Questions and Answers Questions 1. What is PHIPIO?
2. Why do we need another Home Inspection organization in Ontario?
3. Why is the National Certification Program so important?
4. So what can PHPIO do about this situation?
5. I am already a member of a home inspection association. Why can't I apply for and attain my National Certification through them?
6. I am an RHI member of another Ontario organization. Why do I need another designation?
7. Won't these national stakeholders accept and recognize the RHI designation?
8. Why can't I attain my NCH through one of the existing associations instead of joining PHPIO to do so?
9. I have been in business several years and have a successful practice without belonging to any association. Why would I be interested in joining PHPIO?
10. If I'm a member of CAHPI-Ontario and want to join PHPIO. Does that mean that I am expected to pay twice for my NCA membership or can I just renew my CAHPI-Ontario membership and send my national fees onto you at PHPIO?
11. How much money will I save by joining PHPIO over staying with CAHPI-Ontario formerly OAHI?
12. Who is behind this new organization?
13. Is PHPIO Provincially or Nationally recognized by anybody?
14. Is PHPIO being supported by CMHC?
15. When and where will you be holding information sessions about this new organization?
16. Who can I speak to directly about this new organization? Answers 1. What is PHPIO?
PHPIO is an organization of home inspectors who will bring a fair and equal voice to the home inspection profession in Ontario. We are committed to the National Certification Program as the professional standard for Home Inspectors in Canada. We will strive to become a proud provincial member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and we will promote excellence and professionalism in our industry in Ontario. 2. Why do we need another Home Inspection organization in Ontario?
The most important initiative in the history of the Canadian Home Inspection industry is the National Certification Program. At present, none of the existing organizations have the will or the ability to help practitioners take advantage of the benefits of the NCP. This lack of leadership and direction has not served the industry well. 3. Why is the National Certification Program so important?
Increased demand for home inspections and the lack of qualified practitioners lead to a number of consumer concerns - primarily inconsistencies in the quality and level of service provided. The Canadian public, through CMHC, demanded an accountable level of competence and training. 4. So what can PHPIO do about this situation?
PHPIO is committed to offering every home inspector in Ontario, regardless of their past or present affiliation, a clear path to the National Certification. PHPIO offers a provincial voice to represent Ontario inspectors, guidance in their application for National Certification, individual voting rights for every member and a fair representation of PHPIO values for every Ontario home inspector. PHPIO supports the NCA in their mandate to process every applicant fairly and without prejudice 5. I am already a member of a home inspection association. Why can't I apply for and attain my National Certification through them?
None of the existing organizations have shown the will or the ability to help their members either join or successfully complete this program. There are unfortunately some self-preserving jurisdictional problems, widespread failure to understand and appreciate the program and blatant attempts to distribute misinformation. 6. I am an RHI member of another Ontario organization. Why do I need another designation?
The RHI designation is a very strong, beneficial provincial designation. However, the RHI designation in each province has different criteria, so there was previously no uniform national credential. The NCP was created from a well-documented desire and need for a defensible, credible national credential. Many national stakeholders, including CREA, CMHC, HRSDC, NRC, banks, insurers, relocation companies, etc. decried the lack of a recognized group of well trained, tested and approved home & property inspectors who would practice to the same level of competence across Canada. 7. Won't these national stakeholders accept and recognize the RHI designation?
In many cases, the RHI will suffice. However, these stakeholders are looking for a group they can rely on to provide them with practitioners in every province who will perform to the same standards so that they will receive the same level of expertise in Alberta as they do in Nova Scotia. (example) 8. Why can't I attain my NCH through one of the existing associations instead of joining PHPIO to do so?
It is possible to go through the Ontario association that is a member of CAHPI, but based on past history, your progress could be frustrating. The leaders of that organization have been quite negative about the benefits of the NCP and they have discouraged their members from applying. They have also displayed an uncooperative attitude towards the NCP. Unfortunately, at this time that organization is the only one in Ontario that has an Equivalency Agreement with the NCA. The other organization that has members in Ontario is actually an American owned company that has a large group of members but no agreement with the NCA and has thus far refused to negotiate with the NCA in any way. Back to the top 9. I have been in business several years and have a successful practice without belonging to any association. Why would I be interested in joining PHPIO?
We believe that our industry needs some clear direction, with some consistency in credentials, standards of practice and codes of ethics. Before we can expect credibility and respect from the public and others, we as a group have to show that we can be professionals who perform as professionals. Slowly but surely banks, insurers, lawyers, REALTORS®, etc. are recognizing the need for properly trained, tested and certified home inspectors. The National Certification Program is the only vehicle that can satisfy this need. PHPIO is the only organization in Ontario that has the ability, knowledge and commitment to help inspectors achieve their National Certification. 10. If I'm a member of CAHPI-Ontario and want to join PHPIO. Does that mean that I am expected to pay twice for my NCA membership or can I just renew my CAHPI-Ontario membership and send my national fees onto you at PHPIO?
CAHPI receives fees only once from each inspector. CAHPI Ontario insists that its active members pay their CAHPI fees with their Ontario fees, so you should pay through them as long as you are a member. PHPIO welcomes people who wish to make their CAHPI connection through PHPIO, but only if you decide on your own to leave the other group. 11. How much money will I save by joining PHPIO over staying with CAHPI-Ontario (formerly OAHI)?
The original PHPIO fees are likely somewhat less than they will be in one or two years from now. With age comes growth which naturally fosters higher expenses. However, PHPIO has committed to honest, careful financial stewardship. In the long term you should expect PHPIO's membership fees to be in line with most other similar organizations. 12. Who is behind this new organization?
Several very experienced and respected inspectors have identified a need for a clear path to the National Certification for Ontario inspectors. Most have been leaders in the industry for many years. 13. Is PHPIO Provincially or Nationally recognized by anybody?
PHPIO has just recently become a public entity, so it is a bit early for "recognition". However, the PHPIO leadership has many government and stakeholder contacts who will be brought onside within a short time. 14. Is PHPIO being supported by CMHC?
It is too early for this. However, CMHC strongly supports the National Certification Program and they appreciate any group that encourages its members to become National Certificate Holders. 15. When and where will you be holding information sessions about this new organization?
There will be information sessions this fall and winter in major locations throughout the province. 16. Who can I speak to directly about this new organization?
You can go online to www.phpio.ca or call 1-866-785-5355 or email us at admin@phpio.ca. Back to the top | 