What’s the weather like where you live? Here in beautiful Victoria BC, we are finally starting to get bright blue skies during the day, and later sunsets in the evening. While walking my dog around my neighbourhood I am seeing more and more for sale signs on front lawns – another “sign” that spring is here. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. When buying a house, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a licensed home inspector before making an offer.
It is important to know that a home inspection is a visual inspection. Home inspectors are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of major problems, but are not experts in all fields and may need to refer consumers to specialists. It’s important for consumers to recognize that a home inspection cannot eliminate risk, only reduce it. Since this is such a big financial investment, it is important to work with a home inspector you trust and feel comfortable with. Consider talking to three inspectors and familiarize yourself with your home inspector’s standards of inspection to ensure that you are making an informed choice.
Did you know that Consumer Protection BC is responsible for licensing BC home inspectors? You can check to see if a home inspector is licensed on our licensee search by clicking here. For more information about licensing, visit the home inspection licensing page of our website here.
ADDITIONAL READING:
3 things to look for in your home inspection contract
What happens during a home inspection?
Top 5 tips if you’re buying a home
Michelle,
I am in the process of becoming a certified home inspector. I am with ASTTBC and they have classified me as an IIT, I have done my mentoring and my assessments. I have applied for my E&O, liability insurance but haven’t yet received it. Can I still apply at this point?
Hi Jaret,
I have spoken with our licensing team, and you must submit along with your application a valid credential from ASTTBC, consent for criminal record check, copy of his insurance certificate, and the required fees. It looks like you will have to wait until you receive a copy of your insurance certificate before you can proceed any further. Check out our “help for businesses – home inspectors” page for an application checklist here: http://bit.ly/l2Eerz. Hope that helps!