Licensed Home Inspectors

2009/05/25 Originally published in the Vernon Morning Star.

Most buyers know that they are well advised to include a home inspection in their buying process. It's just common sense. But, what is less well known is that home inspectors are accountable for their inspections. Most inspection reports contain a disclaimer limiting the home inspector's liability to the amount of the inspection fee. Don't be quick to believe that. The inspectors cannot disclaim negligence. They have a responsibility for their accuracy to the extent that the inspector must follow the Standards of Practice and if they conducted the inspection to those Standards would it reasonably have revealed the problem? Was the problem or defect visually apparent? If the answers are yes and they have overlooked a problem, they have likely incurred liability.

There was a major recent change in the mandatory requirements of home inspectors in the province of British Columbia. At the end of March of this year it became compulsory that they be licensed. We are the first province in Canada to establish this practice. Buyers need to be confident there is a standard of quality in home inspectors. This ruling should go a long way toward providing that assurance.

Here is a quote from a News Release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General - Jan. 30, 2009 "To become licensed, home inspectors will need to meet the qualifications of either the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors - BC branch; the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia; or the National Certification Program for Home and Property Inspectors. As well, like other groups regulated by the BPCPA who work with consumers, home inspectors will require a criminal record check."

So how do you locate a qualified inspector? The first step would be to visit www.cahpi.bc.ca and go to Find an Inspector. CAHPI(BC) only lists Licensed Home Inspectors on their site. You can confirm their licensed status by visiting www.bpcpa.ca. You can also ask to see the inspector's license.

Under the licensing requirement of the BPCA, (Business Practices and Consumer Protection Agency) inspectors must carry Errors and Omissions insurance and commercial general liability. As well, CAHPI(BC) membership requirements are the most stringent in the province. To ensure inspectors stay current, they must in addition to their original education, also achieve 20 hours on continuing education every year.

When looking for an inspector in BC, look for Registered Home Inspectors on the CAHPI(BC) website, confirm their license status on the BPCPA website and ask to see their Home Inspector License before they commence their inspection. This will assure you of the highest qualifications and accountability in the province.

This article was written in consultation with Owen Dickie from HomePro Inspections and President of CAHPI(BC).

Jane Field works with RE/MAX Vernon. Jane has over 30 years experience in the Real Estate business. To suggest topics for future articles or to ask Jane questions, email her or call 503-3755.

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