How to Choose a Home Inspector

guidance from a leading Ottawa based Home Inspection Company

The Inspector is your guardian, an unbiased professional, a set of experienced eyes trained in building science. Select someone with both formal education and extensive experience.

Start by looking for a Registered Home Inspector (RHI). The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is the only professional body empowered by the Government of Ontario to grant the official designation of RHI. The RHI is conferred on OAHI members in good standing who meet specific criteria in the areas of Education, Technical Background, and Experience. But identifying an RHI is just the beginning, the minimum.

Yes finding an RHI is only the start. In addition, look for your Home Inspector to have the following:

FORMAL EDUCATION IN ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCE
Some Inspectors come from other non-related fields. A quick course doesn't match the education provided by an exhaustive college or university program.

COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION EXPERIENCE
Knowing how to swing a hammer or even design a structural slab doesn't always make a good Home Inspector. One needs years of real inspections.

PROVIDES A DETAILED WRITTEN REPORT
The inspection report should be a detailed written account of the findings, specifically written for your house. You shouldn't have to put up with a checklist report that sends you to a reference book for further details.

PROVIDES INDEPENDENT, OBJECTIVE INSPECTIONS
OAHI has established a Code of Ethics that governs the Inspector's conduct. The code deals with such details as confidentiality and conflict of interest.

RESPONSIVE TO THE CLIENT
Finally, your Home Inspector should place the client's priorities first and should inspire confidence.