Home inspections questions and answers - Part II

Home inspections questions and answers - Part II

IS YOUR HOME INSPECTOR “PROPERLY” INSURED?

I had a long chat with Kim Smith, executive at HUB International on home inspection insurance and she really opened my eyes. Saying you are insured “should” mean you carry both general liability and errors and omissions insurance. I have heard of inspectors who claim insurance, but somehow the costly E&O is not in their policy. Kim commented that she got a number of calls for home inspectors out west during their initiation period who wanted to know if the “quickie” inspections or a “walk-thru” for a reduced fee was covered, the answer was “NO”. She also commented that in the hot Toronto market, it dramatically reduced home inspections and the real estate agents are now seeing an increase of law suits from buyers who passed on a home inspection. She also noted that in BC after licensing was enacted, her company did not see an upward spike in claims, a testament to those that remained were competent.

Recommendation #2: confirm your inspector has both kinds of insurance and his policy is current, a binder is produced by all insurance companies as proof they are professional enough to carry the full insurance coverage.

IS YOUR INSPECTION BEING DONE TO THE PROPER STANDARD?

This last step should be one every home inspector in Ontario now knows. In the December 21 consultation paper from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services it made reference to the Canadian CSA A-770 Home inspection Standard as the expected inspection method. It’s a lot more detailed than most other standards, we began using it when it was announced in March of 2016 and find for one inspector, done properly it often takes up to four hours. The days of the 1-2 hour inspection are gone.

Recommendation #3: ask your inspector if he is following the CSA standard, it’s expected to be the Ontario standard once licensing arrives and there is no reason not to use a standard that is available now.

If you are buying a home this year a home inspection is always a wise decision, make sure you get what you expect. Every professional who is involved in the home buying process and referring a Home Inspector Brampton should be aware of these issues and properly guide their clients.

Home inspections questions and answers - Part I

Home inspections questions and answers - Part I

It is a documented fact that a homebuyer who uses an experienced, skilled Home Inspector Brampton gains a wealth of knowledge on their prospective home, including in a few instances the information to understand when it’s time to walk away. However, of all the professionals involved in the purchase of a home, the only one in Ontario that has no governance is the home inspection industry. Ontario is in the process of changing this.

IS ONTARIO GETTING LICENSING RIGHT?

British Columbia and Alberta proceeded to license this industry a few years ago and they made some costly mistakes. I interviewed a number of home inspectors in, BC, Alberta and Ontario for this column. In BC, Vince Brunett is a former board member for both the BC Association HIABC and the National Home Inspection Certification Council (NHICC). He commented that the initial legislation was structured with the regional associations in control. This was a fiasco, one approved association did a weekend approval and processed 40-50 “inspectors” so they could get in under the wire. Today BC is in the process of taking it back the process at great expense and now has a government agency overseeing licensing.

Alberta was even worse, they got sold on a process, mostly by the internet associations to let nearly everyone in. Today they are doing the same, at considerable taxpayers cost, restructuring. Wayne Fulton, National Director with the NHICC told me he was in a government meeting in Alberta with 5 Service Alberta officials where they claimed they had done their homework, only to find out that the CMHC/NHICC program was ignored, due to the impact of the internet home inspectors lobbying. Wayne commented they realized they made a huge mistake but claimed it was too late to change the legislation, I understand they seriously regret that decision now.

At the recent American Society of Home Inspectors convention in Florida, Joseph W Denneler, one of the most recognized lawyers in the United States with respect to litigation of home inspectors, was quoted “many states have lowered the bar by allowing the easy path associations to be recognized which really can be detrimental to consumer protection” He went on to say “licensing is leveling the field of home inspectors..(who are) .. finally being recognized as professionals”.

Fortunately, it appears that Ontario has done its homework, the research done and the document “A closer look; Home Inspection in Ontario” (CLHIO) is the result of an independent panel of experts who presented a proper process for licensing. The licensing will function under a government administrative authority.

WHO DO I HIRE AS A HOME INSPECTOR RIGHT NOW?

During my interview with Wayne Fulton he commented that he understood in British Columbia there were around 600 home inspectors before licensing, once the curtain came down, less than 300 remained. In chatting with Vince, he stated he could not confirm some of the rumors of discount inspections, quick walk-thru’s and a market flooded with coupons for “X” dollars off, but he did hear it happened. Wayne commented that it was known that the “internet” HI associations lobbied their way in for practically everyone to be licensed in both western provinces, a mistake many US states also made according to Attorney Joseph Denneler. Brian Callahan, an Ottawa home inspector and past OAHI director and chair of the Ottawa OAHI Branch simply told me “ most of the inspectors I see at meetings are scared, wondering how they can get around the coming licensing”

This year, with introduction of licensing expected by January 2019, it is conceivably that the time period is now where those that realize they are not going to make the cut or simply don’t want to be bothered upgrading, is a realization. Are they going to follow a similar path of discounts, “quickie” inspections and a walk-thru inspection with no written report, only time will tell but based upon the history out west, it’s almost a sure thing.

