When purchasing a new home, it is always recommended that you first have it inspected by a Qualified Home Inspector.  This step is taken to give you, the home buyer, peace of mind that there are no hidden problems with the structure or systems of your new home that will require significant and expensive repairs.  However, in the past, it was unclear what exactly made a home inspector ‘qualified’ and some home buyers had feelings of distrust as a result of the lack of regulations within the industry.

All that has now changed. As of March 31, 2009, all home inspectors in British Columbia are now required to be licensed through the province.  Licensing requirements include being a Registered Home Inspector through the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), a National Certificate Holder through CAHPI or a Certified Home Inspector through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC - as well as a mandatory criminal record check.  To become a member of CAHPI, home inspectors must meet rigorous educational and professional standards. This new level of regulation provides peace of mind to BC home buyers who now can have a new level of trust in BC Home Inspectors.

So, when buying your new home in BC, do not skip the important step of having it inspected by a licensed home inspector.  The information they can provide you will assist you in making a wise and informed decision about your dream home’s electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, foundation, interior and exterior.  It is an investment worth making!