Be your own home inspector

What if you don’t have the knowledge to complete your own home inspection? Or what if you just want a second opinion from a pro? There are lots of home inspectors out there-how do you tell the good ones from the bad? According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, there are 10 questions that you should ask to find the right one.

1. How do you find a home inspector?

Check association Web sites (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors) and the yellow pages. Ask friends or family members. Your real estate agent may also make a suggestion-however, under provincial regulations and the code of ethics for real estate agents, they are not permitted to recommend or provide the name of only one home inspector, although they are permitted to provide a list of home inspectors from which you can choose.

2. How long has the home inspector been in business?

The more experienced a home inspector is, the more they have seen, the more likely they will be able to detect less obvious problems. Seasoned, professional home inspectors will be full-time home inspectors, not renovators or contractors.

3. 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 right now, 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.

4. 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 practising member. The association in your province should 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.

5. 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.

6. Can you also hire the home inspector to do repairs or improvements?

Under their professional code of ethics, professional home inspectors are not allowed to associate with any other construction- or house-related trade. While they may provide you with a personal opinion based on past experience, obtain quotes from three qualified contractors.

7. Does the inspector solicit, receive or give referral fees?

You should receive a firm “no” to this question; any other answer contravenes the inspector’s code of ethics.

8. Does the home inspector conduct inspections at night?

Conducting inspections at night is not ideal, since it is difficult to see a number of the vital components of the exterior of the house properly.

9. Where can I get more information about the home inspector and his or her firm?

The home inspector may point you to the firm’s Web site, to their industry association, provide company details, list inspector qualifications or describe the range of services they offer.

10. 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.

The report on interior systems should include electrical, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, insulation, flooring, ceiling and wall finishes, windows and doors.

For more information on hiring a home inspector, contact the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 613-748-2000.