Home Inspectors Association BC

03/01/2024

• be skeptical of renovations and ask for receipts.
• ask about the legality of renovations ( ask about the status of the permits)
• Think about safety when it comes to electricity – (aluminum wiring is common in 1970’s homes) Overtaxed systems can cause fires.
• Look for water damage. If there’s water and moisture in your crawl space, there’s a good chance there’s also mould down there,.
• Signs that you might need a secondary inspection (signs of bug infestation)
Finding a good home inspector will help you make an informed decision when you’re looking to buy a home. Go to hiabc.ca/find-an-inspector. If you live in Valemount or Vancouver, there’s a HIABC (Home Inspectors Association BC) home inspector who’s ready to help!

02/29/2024

New rules for working in environments that may have asbestos have come into place in January 2024.

WorkSafeBC has implemented mandatory training and licensing for asbestos abatement work to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, any contractor doing asbestos abatement work in your home must be licensed to do that work.

02/28/2024

You don't have to live in a flood zone to be prepared for water coming into your home. Burst pipes, sump pump failures, gutters that aren't clean and send water where you don't want it to go.

It's also handy to consider having those valuables and important documents in a place you can remember. Evacuation notices can be stressful. You want to be able to leave quickly, and with everything you need.

02/27/2024

Your Realtor can probably recommend a home inspector, but at the end of the day, any future problems that arise because the person you hired wasn’t properly vetted is on you. So it’s important that you are the one to hire the person coming in to assess your potential home.

As for costs, a typical home inspection in BC will run you anywhere from $500-$900. Be skeptical of quotes on the lower end, which could signify the inspector is hurting for clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample report, and remember, word of mouth is gold.

The bottom line is a visit to hiabc.ca, where all Home Inspectors who belong to the Home Inspectors Association of B.C. are listed under “Find an inspector”. Take some time and look at your local HIABC inspectors. If you are looking for a commercial inspection, it will also be listed.

02/26/2024

Buyer beware - five home inspections scams to look out for when buying a home in B.C..

1. Fake Home Inspections (cold calls, free of charge inspections, fire or safety inspectors) Scammers may claim to be licensed or certified when they are not. We would recommend asking to see the home inspector's license. If they can't produce one - don't hire them.
2. Biased inspectors (Must be entirely independent and not affiliated with any contractors, realtor or repair companies) Here's another recommendation. Use an inspector who belongs to the Home Inspectors Association BC. They have a code of ethics which prevents this.
3. Incomplete, previous or old inspections. (Don’t trust second or third party reports, old reports)
4. The fee agreed should follow the HIABC scope of inspections. At some point, due to findings, another professional may be suggested to review components such as septic, hot tubs, or swimming pools, which is NOT a scam. The inspector has discovered components that raise a red flag, or are outside the scope of inspection..

02/25/2024

Oldies but goodies. Enjoy the "home inspector finds" over the past year that remind us all why we should get a home inspection.

And when we do, we should make sure that they are a member of HIABC.ca (Home Inspectors Association BC). Find them at hiabc.ca/find-an-inspector

02/19/2024

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!”
- Albert Einstein

02/14/2024

02/13/2024

When looking for a home inspector, you might wonder if they are all the same, such as a dentist, or a doctor, or even a lawyer. As they are all required to follow a strict code of ethics, isn’t it the same for your home inspector?

The answer is — it should be, but it isn’t.

The Home Inspector’s Association of BC follows a strict code of ethics.

Honesty, justice, and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated with mutual interest among people, constitutes the foundation of ethics. The members should recognize such a standard, not in passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles guiding their conduct. It is their duty to practice the profession according to this code of ethics.

As the keystone of professional conduct is integrity, the Members will discharge their duties with fidelity to the public, their clients, and with fairness and impartiality to all. They should uphold the honor and dignity of their profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character, or apparent conflict of interest.

More information and particular details about the particular code of ethics are available at hiabc.ca

02/12/2024

TIP FOR THE MODERN HOMEBUYER!

These days, smart technology is all around your new potential home.

Before you get the keys, and start enjoying your new home, it’s important to get all of the passwords, technical information (manuals and guides) and contact information for warranties if they are applicable.

You don’t want to get stuck with a cold furnace that won’t run because the smart thermostat has to be re-booted and you’re stuck without a password!

Any passwords that you have received should be changed to your own as well. Change the locks or locking codes on the doors, and store all the manuals and guides in a secure (and memorable) place.