HOME INSPECTION LICENSING AND COMPLAINT PROCESSES

How Home Inspectors Can Become Licensed

· As of March 31, 2009, a home inspector will need to be licensed to operate in B.C. To become licensed, home inspectors will need to meet the qualifications of either the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors – BC branch; the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia; or the National Certification Program for Home and Property Inspectors.

· Licensing requirements will involve completing examinations and field experience required by these organizations.

· Licensing information and application forms will be released and posted on the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) website on Feb. 27, 2009, after which the authority will begin accepting applications.

· The application forms will set out what is required for a license.

· Home inspectors will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

· The licence fee is $100, which will be used to cover the BPCPA’s administrative costs.

· Until March 31, 2009, home inspectors who are currently working, but have not met the requirements of a BPCPA-recognized professional association or authority, can apply to the BPCPA to have their experience, knowledge and ability assessed. After completing this assessment the BPCPA may issue a licence. At the end of two years, these “grandfathered” inspectors will be expected to meet the requirements of one of the three recognized groups noted above.

· General information about home inspector licensing is now available on the BPCPA website at www.bpcpa.ca online.

How Consumers Can File a Complaint

· When hiring a home inspector after March 31, 2009, you should ask to see the wallet-sized licence that the BPCPA will have issued to regulated home inspectors.

· If you have a complaint regarding your home inspection, first, talk to your home inspector and see if he or she can address your concerns to your satisfaction.

· If you still have concerns, contact your home inspector’s professional association or authority, which may be able to help you resolve the dispute.

· Next, you can contact the provincial BPCPA for assistance, through its website at www.bpcpa.ca or by calling toll-free 1 888 564-9963.

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Media contact:	Cindy Rose Public Affairs Officer 250 356-6961	Sarah Head BPCPA 604 296-2856

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