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Buying a home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. But, before spending all of your hard-earned money on your dream property, you would be smart to get a home inspection. A home inspection is one of the most common conditions buyers include in their offer to purchase, and with good reason – while a house can show well, it may need costly repairs that only an experienced home inspector can identify. In this post, we’ll explain how to find a home inspector in your area and identify ways you can make sure they are the right person for the job.

Sourcing Home Inspectors

Similar to the process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting, it’s a good idea to find a home inspector before you make an offer on your dream home. The last thing you want to do is be stuck in a situation where you only have a few days to remove a home inspection condition and you’re scrambling to find someone who is available.

To find a home inspector, many buyers start by asking for referrals from family and friends, but this shouldn’t be your only option. Industry websites provide a list of qualified home inspectors in each province. You can also search the Yellow Pages for “home inspectors”. Realtors are often quick to refer home inspectors, as well, but the potential for a conflict of interest is something to be aware of.

MyClosingCosts.ca is one of the best ways to source a home inspector in Toronto. Under the Providers menu, simply select Home Inspectors, enter your property information and get quotes from a number of home inspectors in your area. If you like one you see, you can connect with them directly through our website.

Selecting Your Home Inspector

Unfortunately, with the exception of British Columbia and Alberta, the home inspection industry is currently unregulated; this means no certification is required and no standards need to be met. However, this doesn’t mean all home inspectors choose not to get certified; many do and continue their learning long into their careers. But this is where selecting a home inspector comes down to you and your ability to ask the right questions.

When selecting a home inspector, it’s important to choose one based on their certification, qualifications and experience. Start by checking to see if they are a member of their local CAHPI, or if they classify themselves as a Certified Home Inspector, National Certificate Holder or Registered Home Inspector. If a home inspector says they’re qualified, it’s up to you to check their credentials. However, both qualifications and experience are equally important. You’ll want an inspector with years of experience, either working for themselves, as an inspector with another company, as a tradesperson, and even as a homeowner.

Choosing a home inspector should be similar to a job interview. First, it’s a good idea to create a shortlist of candidates, based on referrals and/or quotes from our website. After downloading and asking them everything on our Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector Checklist, make sure you ask for references (and call the references!). You can also ask each home inspector for a sample home inspection report, so you know what to expect at the end of it. Finally, make sure they are comfortable with you attending the home inspection, so you can ask more questions and physically see anything that may need to be repaired.

Similar to hiring any contractor or service provider, you want to work with a home inspector you trust and who you know has your best interest in mind. Follow these steps and don’t stop searching until you find the right person to work with.