Choosing a home inspector in BC

Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make in your lifetime. The process involves several steps, and involves important specialists helping along the way. We think the most important specialist you need is a home inspector to help you with your due diligence about the home and its systems.

In British Columbia, the home inspection industry is regulated by Consumer Protection BC (CPBC), so every inspector in the province must be licensed. Don’t be afraid to ask your inspector to see their home inspection licence. Beyond that core requirement, it’s always advisable to choose an inspector who’s recommended by a trusted friend. Ask people you know first. Your real estate agent has likely worked with several inspectors so they are an even better person to ask for a recommendation. If someone hasn’t been personally recommended to you, then what else should you look for?

A strong communicator?
A professional looking website?
A strong presence in the community?
Positive reviews on Google?
A strong background in customer service?
Experience in building, construction or renovations?
A technical writing and communications skillset?

A trusted national association

These are legitimate qualities that people look for when selecting a home inspector, and we think the first criteria you should look for is that the inspector you’re thinking of hiring is part of a trusted national association. Home inspectors are not required to be a part of an association, but many inspectors choose to be members of associations. Associations help regulate the industry beyond what CPBC is able to, and they set the bar higher for their members by demanding they continually educate themselves. More importantly, associations outline a Standards of Practice that determine what and how your inspector will inspect. While there are a few provincial associations in BC, CAHPI is the only national home and property inspection organization in Canada. At CAHPI, home and property inspectors that have met the association’s requirements are allowed to use the term National Certificate Holder® (NCH).

When you choose a CAHPI inspector, you’re choosing someone you can trust to be objective and provide you with a complete, comprehensive analysis of the property and home's major systems and components. You’re choosing someone with support and backing from a National organization, and someone who’s held to account with trusted standards in ethics and reporting.

CAHPI members know the business and are trained to objectively demonstrate a strong technical skill set and report writing skills, and have committed to continuing education in order to achieve and maintain their member status. Members are committed to conducting inspections in accordance with high standards; committed to abiding by the CAHPI Code of Ethics and are dedicated to providing superior customer service.

Savvy buyers, sellers, owners, prospective buyers or anyone who wants to make an informed decision about a real estate purchase based on objective information deserves a professional CAHPI home inspection.