About the Canadian Home Inspection Industry
The Home Inspection Industry in Canada has seen considerable growth over the years. In Canada today, many people assume that if the bank is willing to loan the money on a particular property, then everything is fine. Generally, the buyers rely on their Real Estate Agent for advice on the home and the Real Estate Agent relies on the seller’s honesty.
The problem with this is that the Real Estate Agents, Bankers and Buyers do not always ask enough or the correct questions. Often many do not understand the technical aspects and physical operations of their buildings & properties. When all is said and done, it’s the buyer who is left with any of the problems that may have been associated with that real estate transaction. So “BUYER BEWARE.”
In some parts of Canada, realtors and others have been working on various methods of vendor disclosure and even vendor warranties. Some advocate the completion of a Seller Property Information Sheet (SPIS) part of an “Offer to Purchase” which onus the seller to provide more information about the property for sale. Others frown upon its use.
As a result of the buyer beware syndrome and pending disclosure issues, there is an increasing need for an independent inspector, someone who is trained on what to look for and how to present those facts in a professional manner.
Although the credentials of others, such as, Professional Engineers, building contractor’s, or architects, for example, can be impressive, and have likely taken considerable time and effort by an individual to obtain, it does not necessarily mean that these individuals have the required skills to inspect a building and or property. Although they may be well informed about certain areas they do not necessarily have the proper training in other areas, such as, roofs, heating or electrical systems for example. They may not have met qualifications, continuing education requirements, nor, abide by a set of Practice Standards and Code of Ethics. As a result of this need, various Associations of Home Inspectors were formed.
