Articles

Find an Inspector That You Trust

Choosing a PHPIO inspector means choosing someone you can trust to objectively and independently provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the home’s major systems and components—apart from anyone's interests other than your own.

PHPIO inspectors know homes, ensuring that you can find a qualified home inspector to inspect your perspective property. They are trained to objectively communicate the currentcondition of the house. PHPIO members possess technical proficiency and report-writing skills, and they are committed to continuing their education in order to achieve and maintain their member status. PHPIO also knows about service, so we’ll help you find a qualified inspector.

Members are committed to conducting inspections in accordance with the CAHPI Standards of Practice; committed to abiding by the CAHPI Code of Ethics and are dedicated to providing superior customer service. PHPIO members deliver more than a home inspection, they deliver professionalism.

Homebuyers are not the only people who hire PHPIO Inspectors. Home sellers also use PHPIO inspections to gain knowledge of the condition of their home before placing it on the market - Pre-listing Inspection. Smart home sellers know that knowledge about their home’s condition makes the selling process more palatable.

Homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, or anyone who wants to make an informed decision about a house based on objective information deserves a professional PHPIO home inspection.

PHPIO Warns Home Buyers to Look Before They Leap

The cost of the Canadian dream has literally gone through the roof in recent years. And whether mortgage rates are up or down, the purchase of a home still represents the largest investment most families ever make in a lifetime.

The Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Ontario (PHPIO), a non-profit organization, warns home buyers to fight the temptation to jump quickly at what may first appear to be a good deal. Most houses for sale today, old and new, have defects or repairs needed many of them serious. In these cases, any savings achieved through lower mortgage rates or purchase prices can easily get absorbed by unanticipated repair costs after the family moves in.

Defects often go unnoticed by the average person, but are quickly and accurately identified by a qualified home inspector. The smart consumer, therefore, will take the time to call in and accompany a professional home inspector for a thorough and impartial inspection of the condition of the house before making a final decision.

A home inspection is an objective examination of the condition of the visible and accessible components of a home. Homebuyers now entering the marketplace, view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about one of the most important purchases of their lifetimes. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies before they buy.

Home inspectors do not point out every small problem or defect in a home. Minor or cosmetic flaws should be apparent without the aid of a professional. The inspection also should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, or a guarantee of any kind. The home inspector’s observations or recommendations may provide useful home repair and maintenance suggestions. The home inspector’s service is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide buyers with a better understanding of the physical condition of their prospective homes.

CAHPI’s, Standards of Practice are recognized nationally as the benchmark of performance for professional home inspectors, and lists the many elements and requirements of a typical pre-purchase home inspection:

  • the roof cover
  • the exterior features
  • the foundation, basement/crawlspace, and visible structure
  • central air conditioning system
  • the heating system
  • the electrical system
  • the plumbing system
  • the attic, and visible insulation
  • interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors

Following the inspection, a written report is prepared within 24 hours for the client that details the general condition of the home and its components.

One of the best ways to understand about a home’s condition, habitability and safety is to hire a professional inspector. PHPIO inspectors will go through the property and perform a comprehensive visual inspection to assess the condition of the house and its systems. Inspections are intended to provide the client with a better understanding of property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection.

It is highly recommended that the purchaser plan to attend the inspection. An inspection may typically require about 2 to 3 hours depending on the size and age of the building. The inspector should provide you with a written report of the property condition.