Pre-purchase home inspection in real estate: Better Protection for Buyers and Sellers

Author

Madeleine Bélisle

Organization

Association des consommateurs pour la qualité dans la construction

Published

2012

Summary

In Ontario and Quebec, anyone can offer their services as a building inspector. In fact, with the exceptions of British Columbia and Alberta, there is no legislative framework for this profession anywhere else in Canada. And yet, the courts consider a pre-purchase home inspection a way for the buyer to fulfil his duty of care and diligence in the real estate transaction.

This report presents the results of a study of the sector and the main stakeholders in pre-purchase inspections of small residential buildings (three storeys or less) in Ontario and Quebec. The report aims to answer the following questions:

• How should real estate brokers advise their clients regarding a pre-purchase home inspection?
• How are the various types of home inspectors trained and regulated?
• In what context does an inspection take place?
• What is the case law regarding home inspections?
• What constitutes a good inspection and a good inspection report?
• What are their limitations?
• When an inspection proves deficient, what are the consumer’s remedies?

The ACQC developed a position and recommends a legislative framework for the work of home inspectors in order to help protect consumers.

The ACQC also makes recommendations to regulating bodies for real estate transactions.

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database