More Information

What is a Home Inspection?

A home or building inspection is an objective examination of the condition of the visible and accessible components of a home or building. Homebuyers now entering the marketplace, view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies with the residential property before they buy, and it minimizes any unpleasant surprises or significant financial burdens later on.

Home inspectors do not point out every small problem or defect in a home or residential property. Minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, 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 inspector's observations or recommendations may help to dispel homebuyer anxieties and provide useful home repair and maintenance suggestions. PHPIO believes that a better-educated homebuyer will be a better-educated homeowner.

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 home; giving them peace of mind and helping them make informed decisions.

Inspecting Home Inspectors

In real estate transactions, some things never change. Sellers usually feel they've given their house away, buyers believe they've paid too much and Realtors fear neither side will ever get to the closing table. There is however, one thing that has been inconsistent in real estate transactions: the quality of the home inspection.

That's been changing somewhat with the inception of professional home inspection associations. To gain membership, home inspectors typically prove their competency by passing exams, meeting education and experience requirements - and by maintaining a professional service to the public.

Home inspections have been around for quite a while, and for good reasons. For a very modest fee, home buyers can gain a wealth of information about the condition of a property before they buy it. The recent surges in the popularity of home inspections have created an over-populated inspection industry where not all inspectors have the training or experience to do a good job. Cost-conscious consumers find out too late that trying to save $50 to $100 on an inspection can result in an inadequate report. Unfortunately, this can translate into thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs being discovered after the sale.  And well-intentioned, however over-zealous home inspectors can frighten prospective purchasers...  often needlessly.

While complaints against home inspectors have never topped the lists of consumer protection agencies, there is a growing sentiment among inspectors, mortgage lenders, government and consumers that more protection is needed.

Meanwhile Realtors, faced with more and more liability in the ever increasing complexity of real estate transactions, surmise that better home inspections will reduce their own exposure. And consumer stories of disastrous home inspections, magnified by the media, create a ground swell of support for licensing as the cure for bad home inspections.

Moreover, a clear national trend toward the idea of licensing is evolving. A strategy to provide coordination of the Canadian home inspection profession is in place. British Columbia recently passed legislation requiring all practicing home inspectors in that province to be licensed. The two national levels of competency recognized were CAHPI/RHI and National Certificate Holder credentials. Both designations require extensive training and knowledge, however only the National Certificate Holder is required to undergo regular field testing to keep current.

Until such time as licensing is a reality across Canada, a solid background, a good reputation and membership in one of the above association will help ensure your inspector is an accredited professional.

Before referring your clients to a home inspector or inspection company, you should first verify the training and experience of the individual inspector. Ask how many pre-purchase home inspections he or she has performed in the past year or two. Ask for references, preferably from past clients, or from other Realtors with whom you are familiar.

Be wary of low-priced home inspectors and inspectors whose only credential is a certificate acquired online, or by correspondence, or from an unidentified school or association.

About the Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Ontario

PHPIO is a non-profit organization of home inspectors that believes in a fair and equal voice for the home inspection profession in Ontario. Several very experienced and well 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. This was prompted by an increased demand for home inspections and the lack of qualified practitioners which has lead to a number of consumer concerns - primarily inconsistencies in the quality and level of service provided.

Why Choose a PHPIO Inspector?

PHPIO inspectors can provide your customers with a professional, personalized inspection that combines the highest technical standards, adherence to a strict code of ethics and the very best in customer service and education.

When you choose PHPIO, you'll be working with professional home inspectors who have passed the most comprehensive technical and rigorous field testing requirements found in the industry today. The National Certification Authority is dedicated to its commitment of excellence by requiring that all National Certificate Holders be regularly re-tested to ensure that their level of competency does not falter in the future. No other professional designation can match the credentials of a PHPIO inspector.