CALGARY – Darcy McGregor has been a home inspector for the past 26 years.
He’s been trained and registered with the Canadian Association and teaches home inspection courses at SAIT.
For years, he’s lobbied for provincial qualification standards – this September, he’ll finally see that wish come true.
“Before, anybody could be a home inspector and many people tried that, usually without any training. They didn’t last very long,” says McGregor.
“At the bottom where people come in they have to spend some time and some money and learn how to be a professional.”
In May, the Alberta government introduced new rules that require home inspectors to be licensed and follow set standards to help protect Albertans when buying a home.
To qualify for a licence under the new Home Inspection Business Regulation, inspectors must successfully complete training from an educational institution approved by the province as well as pass a test inspection.
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Inspectors must also carry $1-million error and omission insurance to cover mistakes and negligence and post a $10,000 security bond to cover losses.
Not all home inspectors are happy with the new regulations. Darrel Geislinger, who runs a small home inspection company in Edmonton, says the slow real estate market has hurt business and he can’t afford to meet the new rules.
“Time will tell right? I’m crossing my fingers and making sure it’s not going to be the end of my business.”
Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk says anyone who can’t meet training qualifications can apply for a conditional licence until March 2013 but says she wants to be flexible.
“If there’s any hardship or issues, we need to hear from those home inspectors and that’s why we’re giving time for home inspectors to get the credentials, then ge the home inspectors up so it’s not onerous for them,” says Klimchuk.
Higher standards will increase the cost of a home inspection for buyers.
Darcy McGregor expects the cost will rise by around 10 per cent but prospective buyers should know it’s worth it.
“If you’re looking at a half-million or million dollar purchase, what’s a few extra hundred dollars to make sure the job’s done right?”
The province says it decided to go ahead with the regulations following widespread support from Albertans during public consultations.
Service Alberta will investigate any complaint it receive about a home inspector who has violated the new regulation. If found guilty, the inspector can be suspended and their licence may be revoked; they may also face a fine of up to $100,000 and two years in jail.
The regulations come into effect September 1st.
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