Quasi home inspectors that are poorly trained and educated…

Here is a post by Vancouver, B.C. building inspector Lloyd Lucas, in reply to our article by “Jiggs“, How Shallow an Actual Home Inspection Really Is.

“You hit the nail dead center!! I have been practicing as a Building Consultant and Home Inspector since 1992. Over the years I have experienced a growth rate that is very unsettling to say the least. When I started doing home inspections in 1992, there were only 14 home inspection companies in the Vancouver, B.C. area. Fast forward to 2014 and there are over 500. The standard per-purchase inspection averages $400 for the purchasers of the dwelling. This is based on the lower end of the POORLY SKILLED and POORLY TRAINED home inspector. The majority of people who come into this business DO NOT do any market research. I did in 1992. An individual seeking a career in the home inspection field requires the following:

* Sound knowledge of residential construction

* A clear understanding of (an inspector’s) role and RESPONSIBILITIES to the client

* Adequate knowledge and education to provide the inspection service and…

* To be PROFESSIONAL.

I have found over the years of my academic training and experience as a consultant/home inspector that this is what it takes to be efficient and competent to offer your services to clients. I have found many quasi home inspectors that are poorly trained and educated and offer the (low) level of service you have outlined in your article.

They hide behind the veil of contracts in the hopes this will mask and protect them from their responsibilities and duty of care to the client. This is completely unacceptable in my professional opinion.”

Lloyd E. Lucas, AScT, CPI
Licensed Home Inspector # 57747 BC
Emerald Inspection & Consulting Services Ltd.