Difference between a qualified and an unqualified Ottawa home inspector

Home Inspection Ottawa

Taking the Guesswork out of choosing a

Reputable Building Inspector in Ottawa

The difference between a qualified and an unqualified Ottawa home inspector

If you’re searching for a competent home inspector, all you have to do is enter “home inspection Ottawa” or “home inspectors Ottawa” into Google and you’ll see there are many to choose from. That might be how you ended up here. However, just because they have a slick website, doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing. Before you just close your eyes and pick one, there are some things you need to know before you leave one of the biggest investments of your life in this person’s hands. A good home inspector can be the difference between financial disaster and a home that you can be proud of.

A quality home inspector is going to be a member of the OAHI (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors). Not just any member will do. You want to make sure that they have achieved the highest level of accreditation, the RHI or Registered Home Inspector.

The Registered Home Inspector has completed the mandatory technical and educational training required by the OAHI . In addition to the educational requirements, they must also have completed a predetermined number of paid inspections. This insures that they have hands on experience as well as book knowledge on what is required in accurately inspecting a home prior to the buyer signing the contract. In addition, they must complete annual educational updates to maintain affiliation at this level.

The OAHI requires that any home inspector claiming to be a member, must also disclose what level they are currently at. The applicant level has not completed enough training nor have they performed enough paid inspections. They are not allowed to advertise their affiliation with the OAHI unless they have completed the basic requirement exam and their reports are in line with the standard for the association. The associate level has completed a higher level of education, but has not performed enough paid inspections to qualify at the highest level or they have not completed all of the technical education upgrades.

As you can see, any one of these three levels of inspectors can claim that they are a member of the OAHI, but only one is truly qualified to perform a home inspection. The applicant and associate levels are stepping stones to the highest level of a Registered Home Inspector. The RHI has the expertise and experience to give you the most knowledgeable and efficient inspection possible. If an inspector cannot answer your questions with reasonable answers, this would indicate that perhaps he doesn’t have as much experience as he claims and you should question his credentials.

Don't settle for less than the best. Buying a home is stressful enough without the added worry of whether the inspector caught all of the potential problems. With an experienced RHI inspector, you can move in and enjoy your new home with confidence.