Hiring a home inspector for your Mississauga Real Estate, Brampton Real Estate and the GTA.
Reputable home and property inspectors generally belong to a provincial or regional industry association. Each of these associations has set standards, which, in some cases, are recognized by provincial governments. Some associations have developed membership categories based on the individual members' qualifications. In most provinces, a member cannot advertise or promote his or her membership in the association until they have reached the minimum standards of a practicing member. Standards vary from province to province, but as mentioned above, the industry is working toward implementing national accreditation and certification standards by 2005.
To become a member of these associations, an inspector must meet professional and educational requirements followed by a review. Members of these associations are also required to have errors and omission insurance, as other professions require.
Until consumers can identify home inspectors who have achieved uniform national certification, here are some important questions to ask to help select a home inspector:
How do you find a home inspector? Check association websites, the yellow pages or housing or home trade magazines. Ask friends or family members. Your real estate agent may also make a suggestion. However, beware of this. Under provincial regulations for some provinces, and the code of ethics for real estate agents, such agents are not permitted to recommend or provide the name of only one home inspector. They are, however, permitted to provide a list of home inspectors from which you can choose. The only alliance home inspectors should have is to their professional association and their only allegiance should be to the homebuyer.
How long has the home inspector been in business? The more experienced a home inspector is, the more they have seen, the more likely it is they will be able to detect any less obvious problems. Seasoned, professional home inspectors will be full-time home inspectors, not renovators or contractors.
What are the home inspector's qualifications? Look for people who belong to a provincial association and who have taken some courses, such as defect recognition, building sciences or civil engineering, for example. Professional home inspectors are bound by a strict code of ethics and must adhere to specific standards of practice. Home inspectors should have a general understanding of all the various systems and components in a home. Many have practical experience or a background in engineering, construction and related building trades. Keep in mind that at this time, anyone can become a member of a home inspection association. Many associations have different levels of membership. Being an association member does not necessarily mean that a member has successfully completed the certification process. Check to make sure that the inspector has successfully completed the association's certification process.
How do I know that a home inspector has the necessary qualifications? You should ask to see proof of their membership in a provincial association. In most provinces, a member cannot advertise their membership in the association until they have reached the minimum standards of a practicing member. The association in your province will be pleased to clarify their membership categories and any particular inspector's membership level. Determine if the inspector intends to meet the CAHPI national standards of competency.
Can the home inspector provide three references? Any qualified home inspector should gladly provide this information upon request. Call the people named as references and ask whether they were satisfied with the service they received from the inspector.You can also check with the Better Business Bureau.
Can the home inspector also be hired to do any repairs or improvements? Under their professional code of ethics, professional home inspectors are not allowed to be associated with any other construction or house related trade.While they may provide you with a personal opinion based on past experience, it is recommended that you obtain three independent quotes from qualified contractors.
Does the home inspector solicit, receive or give referral fees? You should receive a firm no as an answer to this question, since any other answer contravenes their code of ethics.
Does the home inspector conduct inspections at night? It is not desirable to conduct an inspection at night, since a number of the vital components of the exterior of the house cannot be seen properly.
Where can I get more information about the home inspector and/or his/her firm? The home inspector may point you to the firm's website, to their industry association, provide company details, list inspector qualifications or describe a range of services offered.
What should a home inspector provide following the inspection and when will I receive it? The home inspector should provide a written report reviewing every major home system and component within 24 hours of the inspection. Exterior components include roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, wall surfaces and the foundation, including the grading around it. Interior systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, insulation, flooring, ceiling and wall finishes, windows and doors.
Please contact your Mississauga Real Estate agent for more information regarding purchasing a home and home inspections. If you are thinking of selling and want to know the real price of your home fill out our free Mississauga home evaluation form and I will contact you with all relevant information.
