Ontario tightens home inspector qualifications

Ontario home inspectors will now have to have minimum qualifications to work in the trade starting in Fall 2012. Until recently, Alberta and British Columbia were the only provinces that required home inspectors to be licensed. The province will now work with the home inspection industry to establish minimum qualifications that would increase transparency, establish a minimum level of training, improve consistency in home inspections and enhance consumer protection.

To become a certified national home inspector, a candidate must write a qualification exam. Based on the results of this exam and a background review, the candidate will be advised of what, if any, further education is required. He or she will also be subject to a review of previously completed home inspections and supervised field work, and receive mentoring.

Alf Pauls is a member of International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Inc.  For more information about Alf Paul and his business, check out his website at http://www.trueviewservices.ca. No matter which type of Home Inspection services you require, you can be assured that True View Services will provide you with a complete, detailed and professional Inspection.

Home Inspection Services and Pricing

Buying a house is a very exciting part of life. In general, this is one of the largest purchases we will make in our life. It is important to know as much as possible about the overall condition of the home so that you can make an informed decision. At True View Services, we are committed to providing independent and reliable advice to give you piece of mind regarding your purchase. We will educate you on the condition of the house from top to bottom.

We have two home inspection packages:

• Standard Package start at $350
• Superior Package start at $385 

During the inspection, we examine the following systems & components of the property:

• Roofing
• Exterior
• Structure
• Electrical
• Heating
• Air Conditioning
• Insulation
• Plumbing
• Interior

We will also:

• Point out any minor concerns that we may find
• Prioritize any repair work needed
• Highlight important maintenance items
• And assist you in making informed decisions

Following the home inspection, we will provide you with a comprehensive, computer generated report complimented with photos of any deficiencies noted. Your personalized report is available in printed or electronic format and you will be issued a 100-day inspection warranty. Contact Us or fill out Online Booking form for immediate respond. For further information on pricing, please contact us.

True View Services is currently conducting home inspections in Southern Ontario in the following cities:

• Kitchener
• Waterloo
• Cambridge
• Guelph
• Hamilton
• Milton
• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Brantford
• Fergus
• Elmira
• Stratford
• Mitchell
• St. Marys
• Paris
• Ayr
• New Hamburg
• Woodstock
• Listowel
• Arthur
• Baden
• Breslau
• Elora
• Rockwood
• St. Jacobs
• Wellesley
• New Dundee
• Acton
• Innerkip
• Erin
• Dundas
• Tavistock
• Halton Hills

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate My Kitchen

If you are looking for the best bang for your renovation dollar, kitchens and bathrooms are still considered to be the projects with the highest potential to add or maintain value in a home.

However you may find that fresh coat of paint and some minor repairs may not be enough to transform and update an out-of-date kitchen. You may find that renovating a kitchen can be one of the more expensive projects a homeowner will undertake.

Before taking on kitchen renovation project, you may want to consider the length of time you expect to stay in your house.

How much will it cost?
Kitchen renovations can cost you ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for a cosmetic facelift with no new cabinets, plumbing or electrical changes. You may look to spend at least $10,000 if you choose new low-end cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring, paint, and some minor structural changes.

However, the sky is the limit when it comes to a new kitchen and you can expect to pay $20,000 and up for high quality cabinets, custom work and many upgrades.  


Tips for low cost kitchen makeovers
If your budget is tight and smaller projects are what you’re aiming for, here are a few ideas:

1. Resurface or repaint old cupboard. Paint is inexpensive and can transform wooden cupboards in a matter of hours. 
2. Use more glass: Replace a few cabinets with glass ones. Glass and mirrors in a room add the illusion of more space.
3. Change your hardware: Adding new cabinet and drawer handles can change the look of a kitchen! With the many choices in colours, size and style of drawer knobs and handles, there are many ways and options you can apply to change the look of your kitchen in quickest way

If you plan to completely remodel the kitchen, we recommend that you leave the jobs in the hands of an expert who can do the work quickly and professionally. Have a plan in hand and get a quote or two from any local contractors in your areas.

At True View Services, we can help you with any of your home renovation projects. there is no project too big or too small. We are proud to offer services for special needs and handicapped accessibility. Upon completion of each renovation you will be given a complete report including photos showing all aspects of the renovation.

Home Inspection - 5 Questions

Many home buyers ponder whether or not a home inspection is necessary when it comes time to buy a home. Even when a home is brand-spanking new, a home inspection should be a part of the home buying experience.

The following are some home inspection questions that readers sent in regarding home inspections in Canada.

1. What will a home inspection reveal?

A home inspection will reveal the following:

• serious problems (repairs in excess of $1,500)
• replacement and repair needs
• life expectancy of major components
• safety information

2. How much does a home inspection cost?
 It is best for you to shop around, as home inspection costs tend to differ greatly.
Some real estate inspection service providers charge by:

• Square foot
• Cost of the house being inspected (rates sometimes go as high as 2%)
• The hour (some charge upwards of $100 per hour)

3. How long does a home inspection take?

The time is takes to conduct a home inspection depends on the size and even condition of a home.
Some home inspection can be completed in less than 2 hours, while others may take upwards of 6 hours. What matters most is that the inspection is thorough.

4. Are home inspections guaranteed?
It is important to note that home inspections are not intended to provide guarantees or warranties. Some companies will offer to refund your money if their home inspector misses something, but that is certainly not a situation you want to find yourself in at any point.

Make sure you find a qualified home inspector – ask for references and professional qualifications.

5. Where can I find a qualified home inspector in Canada?
To find an inspector near you in Canada, visit CAHPI.ca and CanNACHI.org