This is from the desk of Murray Parish, President of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors OAHI

Published on December 10, 2018 - Licensing home inspectors took another step forward today. Murray Parish, RHI and John Hansen, RHI, President and Vice-President of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) respectively, met with senior staff members at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) along with other industry-related stakeholders.
“Today’s meeting was a great opportunity for OAHI to advocate for its members to ensure that licensing home inspectors— in particular the fee structure— is done in a way that is reasonable to them while safeguarding consumer protection,” said Parish.
Bill 59, the Putting Consumers First Act, which includes an Act to Regulate Home Inspectors, received Royal Assent in 2017. 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 believes that overall the meeting went well. Furthermore, OAHI will continue to promote the high level of education and professional standards as it has since 1994,”said Hansen.
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.
About the  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.

This year, I've noticed that the homes in my neighbourhood are decorated more than they have ever been in the past.  I don't know whether there is an unspoken competiton going on that I don't know about.  But it has got me thinking...

During the Christmas season, many households find that they don't seem to have enough electrical outlets to light up all their Christmas decorations or their electrical outlets aren't located where they need them. 

A thorough home inspection by the best home inspector may have pointed that out, however the easy solution for most people is to just use extension cords without giving it another thought.  

If extension cords can’t be avoided (I'm guilty too as I'm using a couple in my home this Christmas season), you should use multi-outlet power bars that are CSA-approved and provide surge protection. Make sure that electrical cords of any kind are not concealed under carpets or rugs where they can be easily damaged. Avoid overloaded circuits and octopus wiring as well as the use of extension cords as permanent wiring. 

Other helpful tips include:

• Light strings & decorations are rated for indoor or outdoor use, so read the instructions and choose the right light.
• Replace damaged cords, plugs, lights & decorations.
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets outdoors. 

Just some thoughts from Windsor's Most Meticulous House Inspector. With that being said, happy decorating and remember the reason for the season!