FAQ's
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As of March 31, 2009, home inspectors require a licence with Consumer Protection BC to practice in the province. Why was Consumer Protection BC chosen to regulate and license this industry? Why was Consumer Protection BC chosen to regulate and license this industry?The purpose of Consumer Protection BC is to deliver consumer protection services, promote fairness and understanding in the marketplace and enforce consumer protection laws in BC. The primary focus of home inspector licensing is to protect consumers. This is consistent with the mandate of Consumer Protection BC. What qualifications do I need for a licence?Home inspectors must meet the requirements of one professional home inspector association or authority acceptable to the director of Consumer Protection BC. What professional home inspector associations and authorities are considered acceptable to Consumer Protection BC?Please visit our Designated Associations page for this information. Why not just require that home inspectors belong to a specific professional organization?We want to let home inspectors choose which association or authority best meets their needs. Was there a way to get licensed without being a member of one of the specified associations or authorities?For a short transition period, up to March 31, 2009, home inspectors who were currently working could apply to Consumer Protection BC to have their experience, knowledge and ability assessed and a conditional licence issued. There was a $250 fee for this assessment. At the end of two years, conditional licence holders were expected to meet the requirements of an acceptable professional home inspector association or authority. What else will I need to submit with my application?Consumer Protection BC requires that you also submit the following documents:
Why do I need insurance?Insurance protects home inspectors from risk to their personal assets if legal action is taken by a consumer. Why do I need a criminal record check?Home inspectors are providing critical information to consumers engaged in a high risk consumer transaction – the purchase of a home. As well, home inspectors are often in a home alone or with vulnerable adults or children. Criminal record checks provide some assurance to home owners that they are dealing with reputable individuals who do not have a history of questionable behaviour and that they are not at risk by giving a stranger access to their home and belongings. Do I need a licence to do commercial property inspections?No. Home inspection licensing only applies to consumer transactions that are primarily personal, family or household and conducted on a residential dwelling. Commercial properties are exempt. Property inspectors doing home inspections in the course of a consumer transaction must have a licence. Inspections done for business purposes (e.g. insurance companies, mortgage lenders, etc.) are not included in this legislation. Why does the Home Inspector Licensing Regulation prohibit conflict of interest? Can I still accept referrals from realtors?Consumers pay for a service and this service should not be compromised or influenced by another person with an interest in the property. Realtors should provide potential home buyers with the website or telephone number of Consumer Protection BC or one of the acceptable associations or authorities that have contact information for licensees or members. I am training to be a home inspector. How can I get field training without a licence?Field training can be obtained under supervision of a home inspection training program or a licensed home inspector. Home inspector agreements and reports for consumers must be signed by a licensed home inspector. Why did government decide to regulate home inspectors?Home inspectors and home buyers have been asking for regulation for several years. Licensing is an assurance to home buyers that the person they hire has the education and training necessary to provide good service. The home inspector also has the backing of a professional organization that ensures the home inspector follows their standards of practice and code of ethics. How does the law protect consumers?Home inspectors must keep the home inspection report confidential – not share it with another home buyer or real estate agent without your permission. The law also prohibits conflict of interest, so a home inspection report will be unbiased. Because a home inspector provides vital information that can be critical to the decision to purchase a home and because these individuals have access to a home and the homeowner’s belongings, Consumer Protection BC requires home inspectors to have criminal record checks. Home inspectors are required to have insurance to cover damage or serious errors and omissions. How do I prove I'm licensed?You may be asked by a consumer to show your current Consumer Protection BC licence. A Home Inspectors Search can be made on our website or consumers can call us to verify that a home inspector is licensed. Your home inspector’s licence number must be shown in all advertisements, on the contract and on the written report. |
