows some of the courses a home inspector needs to take to make sure they are qualified to tell you the real condition of a building. This type of intensive course will help to give an inspector the basis of being able to give you the required information on a home that you are interested in purchasing.
When you call an inspector, you should interview them so you know they are qualified. YOU should feel comfortable with them and how they answer your questions. You are making a huge purchase.