The CLHIO on page 52 clearly states “Home inspectors with the designations that reflect the licensing requirements of the new regulatory body and are approved by the regulatory body should become licensed without further review” Based upon my review of the CLHIO, there are only two organizations right now that fit the expected standard. They are the NHICC top certification NHI and the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors RHI.

There is expected to be a period of transition where examination and additional education/training will be offered to those that do not meet the standard, so that no one is forced out of business. However if the results in BC are any indication, there is going to be a lot of home inspection phone numbers that say “ This number has been disconnected” come 2019.

Recommendation #1: when you hire a home inspector, for now, insist they are an NHI or an RHI. You stand a 99.9% chance that they will be around once the licensing is enacted.

Click here to know more about Brampton Home Inspection & Inspector services and latest news about home inspection.

How home inspections can save and make you money

How home inspections can save and make you money

Catching minor problems before they become major problems can save you big time when you’re ready to sell, just ask home inspector Danny Logue.

"For every $100 in deficiencies found in Condo Inspection Toronto, buyers want a thousand dollars in compensation," Logue said.

Danny says water is the biggest concern so check for water stains on your ceiling.

"Once you see it on your ceiling there’s a good chance there’s damage to the roof."

Fixing a damaged roof, that's several hundred dollars.  Wait too long, and you or the future buyer will want the roof replaced for thousands out of your pocket.

Inspectors will find things you never look for, like leaky appliances.

"And now the only remedy for this is total replacement of the cabinets," Logue said pointing at extensive water damage.

They’ll also check how well appliances are running, like your air conditioner.  Changing the filters monthly can extend its life, and improve efficiency.  Both look good to potential buyers.

"I tell everybody pay the mortgage change the filters, it’s as simple as that."

Condo Inspection Toronto identify any problems in your home.  Repairing certain issues, like a damaged roof, or appliances simply make the home more attractive on the market.  The money you spend on repairs, you can make back.. and then some after sale.  A sale that will go more smoothly if you've already had a thorough inspection done on your home.

CORRECTION Licensing - Input Requested

CORRECTION Licensing - Input Requested

"We Want Your Input on Policy Proposals to Develop Regulations under the Home Inspection Act, 2017" 

THE call has come ...

The MGCS has invited OAHi to participate in  consultations which will address policies in the area of home inspector licensing and regulation (Bill 59), In preparation send me your comments, concerns to president@oahi.com.

The provincial Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) is requesting your input on Home Inspector Brampton licensing under the Home Inspection Act, 2017. Please take the time to review and provide your input. See Below

Regards,

Murray Parish, RHI

President

OAHI

CAHPI-ON

We Want Your Input on Policy Proposals to Develop Regulations under the Home Inspection Act, 2017

We have been made aware that there was an issue with the homeinspectors@ontario.ca link in the consultation paper. The issue has been fixed and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is still seeking input on the consultation paper and industry survey to support the development of regulations and implementation of the Home Inspection Act, 2017 until February 16, 2018.

We look forward to receiving your feedback on the consultation paper. If you are a Home Inspector Brampton, home inspector provider, or a representative of a home inspector organization, please also complete the industry survey. The ministry will consider this feedback as it develops draft regulations.

Home Inspection Mississauga - Pre-Purchase Home inspection – Why You Shouldn’t Avoid it?

Home Inspection Mississauga - Pre-Purchase Home inspection – Why You Shouldn’t Avoid it?

Home Inspection is an often needed service, especially if you are considering buying a new home. A pre-purchase home inspection forms an important part of the home buying process. Forgoing an inspection can cut down costs and fast-tracks the process, one cannot deny the fact that it is essential to ensure a safe home ownership. Why do you need home inspection reports? Is it just for your satisfaction at the time of buying a new home for your family or is there any other tangible benefit out of it? Home Inspection Mississauga is the best choice for conducting the pre-purchase home inspection effectively.

Let us examine a few important areas covered under a home inspection, and why they are necessary.

Keeping an eye on structural issues:

The life of a building depends upon its structural rigidity. Over a period of time, unattended weak pillars, roofing or walls  could give in to stress and collapse, thereby causing injury or a fatal emergency. What could seem to you as a negligible crack on a wall, can be a potential hazard that could bring the roof down. You can do away with all of that by taking the service from home inspection Mississauga experts. They can spot defects, find the level of damage and at times, can assess the  costs involved in bringing the house back to shape.

Checking for electrical wiring and HVAC systems:

An Inspection of the electrical and HVAC systems is important to create a safe environment for you and your family. Testing  power sockets, wiring safety, circuit breakers, HVAC configuration and  potential leak hazard assessments are few of the areas covered under this audit. Besides ensuring safety, this will also help  you in managing your energy consumption effectively. And at times, home inspectors can provide you with a basic dos and  don’ts on electrical maintenance as well.

