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Our letter to the editor of the Windsor Star has finally been published! June 17, 2019
In my 25 years of inspecting homes, I have seen the housing market fluctuate but never like what we have been experiencing in the last couple of years. A home buyer cannot make an offer to purchase a house with a condition of a home inspection, financing or obtaining house insurance. This has greatly affected the home inspection industry. In order to make a living, some home inspectors offer verbal walk through viewings with no written report or 5-point home inspections where only a portion of the home is checked. Many times, a written report is not provided, resulting in no liability on the inspector and if an issue arises in the future. The home-buyer is left with no defense and errors & omissions insurance coverage will likely not cover these inspections because the Standards of Practice set by the Home Inspection Associations were not followed. The Ontario Government protects car buyers with the Used Vehicle Information Package and Safety Standards Certificate. Yet, the governing bodies are not protecting home buyers. When contacted, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services stated “The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is responsible for administering and enforcing the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act. RECO regulates the conduct of real estate agents and works to increase consumer protection in the real estate industry.” Sadly some home buyers find out that they can’t get house insurance or there are safety issues they were not aware of because they were advised to forgo a proper house inspection. Each home buyer should have a FULL home inspection performed by an Ontario Government-Recognized Home Inspector so that they can make an informed decision on their largest investment. If each offer-to-purchase had this clause, this would protect home buyers. Why did the Government regulate the car sales industry but wash their hands from protecting home buyers! Unfortunately, we are back to square one…Caveat Emptor (buyer beware). Brad Labute, RHI, NCH, ASHI-Certified Home Inspection Consultants Inc. 519-978-3885 www.homeinspect.ca
2 Comments
Susan Pierson-DiTomasso
7/18/2019 04:30:35 am
In 2014 I contracted my realtor-recommended home inspector. Following his satisfactory home inspection report I purchased my home in Windsor. Since, the cost of home repairs of unadvised patent deficiencies and latent deficiencies has totalled $175K, for a house purchased for $117K. Interestingly, July 11, 2019 I mailed letters to the home inspector and two realtors surrounding the 2014 sale of my house. The 4-page letter chronicled my experience owning the house and discussed accountability and fiduciary duties in the best interest of the client. The letters were mailed registered mail. The letter mailed to this home inspector was returned to me 4 days later, refused.
Home Inspection Consultants Inc.
7/18/2019 12:02:41 pm
Susan, many people are now turning to Google reviews for recommendations. I would certainly write a Google review about that home inspection company to warn others. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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AuthorI've come across a lot of interesting tidbits of information during my 25 year career as a home inspector. I've been told that I'm pretty meticulous and a good 'teacher', so hopefully you'll find some interesting information here.. Archives
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