Why Chose a Registered Home Inspector, (RHI) or National Certificate Holder?

There is no government licensing for home inspectors in Ontario. Anyone can print a business card and get into the business.

There are people in the business with little or no training or meaningful certification claiming to be qualified to do home inspections. There is also a huge difference between home inspection organizations and certification.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recognizes members of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) to be the only home inspector groups with education, special training, experience and report writing skills required to help a buyer make an informed purchase decision. The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) comes under the umbrella of CAHPI, the “parent” organization – which provides oversight to its members. It is also the only home inspection organization referred to by the Ontario Real Estate Association. CAHPI/OAHI members are the only group recognized by Brookfield Relocation Company, Canada’s Relocation Company for military and other government employees.

It takes several years of commitment to the industry to attain the required education and training to become a member of CAHPI/OAHI. The highest designation one can receive is a Registered Home Inspector (RHI). To become a Registered Home Inspector, members must prove they have completed the required baseline education courses, have technical background in the building field, have completed hundreds of actual client paid home inspections, had their reports verified and have passed their test inspections by an independent committee of experts.

Members must also have their education upgraded on a regular basis much like realtors. CAHPI/OAHI insists its members attain at least 20 continuing education units (CEU’s) per year as part of maintaining membership.

Members in good standing must abide by a strict code of ethics, adhere to specific standards of practice, upgrade their education yearly, and prove it. CAHPI/OAHI members must have errors and omissions insurance or inform their clients in writing that they do not carry insurance.