Current Market Conditions The Real-Estate market in Ontario has seen a recent phenomenon of the home being sold with multiple-bids and selling for astronomically high prices, sometimes 30% over asking. In this frenzied buying atmosphere, buyers are waiving conditions, usually the Home Inspection and often financing clauses. This puts the buyer in a precarious position …
We have had a number of inspectors ask about codes that apply to wires that cross the hot bus in panel-boards and whether or not this should be considered a defect or not. We searched through the codes as well as manufacturer’s installation instructions we could not find anything specific with respect to wires and bus …
Wires running over the bus bars in an Electrical Panel Read More »
Background I recently asked to perform a Tarion 1-Year Warranty Inspection. During the Inspection of the Kitchen, I was met by the Builders Electrician who had been called in to service the Cooker Exhaust Hood. As I was inspecting, I noticed that the island receptacle was less than 1m away from the island sink. As is …
Why a professional trade is not always the best person to ask Read More »
When inspecting a residential property, we are often expected to report on items that are outside of the scope of the Standard of Practice, or that are just impossible to opine on. One of these areas is in the area of the Electrical System. While the standards of practice currently do not require an inspector …
After a protracted set of negotiations between OntarioACHI and the Regulators at the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, the Ministry of Labour and the Electrical Safety Authority, we have finally achieved what we feel is a sensible solution that protects the Consumers and allows qualified Home Inspectors to perform their jobs right. We would …
Inspection Services – Inspecting the Electrical Panel Read More »
OntarioACHI recently had a call from an inspector that was threatened with reporting to the ESA for opening an electrical panel to perform a visual inspection. We contacted the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS), for comment on how, given the fact that our profession is being regulated to protect consumers, then can condone …
Background The market this year (2016) has seen some strange influences with respect to Real-Estate sales. The combination of a widening price gap between entry-level and upgrade homes, the tightening of the lending markets and the restrictions placed upon CMHC covered mortgages has led to a reduced inventory. The combination of all of these things …
Roof Inspection problems for Home Inspectors A number of regulatory and advisory changes have occurred over recent months that have affected the Home Inspection Profession in Ontario. CSA standards, which cover roof inspections in such a way as to leave a massive opening for liability demands that Inspectors pay even closer attention to this area. …
Roof Inspections of a property have always been a topic of concern for Home Inspectors and for their clients. Indeed it is known that a large amount of complaints about Home Inspections come from the inspection of a roof. Viewing from the ground Many Home Inspectors choose to view the roof from the ground, using …
Are you breaking the law when performing a roof inspection? Read More »
