Month: October 2017

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Home Inspector Who is a Member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) 

October 18, 2017

1. Many OAHI member home inspectors have worked in construction trades or engineering and all OAHI members are trained to spot potential issues before they can become big problems.

2. OAHI member home inspectors are not interested in selling homes, but protecting you. Members of OAHI must abide by Professional Practice and Conflict of Interest Guidelines.

3. Home inspectors view homes with technically trained eyes and ears, not their heart for a clearer picture of deficiencies and red flags.

4. OAHI member home inspectors are required to obtain continuing education units (CEUs), and update their training regularly in various areas such as: electrical, the Ontario Building Code, plumbing, air quality, mechanical systems, roofing and solar panels, along with new tools and technologies. Their training is verified.

5. The Registered Home Inspector (RHI) designation is not purchased; it is earned.

6. Members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors must abide by the OAHI Standards of Practice.

7. OAHI member home inspectors know how to report, photograph, and communicate the positives and negatives of the home.

8. OAHI member home inspectors can advise which defects need to be addressed immediately, soon, and in the future.

9. Because OAHI member home inspectors have seen hundreds, sometimes thousands of homes, they know what to look for.

10. An OAHI member home inspector’s report on defects and potential problems can save homebuyers money, time, and grief, in the long run.

Updates on the Home Inspection Act, 2017

October 18, 2017

OAHI ready to work with the Province on licensing home inspectors

OAHI Murray 0416 IMG_0372Updates on the Home Inspection Act, 2017 From the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

“As you know, Bill 59, the Putting Consumers First Act (Consumer Protection Statute Law Amendment), 2017 received Royal Assent on April 13, 2017. It enacted a new statute called the Home Inspection Act, 2017. The HIA establishes a mandatory licensing regime for home inspection providers and home inspectors which would be administered by a new administrative authority (AA).

Please note that the HIA is not yet in force and would come into force on a date, or dates, set by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.

There are a number of key steps that would need to be taken before the mandatory licensing requirements could take effect. The ministry will need to develop regulations to set out the details to support the implementation of the HIA. We will be undergoing consultations to support the development of regulations in 2017.

The ministry is unable to confirm at this time when the HIA will be proclaimed into force or when draft regulations will be available to the public. However, our intent is to work as quickly as possible to develop regulations and implement this important legislation.

Please feel free to share this email with your colleagues and friends using the link below so that they can also receive updates on the HIA.

We look forward to staying in touch with you throughout this process, and please feel free to contact us at homeinspectors@ontario.ca if you have any questions or comments.”

-MGCS

Passage of Bill 59 – Home Inspection Act, 2017

October 18, 2017

Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

Supports Passage of Bill 59 – Home Inspection Act, 2017

Mississauga, ON April 10, 2017 – Ensuring homebuyers are protected has always been a goal of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI).

“We support the passage of Bill 59, The Putting Consumers First Act, which includes the Home Inspection Act, 2017,” says Murray Parish, RHI, president of the OAHI, the largest association of home inspectors in Ontario.

OAHI has been representing home inspectors throughout the legislative process of Bill 59 to bring forth the concerns and interests of home inspectors and the consumers they serve.

OAHI will continue to promote the high level of education and professional standards as it has since 1994, as it waits for the Provincial government to establish ‘minimum’ standards for all Ontario home Inspectors with the new licensing.

“We reiterate that OAHI supports the establishment of common competency requirements for all home inspectors to operate in Ontario. Licensing offers a reasonable way of permitting an individual to begin offering home inspection services to the public with the assurance of that basic competency being in place,” Parish adds.

Created under Bill Pr158, An Act respecting the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors in 1994, OAHI has always regulated its more than 500 members. Inspectors must earn the designation of “Registered Home Inspector” under OAHI’s Member Qualification System (MQS) through mentorship, education, report verification, and completing— through self-apprenticeship— 200 paid home inspections totalling approximately 600 plus hours.

About OAHI                                                  

Through education and advocacy the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors cultivates a thriving home inspection industry based on the highest standards of professional development and ethical standards. In doing so, OAHI cultivates the ‘gold standard’ for home inspectors among consumers and the government. OAHI is the only provincially recognized body of home inspectors by The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act, 1994. OAHI is a not-for-profit association.

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Contact:
Murray Parish, RHI
President
Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
CAHPI-Ontario
416-524-2768
president@oahi.com
http://www.oahi.com

Your Home Inspection: What to Expect

October 18, 2017

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House Systems Inspected by OAHI Members Complete Inspection Standards can be found at www.oahi.com.

A typical inspection last 2 to 3 hours, plus additional time for report writing.

Includes a visual assessment of hundreds of house components, and the condition at the time of inspection.

For best results the inspection should be completed during daylight hours.

A full paper or digital report will be delivered within a set timeframe.

Home Inspectors do not move furniture, equipment or storage.

Your home inspector CANNOT provide:

  • Opinion on market value
  • ‘Pass” or “Fail” grade
  • Purchase recommendation
  • Repair services on defects
  • Assessment of any component that is concealed, inoperable, inaccessible unsafe to inspect.

Find a local inspector at http://www.oahi.com.

ESA: What to Do Before Buying or Selling a Home

October 18, 2017

ESA provides important safety information and tips for realtors and homeowners who are planning to buy or sell a home.

The Home Electrical System: Four Things to Consider

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1. Do a records search.
Before the sale is final, request a Search of Records from ESA to determine if there are any open permits on the property.  An open work order automatically transfers responsibility to the new homeowner for any outstanding permits and corrections of any defects that may exist.* Please note there are fees associated with a Search of Records.

2. Know the home’s electrical history.
This is especially important if you’re planning to renovate. A Request for Information will provide a record of electrical work that was done previously under permit, and whether the renovations were inspected by ESA. Please note there are fees associated with a Request for Information.

3. Hire the right professionals.
By law in Ontario only Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) can do electrical work for hire. LECs are the only companies that can take out electrical permits and provide an ESA Certificate of Inspection when the work is complete. This is important for resale and insurance, as well as peace of mind. Find an LEC using the Contractor look-up tool.

4. Know your obligations!
Virtually all electrical work requires an ESA permit and is subject to review or inspection by ESA. Inspections help ensure electrical work complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

*Please note ESA records date back only to 2000.

Article is from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

https://www.esasafe.com/consumers/buying-selling-home/