For most people, the purchase of a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Getting an independent, expert opinion on the operability of the structure and its systems is a no-brainer. But not all home inspectors have the same experience, training, or certifications – what’s more is, there are currently no federal regulations governing home inspectors. Home inspectors are governed only by whatever laws are in place in the province in which the inspection is performed, and these laws vary greatly. So how do you make sure you’ve hired the right person for the job?

When shopping for a home inspector, it’s vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.

1. Do not price shop.  When hiring a home inspector, you’re basically hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on the home’s condition.  With that in mind, making sure that you’re hiring an inspector with plenty of knowledge and training means not shopping for one by price alone.  Training, certifications, and continuing education don’t come cheap to the inspectors and therefore, their expertise isn’t going to be cheap either.  When it comes to home inspections – as with most things – you get what you pay for.

1. Research their credentials.  Since there are no national standards for home inspectors, one of the best things you can do to find out about an inspector’s qualifications is to ask what associations they belong to.  Some associations require minimum training, experience, continuing education and also require the inspector to pass certain exams.  However, not all associations are created equal.  Check out the associations’ minimum requirements.  The best associations require that the inspector pass yearly exams and obtain a specific amount of continuing education credits.  Also find out what level of the association the inspector occupies.  Some associations have “candidate” and “associate” or other levels that basically mean that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member.  Also ask what certifications the inspector holds and then research them as well.

1. Do they offer any guarantees or warranties of any kind?  This is something you'll see very little of
2. in the industry, at this time. Any qualified inspector or inspection company, worth their salt, should be
3. happy to guarantee their work, and give you, the client, the peace of mind you deserve by also
4. including a 30, 60, or 90 day warranty on house as well.
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7. Make your own decision.  Some provinces allow real estate agents and other professionals to make recommendations on what home inspector to hire.  Besides the obvious conflict of interest issues, a recommendation does not necessarily guarantee that the inspector is the best choice.  Make your own decision based on your research.