Checking for plumbing & fire safety:

From overhead tanks to hand-wash faucets, the home inspector will check for visible cracks, rusts or corrosion. Unattended leakage of water over a period of time could corrode wooden structures and destroy furniture. Besides being an eyesore,  damaged wooden flooring or furniture can also cause accidents. With fire safety, inspection helps in taking note of emergency  equipment in place. Depending on the size of the house, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers have to be installed. Check with  the inspector and be sure that the fire safety equipment conforms to the fire standards of your civic authority.

Identifying unsafe areas of a home:

Besides assessing the aforementioned areas for safety, Mississauga Home Inspection will also reveal certain places or parts  of the home that are potentially hazardous. These can include loose window panes, slippery stairs, weakened gas lines etc.  Overlooking such dangerous components can cost you a lot financially and emotionally in the event of a mishap.

It can be quite tempting to save a little money by opting out of a pre-purchase building inspection. But by spending a few  hundred dollars on inspection you can secure the biggest investment of your life in a better way. You might have become  emotionally attached to a particular home and would have started dreaming of your future in it. But it is always safer to  conduct Home Inspection from goldenhomeinspections.ca and keep yourself clear of any potential emergencies. The feeling of living in your own home is great. But the feeling of owning a home that is safe and sound is even greater.

          

Do you Know The Best Time For Conducting Home Inspection In Your Dream Home?

Do you Know The Best Time For Conducting Home Inspection In Your Dream Home?

If possible, aim to have your inspection completed between late spring and early fall. Winter climate and snow can make it difficult for the inspector to do an accurate review of the roof and exterior of the home.

If you want to conducting professional home inspection in your dream home, then contact Home Inspection Brampton service for complete home inspection needs. 

A home inspector Brampton is a professional who will conduct an inspection of the general condition of the home. A golden  home inspection will assist a buyer in understanding exactly what they are about to acquire. A home may look move in ready, but an inspector will cover features of the house such as electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, insulation, as well as structural features of the home and may unveil issues that are not noticeable to the buyer’s eye. As a buyer, you are making a vast investment, and it is important to understand exactly what you are purchasing. 

There are many different types of home inspection processes that you may want to conduct before the purchase of a home.  First and most importantly, you would need a general or residential inspection performed on the home. The home inspector would inspect the structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, insulation and ventilation. Once the inspection is completed, the home inspector will generally provide the buyer with a report suggesting any improvements or repairs deemed necessary to bring the home up to current standards.  Home inspections may often reveal problems with a home that could be pricey to fix.  This could be used as a great tool in purchasing negotiations with the seller.  As the buyer you may be able to negotiate the price dependant on what the inspector has found.  If flaws were found within the home, the buyer now would have a couple more options in negotiations.  A buyer could negotiate a credit with the sellers, have the seller pay for repairs before the closing, purchase the home as is, or walk away from the purchase if the issues seem too problematic. 

Conducting a thorough home inspection by a Brampton Home Inspection professional will give you peace of mind that you know exactly what you're buying. For Professional Home Inspection needs Visit www.goldenhomeinspections.ca or ring us on 647-704-7100 for any queries.

          

Do You Need a Professional Home Inspection Service? - Contact 647-704-7100

Do You Need a Professional Home Inspection Service? - Contact 647-704-7100 

Whether you are Buying for your first home or dream home in Toronto, it is easy to get caught up in the moment. While the house may look perfect from the outside looking in, it is important to factor a Home Inspection Toronto into your home buying plans. Purchasing a home can be expensive enough without having to deal with unexpected repairs.

Before You Put In An Offer

Once you have found a property you are interested in purchasing, be sure to include a home inspection as a condition in your purchase offer. By including this condition, it will act as a contingency if major defects or repairs are identified during the home inspection, giving you the option to back out of your purchase offer without penalty within a specified timeframe.

What to Expect During A Home Inspection

It is important to hire a certified Home Inspector to give the home a comprehensive inspection. No Worries! it's best to rely on a golden home inspections professional to give you an unbiased assessment of the property. 

Home Inspector Toronto will inspect the interior, exterior, foundation, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and roof of the property. The inspector will look for clues that may indicate bigger problems such as signs of mold, areas in need of repair and potential problems that could be costly down the road.

Even newly-built homes should be inspected. Mistakes made during construction can influence repairs and the resale value.

Inspections can last between two to four hours depending on the size and age of the property. Be sure to attend the home inspection so the inspector can point out any problems. You may want to take photos of potential damage and issues for reference. After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report on the home's condition.

The inspector's report should also include details on:

1) Whether the problem is a safety issue or a major or minor defect

2) Items that need replacement, repair or service

3) Issues or defects that are in acceptable condition for now but should be monitored

At GTA in Canada, Toronto Home Inspection, Golden Home Inspections will definitely give the buyer peace of mind. Have you ever had a golden home inspections? Tell us about your experience in the comments section in our website www.goldenhomeinspections.ca.