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HOUSE RULES New national standards for home inspections will benefit consumers, industry says JOEL SCHLESINGER for creb®now
C
algary home inspector Alan Fisher has heard his share of horror stories from homeowners who received less-than-optimal inspections prior to buying their homes. Sadly, he said these tales of domestic woe are largely preventable given most stem from the unfortunate reality that not all home inspectors are equal when it comes to ferreting out potential issues. “There are people out there offering a seven-day course where you write the test and you’re certified,” said Fisher, who owns Calgary-based Integra Home Inspection Services. Inconsistency has been a blemish on the industry for some time because it has lacked a national, or even provincial, code of standards. While home inspectors are sought out by most consumers when purchasing a home to ensure they’re getting what they pay for, the lack of regulation puts those consumers at risk, said Fisher. “The associations that have been practicing with members for the last 20-plus years have good standards that were working pretty well,” he said. “But the problem is there was nothing forcing anybody to use those.” That sets the stage for a new set of national standards created by the CSA Group, formerly known as the Canadian Standards Association. Officially launched this past March, the CSA standards offer a consistent
WIL ANDRUSCHAK/FOR CREB®NOW
set of guidelines for home inspections across Canada, covering the exterior, drainage, heating and plumbing and electrical among other things. “Prior to this, there were a number of home inspection associations with different standards codes,” said CSA corporate affairs manager Allison Hawkins. “Our research found inspections
MLS® NEW LISTINGS* MAY ‘14 – MAY ‘16
MAY14 JUN14 JUL14 AUG14 SEP14 OCT14 NOV14 DEC14 JAN15 FEB15 MAR15 APR15 MAY15 JUN15 JUL15 AUG15 SEP15 OCT15 NOV15 DEC15 JAN16 FEB16 MAR16 APR16 MAY16
1,381
1,491
2,093
2,182
3,219 3,147 3,259 2,919
3,288 2,950 3,136 3,064 3,161 3,122 2,733 3,081 2,678
2,741 2,906 3,227 3,217 3,319
3,817
3,753
4,327
CITY OF CALGARY
varied greatly from one inspector to another and across Canada. These new standards provide consistency to the approach – a minimum standard for a home inspection.” So far, reception to the new rules, which are voluntary, has been warm among some in the industry, including the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
“I firmly believe the standards of practice that CSA has come up with will be good for the industry and consumers,” said Wayne Finley, vice-president of CAHPI’s Alberta branch. That’s an about face for the association, which initially opposed the first draft. In part, their opposition was to the document’s cumbersome nature at 300 pages long.
PROVINCE LOOKING FOR FEEDBACK ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Alan Fisher of Integra Home Inspection Services welcomes the introduction of new national standards.
HOME INSPECTIONS A3
CONTENTS NEWS BRIEFS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 WEEKLY FEED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 EVENT LISTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6
CREB® STAFF
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lberta’s Ministry of Seniors and Housing is seeking public and stakeholder input on a provincial affordable housing strategy. Albertans can offer feedback that will help define how housing is delivered, what services and supports are needed and what expectations should be met for affordable housing across the province.
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity. Includes detached, attached and apartment.
PROVINCIAL A3
MLS® STATISTICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 May 2016
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 OPEN HOUSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B19 @crebnow
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Gizella Davis 403-680-9093
k Windsor Par
$1,295,000 #207 5555 ELBOW DR SW
Impeccable villa backing onto the Calgary Golf and Country Club in the private gated community of Country Club Estates. Entertainment sized living room offers infinite adaptability to any decor or colour scheme. Form & function combine to create a custom kitchen with plenty of room to work, stylish cabinets, large island and bold colour scheme make this room a show piece. MLS®C4043973
Patterson
$695,000 5542 PATINA DR SW
Wonderful 4 bedroom walkout bungalow backing onto a gorgeous treed ravine. Open concept living space. Upon entering you find the gracious living and dining room area which then leads you to the bright open kitchen with casual eating area. Plenty of cupboard and counter space, corner pantry, breakfast bar, skylights, and large windows offering spectacular views of the ravine. MLS®C4056886
Varsity
$1,098,000 90 VARSITY ESTATES CL NW
A remarkable 5 bedroom home. Upon entering, your eye is drawn to the beautiful curved staircase leading to the 4 upper bedrooms and loft area. The main floor hosts formal living and dining room, separate den, beautiful oak kitchen with granite counters and large island, a breakfast nook area, access to the rear deck and yard and adjacent family room with bar and fireplace. MLS®C4065864
gizella@gizelladavis.com www.gizelladavis.com