Becoming a Home Inspector

Facts You Need To Know

Considerable experience, education/training, field work and expertise are required for successful performance in this profession. No single source of information is sufficient to launch a competent practice, it is a combination of all.

First, there is no other profession or line of work that would fully prepare you to become a Home Inspector. Although construction related fields require an understanding of how new homes are built, they rarely deal with the extended use and age related deterioration of components that the Home Inspector encounters daily. You will need extensive detailed knowledge in many areas such as,soil conditions, foundations, framing, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC systems, roofing, attic structures, as well as exterior and interior components and defect recognition skills for the forgoing. You will also require knowledge of components that are obsolete yet still in service. No single course or even a collection of courses can prepare you for all of the significant conditions that occur in the field. The ability to recognize a condition or defect that may be a problem comes in part from experience with "what can go wrong".

PHPIO meetings & workshops and CAHPI Conferences and seminars, are also instrumental in producing well qualified professional Inspectors. Inspectors who lack exposure to more disciplined and formal training and rely on their "experience" only are at risk for having difficulty distinguishing between arm-waving opinions and well researched authoritative sources of information. This is a critical distinction if you are to practice as a qualified professional, rather than simply as a generic business operator.

PHPIO requires that all members become ‘National Certificate Holders’ this is a mandatory requirement to ensure that its members are above the crowd and true professionals. The best credential you can have in the home inspection profession is membership in PHPIO and the PHPI designation. Its members are widely recognized. Anyone interested in the business should become a Candidate Member as early as possible, so that the monthly mailings and meetings can enhance their competence and professionalism. Remember, your customer's expectations will be very high. In order to meet those expectations, you will need to be very good and very careful. Sharing ideas and experiences with others in the business can be extremely valuable to the survival of your business.

Getting Started

As a minimum, you will need required education, sufficient working capital, a reliable vehicle, a computer, and sufficient basic inspection tools. Your best source of information about these items as well as how to proceed towards obtaining your professional status, is by joining PHPIO. We invite you to fill in the Membership Application. Those aspiring to become members must first apply as Candidates. Please make sure to complete, sign photo copy all related certificates and mail all applicable forms, and your cheque for fees, payable to PHPIO.

PHPIO is dedicated to enhancing the technical skills and professional practice of Home Inspectors, and maintaining high professional standards through education and discipline. Members are finding that it is through education and sharing of information via publications, monthly meetings and educational seminars that the profession of a Home Inspector is enhanced. As well, promoting the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, membership will enhance your status as a home inspector and benefit your business. It is a fact that an ever-increasing number of calls are coming from the public and from realtors and lawyers asking for home inspectors who are qualified and are affiliated with a professional organization. In due course, we would welcome the opportunity to add your name to the membership roster and advertise your name to the public.