INSPECT the Inspector # 3
Posted January 20th, 2008 in Real Estate, Sharing the Experience | 
Eye Opener
The previous two Inspect the Inspector posts One and Two presented some contentious issues surrounding home inspections.
Rot to Pot
Even with training and experience many may be not be able to tell if a home was a grow-op. To the uninitiated it may be impossible. Similarly,
knowledge of structural and mechanical issues require similar experience.
The governments presumption that every buyer is capable of immediately recognizing mold, wood rot, electrical issues, or heating and plumbing problems is ridiculous.
As a silly premise it would be then fair to suggest that buyers should take ownership and educate themselves in all aspects of structural, mechanical and electrical engineering? That being the case we should also take ownership of our health and become our own doctors.
Neither of these make fundamental sense. We are specialists and as such we rely on other specialists to assist us in our decision making.
I don’t think it would be asking too much to have regulations and standards applied to those who inspect our largest financial purchase.
Regulations – Flip Flop
It’s been two years since this video. Seeking to find any change since these videos were aired, it is without prejudice that I conclude that no changes in the governments position of ensuring regulations on this issue that protect the consumer and environment has taken place? I know, what have they been doing? If you have updated knowledge surrounding this issue please let me know.
Good Guys – Bad Guys
As with any profession there are good guys and bad guys. Be it real estate agents or inspectors, there exists those that operate at a level that is unacceptable to many. How do you find the good guys.
Research local information on inspectors, ask for and get written referrals. Remember, just because they belong to some type of a association will do little for you as a consumer.
Background
In 2006 Global TV completed a three part series of shows on Home Inspectors. This is the second part of that series.
Have you got an good inspector story? Have you got a horror story. Share and vent.
Got a Vancouver Real Estate question? I’ll do my best to answer it. Reach me via the contact page above.
Larry
In the US – several states have taken measures to regulate the home inspection industry, but many are left in the dark (like Florida).
You are not alone and unfortunately, some Realtors work with home inspectors that work on their best interest and not the consumers……so “buyer beware” – you need to make sure you TRUST your Realtor as well.
Ines:
I look forward to our province establishing a inspection industry standards. I will have to check out a couple of states to see how they have formulated their standards and what qualifications they have set in order to meet them.