News Articles
*** NEW ***
December 13, 2013
A Closer Look: Report on Home Inspector Qualifications in Ontario
The ministry is seeking input on a proposal for legislation that would establish mandatory qualifications for home inspectors.
Currently anyone in Ontario can call themselves a home inspector. Many consumers depend on the opinions of their home inspector to make what is often the largest purchase decision of their lifetime.
In order to improve consumer protection in this important part of the home buying process, the Ministry of Consumer Services is consulting on a panel's findings and recommendations to introduce mandatory qualifications for home inspectors.
The panel was established by the Ministry of Consumer Services and met for four months to discuss issues, consider options, and make recommendations on qualifications of home inspectors.
The panel has made thirty-five recommendations in five areas:
- regulation of home inspectors
- technical standards for home inspectors
- professional home inspector qualifications
- consumer protection requirements
- regulatory governance for Ontario's home inspection industry
The Ministry of Consumer Services is now collecting public comments on the panel's recommendations. The panel's report with the recommendations is attached here and the ministry welcomes feedback and encourages anyone interested to provide comments.
The panel's report and any public feedback the ministry receives will guide the government as it considers whether to bring forward legislation to establish qualifications for home inspectors.
Further Information:
A Closer Look - Qualifying Ontario's Home Inspectors
Public Consultation Feedback Form
Ontario Regulation
October 1, 2012 Toronto, On
McGuinty Government to Consult on Minimum Qualifications for Home Inspectors
Ontario is taking steps to help home buyers make informed choices and protect their investment when buying a home.
This fall, as part of a broader consumer protection initiative, the province will consult with home inspector associations, consumers, representatives from the real estate sector and other industry stakeholders on mandatory minimum qualifications for home inspectors.
Currently, anyone can offer home inspection services in Ontario, but.... read more
AIBQ Agreement with OACIQ
July 28, 2011 Montreal, QC
CNW/Telbec
The Quebec Association of Building Inspectors (AIBQ) is particularly proud to be the first association having successfully concluded with the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) an agreement for the recognition of its member building inspectors. The outcome of this agreement is of great interest for all home buyers and also for real estate brokers. News Release .
Alberta Home Inspector Regulation
Home Inspection Regulation Protects Alberta Homebuyers
May 12, 2011 Services Alberta
The Alberta government will license and set standards for home inspectors under new rules to protect Albertans who rely on an inspection when buying a home. News Release
Inspecting the inspector - Before buying your dream home, enlist a qualified home inspector to find any problems.
If the new series Holmes Inspection is as thorough as past seasons of Holmes on Homes, Mike will be telling viewers that choosing a qualified home inspector is critically important. One way to choose a qualified home inspector is to ... visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website, and once there, just type "Hiring a Home Inspector" in the search box. www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Right now, everywhere except British Columbia, and Alberta who both have licensing for residental home inspectors anyone can call themselves a home inspector. If Mike Holmes makes consumers and governments more aware of this danger, he's doing Canada a great service. And the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors is right there with him. To find a CAHPI Provincial member click here
Grow Ops: It's Time for One-Stop BC Registry
Vancouver Sun, January 26, 2010
Inspecting the Inspector - Mike Holmes
Ottawa Citizen, October 3, 2009
British Columbia sets standard for Canada by licensing home inspectors
Vancouver Sun February 2009
Hire a Home Inspector- CMHC About Your House series
December 2007
Home Inspectors' qualifications vary - Look for RHI designation to ensure you're not getting uncertified 'cowboy'
Toronto Star, September 15, 2007
Private Home Inspection - Strong in Ontario, Strong Across Canada -
RECO Summer 2007
How to Choose a Home Inspector
Realtors: Beware of ‘Patch and Run' Homes
Real Estate Marketing News, December 12, 2006
It's Time to Get a Grip - Winter is Coming
October 21, 2006
Hot Market Hurting Home Inspectors
Business Edge, May 11, 2006
Inspection Standards Needed - Now
Vancouver Sun, May 23, 2006