With near-record votes recorded, the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors elects a new Board to revitalize the Association.  Committed to increased consumer protection, a new business vision and plan, and emerging opportunities for its members, the new Board has been charged with facing media criticism, working with government on mandatory licensing, and enlarging the type of inspections for which members are qualified.

Mississauga, Ontario, April 13, 2010 – In tumultuous times, with the real estate economy in flux, the possibility of provincial mandatory licensing looming, media attention on the rise, and new business opportunities such as energy audits presenting themselves, members of Ontario’s lead inspection association elect a new board of directors with an active and aggressive mandate.

On the weekend, the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors held its Annual General meeting in Mississauga, attracting members from across Ontario.  The meeting attracted almost 50% of eligible member votes and high candidate interest producing a board election instead of what has often been an acclamation process.

This renewed interest in leadership is two-fold.  David Leech, a new director, said “I am tired of members being critics and only critics.  It’s time to step up and volunteer.”  Robin Green, President, commented “Increased recognition of our credential Registered Home Inspector (RHI) is testament to our commitment to education, both mandatory minimums and continuing, among the highest in Canada if not in North America.   Our members have optimized this training and understanding of the house as a system to create new opportunities in fields of endeavor such as energy auditing. This is only one example of our Members potential, making this an exciting time to lead this well established organization into the future.”

With the advent of mandatory energy audits on residential resale homes introduce by the recent Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act, members are excited about the prospects for expanding to these essential services.  The members also reviewed several other provincial and municipal programs requiring extensive inspection services, to which the association will respond.

Further discussions related to public and media criticism of the whole inspection community relating to limitations of current inspections, and the performance of inspectors who are not members of the association.  In response, the Association is expanding its recent proposal to the Government of Ontario that all home inspectors be licensed under a high-level mandatory provincial scheme in the same way that other real estate professionals are.

Elected directors and officers of the Association are;

Robin Green, RHI, President, Toronto

Gerry Quackenbush, RHI, Vice President, Toronto

Glen Gogal, RHI, Secretary, Toronto

Kirk Iredale, RHI, Treasurer, Exeter

Don Beneteau, RHI, Windsor

David Cook, RHI, Stayner

Brad Durant, RHI, Guelph

David Leech, RHI, Meaford

Phil Robinson, RHI, Toronto

Peter Weeks, RHI, Ottawa

For further information on this story, contact Aubrey LeBlanc, and visit www.oahi.com.

About the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors:

The OAHI was formed in 1987. In 1994, the OAHI became a self-regulating professional body when the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act received royal assent, granting the OAHI the exclusive right to define qualification requirements, regulate its members and grant the designation “Registered Home Inspector” and “RHI” to qualified practitioners in the Province of Ontario, under control of title.  The OAHI is dedicated to providing consumer protection by enhancing the technical skills and professional practice of home inspectors, and maintaining high professional standards through education and discipline.

Contact:

Aubrey LeBlanc

Chief Operating Officer

Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

647-504-6862

a.leblanc@oahi.com

The home inspection industry is unregulated in Ontario and most of Canada.  As a result, the market is saturated with self proclaimed Home Inspectors that have varying levels of knowledge and experience.  How can a home buyer ensure that they are hiring someone that is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but adheres to a standard of practice and code of ethics.

As the first, and largest, self-regulating professional home inspection organization, The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is recognized by government groups and reputable associations for its high standards and commitment to a strict Code of Ethics.  The OAHI is the CAHPI member in Ontario and was formed in 1987. On December 9th, 1994, the OAHI became a self-regulating professional body when the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act received royal assent , granting the OAHI the exclusive right to define qualification requirements, regulate its members and grant the designation “Registered Home Inspector” and “RHI” to qualified practitioners in the Province of Ontario.  Its sister organization, the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors – Ontario (CAHPI-Ontario), communicates best practices to the consumer marketplace. The mission of CAHPI-Ontario is to educate home buyers in the proper selection of choosing a reputable home inspector, so that they, in turn, can come away with an informed understanding of the complete building system of the house they are looking to purchase, along with identification of the related components and possible construction defects.

Full members of OAHI must successfully complete mandatory accreditation courses that test the applicant’s knowledge, and how they apply that information into a comprehensive report. Standards of Practice identify a home inspector’s professional capability through a universally-recognized benchmark of performance.

As with all professions, practical experience is of the utmost importance, and OAHI requires a minimum number of performed inspections prior to a member receiving the RHI (Registered Home Inspector) designation. Registered Home Inspector (RHI) is the highest accreditation in the province.

Annual education credits must be achieved by each member in order to retain this designation.

With over 700 members spread throughout the province of Ontario, local and regional meeting groups have been established to provide a source of continual education to its members.  Industry experts address these groups to discuss various topics such as electrical, heating and ventilation, identifying potential grow op properties, and unwanted wildlife tenants to name a few.

Technology enables this geographically diverse group to electronically meet on a regular basis through online forums and broadcast messaging, allowing members to exchange ideas, discuss their findings, and share information.

As part of its self-regulatory responsibilities, the OAHI Discipline & Professional Practices Committee is charged with investigating complaints received from consumers about the conduct of any of its members.

How to Evaluate a Home Inspector

A home inspection should be performed with an objective and impartial view to the condition of the property with no emotional or financial attachments.

It is estimated that OAHI members make up less that half of the Home Inspectors on the market in Ontario alone.  That is not to say that non OAHI members are not qualified, but when shopping for a Home Inspector, the consumer should ask questions of candidates that relate to their education and experience.  Far too often, selection by the home buyer is related to price alone.  There are many self proclaimed home inspectors on the market that will take the job for a fraction of the price of a qualified, educated, and experienced Home Inspector.

Here are some important questions to ask:

1. What professional associations does the inspector belong to? (This demonstrates standards, and pride of practice)

2. Is the inspector a member of OAHI and CAHPI-Ontario? (This tandem is the main professional organization for home inspectors in Ontario, and can confirm qualifications and experience)

3. Does the inspector supply a written or printed report? And will the inspection and report be done in accordance with substantial Standards of Practice? (These should be made available)

4. Does the inspector or home inspection company have a proven track record? (References should be volunteered happily)

5. Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential construction? (Residential is different than commercial or institutional)

6. Does the company offer to do any repairs or improvements based on their inspection? (This would be a conflict of interest.)

7. How long will the inspection take? (The average is 2 1/2 to 3 hours – anything less isn’t enough time to do a thorough inspection.  More for larger homes.)

8. How much will the inspection cost? ($350 to 450 is reasonable; 1/10^th of 1% of the cost of the average house is inexpensive)

9. Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection?

(This is an invaluable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal should raise a red flag.)

10. Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his/her credentials up to date? (Critical)

For further information or to obtain the names of qualified home inspectors in your area, contact the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) at 416.256.0960, 1.888.744.6244 or visit www.OAHI.com

From March 5 – 7, 2010 seasoned Inspectors, new Inspectors and students are invited to attend the annual OAHI Education Conference in Waterloo, Ontario.

Home Inspectors need to keep up with leading edge information while following professional standards in order to provide their customers with the best possible service and advice. Professional Inspectors need to keep abreast of the most current technological advances, hone their skills, and meet suppliers, educators and peers.

Click here for the Conference website

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2010/grow_op_cover_up/main.html