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By: Theresa Pugh
Published On: October 23, 2014Are home inspections worth it? When you’re forking out all that money on a place to call your home, maybe it makes sense to cut a few corners, and save four hundred dollars or so, on that home inspection. A penny saved is a penny earned, right? Wrong. In this case, it would be a false economy. According to articles published online, ranging from The Calgary Sun, to The Huffington Post, home inspections are more than worth the money.
Laura Parsons from the Bank of Montreal said: “I personally have saved myself from getting a house with asbestos by doing a home inspection. Asbestos is one of those things that we do not always think of and it is not easily found without a thorough check of the house.”
According to WorkSafeBC, over 20 percent of all fatality claims it accepted between 1994 and 2003 resulted from asbestos exposure. These deaths were attributed to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
So buying a house with asbestos could be a costly – and lethal – move.
Susanne Hudson of Chestnut Park Real Estate, added: “Apart from identifying the possible maintenance problems of a house, a home inspection will also perform a thorough check of all facilities and structure of the house such as furnace, hot water tank, insulation and attic. If the inspector discovers any structural defects, for instance, a crack in the foundation, he should be able to provide his opinion on whether that is a concern or not… it’s worth the time and money to have a thorough home inspection.”
The importance of properly certified home inspectors has become increasingly important to the Province of British Columbia.
As of March 2009, home Inspectors must be licensed to practice in the Province of British Columbia. To get a license as a Home Inspector, inspectors must pass the Canadian Home Inspection Examination run through HIABC (Home Inspector’s Association of BC).
Ashton College offers a comprehensive training program for students who wish to pursue this important career.
Ray Toscani, faculty member for the home inspection course says:
“Our online home inspection courses will provide you with the practical and technical skills and tools to prepare for the Canadian Home Inspection Examination.”
At the end of the day, whether you approach this business of home inspection in the role of consumer or prospective expert, everyone agrees it is critically important to ensure your prospective house is adequately inspected.
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