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| Why an Inspection? |
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| Media coverage of 'leaky condos' has created uncertainty in the minds of home buyers. A common concern is... "Is the house or condo I want to buy going to surprise me with unexpected repairs?" A house inspection addresses this concern. |
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| Identify potentially costly repairs in advance. A qualified inspector can give you an expert opinion on the soundness of your home and the systems in it … before you commit to the final purchase. An inspection is an investment that pays huge dividends in peace of mind. |
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| Benefits of Using Certified Inspectors |
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| Surprisingly, anyone can 'set up shop' and offer to inspect your home. Home inspection franchises are available for entrepreneurs who want to get into the business. A carpenter, electrician or plumber, while they have excellent knowledge of their trade, may lack an integrated understanding of the other systems in a house. |
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| By using a certified inspector, you know your inspector has training that covers all the things you need to have checked out. A certified inspector is also knowledgeable in building code requirements for your area. |
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| Just as it makes sense to have an inspector check out your dream home before you buy, it makes sense to use an inspector who has had his/her qualifications to do the job checked out by an independent body. |
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| Inspector Qualifications |
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| Members of BCIPI meet high certification standards based on applied science qualifications, as well as demonstrated experience and competency in the field of house and property inspection. For an inspector to be certified, he/she must... |
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successfully complete training specified |
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have 'hands on' experience in inspections |
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hold membership in the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC |
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pass a review of qualifications by the ASTTBC Board of Examiners (BOE) |
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| All BCIPI inspectors are required to follow a Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines. The ASTTBC Board of Examiners recognize four levels of expertise... |
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Certified Property Inspector : CPI ... highest level of certification, meeting BOE requirements for training and experience in condominiums, single family residences and entire buildings. Inspectors with the CPI designation are also certified by ASTTBC as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or Certified Technician (CTech). |
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Certified House Inspector : CHI ... next highest level of certification, meeting BOE requirements to inspect condo units and singe family residences. Certified House Inspectors hold a minimum of Associate status with ASTTBC. |
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Associate Inspector ... have completed training specified by the BOE and are in the process of completing the required number of house inspections to meet the experience component for certification. Associate Inspectors may be an AScT, CTech, Associate, Graduate Technologist or Graduate Technician member of ASTTBC. |
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Inspector-in-Training ... new entrants into the industry who have yet to complete all the courses and the requisite number of inspections for certification. IITs are not yet authorized to offer inspection services to the public. |
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| Questions to Ask... |
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Are you certified by ASTTBC and what designation do you hold? |
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How long have you been in business as a house inspector? |
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What will the inspection include? Does this include inspection of the building envelope and an opinion on water infiltration? |
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Note that inspections of condominiums and townhouses do not include the exterior as the walls and roof of the buildings remain the property of the condo or townhouse strata corporation. For single family dwellings and buildings, an inspection may include a building envelope inspection at additional cost. |
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How much will the inspection cost? |
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Do you carry errors and omissions insurance? |
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What kind of report will I receive? |
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Other Useful Sites...
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