Before and individual starts inspecting residential properties they have to have the required experience and education to perform this type of inspection. Unfortunately in Ontario there are no standards that Home Inspectors have to adhere to. There was a movement to legislate a standard which involved the Provincial Government, CSA and various representatives from Home Inspector associations and the Real Estate industry. This all went out the door when the Provincial Government decided to prorogue parliament.
Home buyers are now at the mercy of their Realtor’s, who have a vested interest in 
selling the home, and their own education on how to properly choose a home inspector. With all the legislation our government throws at its citizens, it is still basically “Buyer Beware”, when it comes to buying a home. One that money changes hands it can be extremely difficult, and expensive, to try and get something back for something damaged, water leaks, electrical problems, structural issues or any unforeseen expense.
Doing diligent research on your potential home inspectors qualifications can help prevent expensive repairs in the future. Google and read about what qualifications a good home inspector should have, ask questions, ask about prior experience before taking that part time home inspector course. Get to know your home inspector and you will reap the rewards when having your home inspected.
Identifying structural problems and deficiencies in a home can save you thousands of 
dollars in unforeseen costs. Any changes to a homes structure requires a building permit and a detailed set of plans. Many cities and municipalities will want something stamped by a designer or engineer before approving work. The city or municipality will also conduct inspections to ensure footings, support posts or columns and beams etc are properly installed and secured. If you buy a home that has been illegally modified you then assume responsibility for the condition and any repairs required.
Many home in the Barrie, Alliston and Orillia area have had basement modifications made without obtaining building permits. When you buy a home that has had renovations completed without a building permit, it means that the structure, electrical, plumbing and heating have not been inspected. If for some reason the City was called in to look at your home they could request that all the walls, ceilings and floors be opened up to enable them to inspect any modifications to the homes original systems. You would also have to obtain a building permit.
The Barrie Home Inspector is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building
Officials Association, Certified Master Inspector, Member of NACHI, NACBI and OBOA. He is also WETT Certified with over 15 years of experience inspecting fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves and outside wood boilers.
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