B.C. to License Home Inspectors

[James H. Bushart]

This should please you Canadian folks. I read much as to how desperately you feel the need to be controlled by your government. Congratulations.

By Tom Fletcher - BC Local News - February 10, 2008



The B.C. government is preparing to introduce a new licensing system and regulations for home inspectors.


The solicitor general's ministry is accepting public input until Feb. 22 on proposed rules that would establish a mandatory system to ensure home inspectors have up-to-date training on building codes, as well as electrical, natural gas and fire code regulations. The government intends to have legislation ready by this fall.


NDP housing critic Diane Thorne introduced a private member's bill last spring calling for regulations that prohibit home inspections done without a provincial licence.


"For years, the home inspection industry has called for regulation, but Solicitor General John Les has ignored their concerns," she said.


B.C. home inspectors are currently self-regulating, with two organizations offering voluntary membership and certification. The B.C. branch of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors offers an online course and set of exams that lead to certification. Applicants are allowed to challenge the exams.


The B.C. Institute of Property Inspectors has a volunteer board of examiners from the industry and post-secondary instructors who evaluate applicants' experience and education. To become a certified property inspector, the institute requires house and property inspection courses and a program on the B.C. Building Code offered by B.C. Institute of Technology.


The ministry's consultation paper reviews the approach taken by the professional organizations. It asks whether inspectors should be required to complete certain courses to obtain a licence, or whether those with practical experience but lacking formal academic training should be allowed to write exams to qualify.


The consultation includes a proposed definition of home inspection, a "non-invasive visual examination" of the outside and inside followed by a written report. Inspectors typically use a moisture meter to check for water leaks in the roof and walls, as well as checking structural work, roof condition and wiring.


The government is considering whether to make insurance mandatory for home inspectors, to cover situations where customers claim financial loss over a mistake made by an inspector.


If adopted, the licensing and regulations would be administered by the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority, an independent group that has a contract with the government to oversee designated trades and professions.


The consultation paper is available on the provincial government website at
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/legislation/current.htm along with directions for submitting responses by email or fax.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Was also posted earlier...Cookie

http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthrea...655#post312655

[wblakey]

At least we don't have the homeland security act ...

[Joe Farsetta]

You didnt have one of your financial centers destroyed by terrorists, either...

[George A. H. Luck]

I'm with you on that one Joe.