Buying a home is often one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will make and most consumers will not purchase a home until it has passed a home inspection. As a consumer, you have done your homework and know that hiring a licensed home inspector is in your best interest. But how can you be sure that the licence number you receive is legitimate? Here are some tips will help guide you when hiring a licensed home inspector:

• Ensure the home inspector is licensed in BC. If you are meeting with the home inspector in person, ask to see his/her licence issued by Consumer Protection BC. If you are speaking with a home inspector over the phone,you can ensure that they are licensed through our online licensee search.
• Ask which professional association the home inspector belongs to. There are specific designated associations to which a home inspector’s membership makes them eligible for a Consumer Protection BC licence.
• Check our website for any enforcement actions taken against the home inspector. Consumer Protection BC publishes the names of any companies where enforcement action has been taken against a business.

British Columbia is the first province in Canada to regulate the home inspection industry. This helps to ensure that qualified and professional home inspectors are evaluating the condition of homes across the province. By working closely with the approved industry associations, Consumer Protection BC is able to provide a high level of consumer protection and professionalism for the home inspection industry.