Realtors

Is Your Home Inspector Blind?

According to the Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers (FREA), British Columbia has the highest home inspection litigation in all of Canada. Over the past couple of years the cost of Error and Ommissions insurance has more than doubled costing home inspectors anywhere from $3800 to $6000 per year for coverage. As a direct result, the cost of a home inspection has gone up considerably. Currently in British Columbia there isn't any legislation or licensing in place to oversee the home inspection industry. As a result, almost anyone can put a sign on their vehicle and conduct business as a home inspector. The average consumer wouldn't even know the difference. There is little information available to consumers who want to have a home inspected. Some look to the Yellow Pages for a referral. Some ask a family member or friend. But most referrals come from their local real estate professional.

As a real estate professional you provide your client with an array of pamphlets left in your office. Sometimes you will refer a specific home inspector, but most often you will let your client choose from the array of pamphlets. Based on little more than a colorful pamphlet your client makes their decision and the inspection appointment is made. But what do your clients really know about the home inspector they've just hired? Fraser Valley Home Inspections carries Commercial General Liability Insurance, Error's and Ommission's Insurance and is Bonded. Your client's interests are completely protected as are yours. Fraser Valley Home Inspections has an "Agent Held Harmless" clause in their inspection contract that eliminates the referring realtor from any liability should a lawsuit arise out of negligence. By assuming responsibility for their actions, Fraser Valley Home Inspections takes the guesswork out of which inspection company you should recommend to your clients.

C. Brett Bernier of Fraser Valley Home Inspections is a National Certificate Holder and a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. He holds his B.C.T.Q. Certification in Carpentry, WETTBC and IAQ Certification, and brings to the industry over 20 years experience in residential construction. Brett is currently the President of the Fraser Valley NACHI Chapter and provides training and information seminars to local real estate offices and the general public. To book a training or information seminar, please contact our office.