In December of 2013, staff in the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services issued a report titled: “A Closer Look: Qualifying Ontario’s Home Inspectors.” The report looked at policy options and the possibility of regulations to get standards introduced in an industry, that for the most part has been unregulated. The main issue is getting consensus and agreement on what oversight will be needed to create the protocols for certified home inspectors. A spokesperson for the ministry stated: “Anytime we regulate something, there is going to be an impact, so we want to minimize that. However we do want to increase consume protection and this as well, so it is a balancing act.”

In a new self published book, titled “Buy or Run” home inspector Bruce McClure takes aim at some of the issues in the industry, and also claims that the Governments panel recommendations went far enough. He says most home buyers will use an inspector recommended by their real estate agent, but agents are not happy when home inspectors find problems that will put the kibosh on a deal. McClure says some real estate agents have a term for home inspectors who are too diligent: “They call us deal-killers.” They prefer “blind-eyed” inspectors.

Matthew Thornton, director of government relations for the Ontario Real Estate Association,says that while the association is in favour of qualifying and licensing home inspectors, he disagrees with the notion that real estate agents steer their clients away from good home inspectors or toward people who will turn a blind eye to problems. Real estate agents are highly regulated professionals who are obliged, both ethically and by law, to act in the best interests of their clients, he said.

Until such time as the Government enforces strict regulation on who can call themselves a home inspector, it is up to the consumer to protect themselves by dealing with professionals who have undergone rigorous training and certification with an agency such as the OAHI (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors).

As the spring market heats up for real estate in Toronto, and you find yourself in need of a certified home inspector, contact HomeBuyers Inspection Services to find out how you can put our over 20 years of real estate experience to work for you.

Remember when it comes to buying a home, the best surprise is NO surprise!