market for inspectors Buyers Beware! Never is this age-old warn- ing so critical as when buying a ‘home, the most expensive purchase most of us ever make. In brand new housing, potential problems may nor have had time to be exposed, and with recycled homes, overlooking the results of poor maintenance by previ- Ous owners can cost unwary home buyers thousands of dollars. Legal requirements for real estate property disclosure Statements have created a boom in consumer demand for pre-purchase | home inspec- tions. According “to Dobney, feeding past presi- dent of the B.C.:Chapter of ‘the Canadian: Association of Heme Inspectors (CAHIBC), “In the last 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in numbers of homes being inspected. More : consumers are becoming aware that spe- cialized technical knowledge ‘is essential to. protect. both buyers “and sellers,” said Dobney, ‘He points our. that i in B.C., an- average Kome inspection can cost anywhere from$250 and up, depending on the “size, age and geographical location of a house. “i He says “It's a wise invest- ment when you consider that “* pre-purchase. inspections a allow. People to. make vitally James , important decisions with their eves wide open.” B.C.'s home and building inspection profession has been growing rapidly during the Jast_ decade. Interest in the field has been especially noticeable as formerly secure jobs have disappeared duc to corporate downsizing. Many inspectors are get- ting professional certification through the CAHIBC. Office Manager Marj Dickey reports that while there are 22 Registered Home Inspectors (RHIs) in the Greater Vancouver Vancouver ‘area, the rest of the province has only 12 RHI's. Dobney states "Although CAHIBC's membership is growing cach year, there is still a need for more qualified home ‘inspectors, especially outside the Lower Mainland. Our profession is a natural progression for people involved in construction ~ trades, engineering and relat- ed fields, but it also appeals to anyone interested in buildings and their components. Clayton, Dobney & Associates has prepared many B.C. home inspectors to pass CAHI's accreditation exams. It now offers an innovative new home study course devel- oped by Carson, Dunlop and Associates, one of North America's most successfill home inspection firms and industry trainers. . -Students working, with the program receive professional home inspector training at their own pace —~ na need to quit a job er cut back on paid work hours, budget for travel and accommodanion expenses of sacrifice time away from home while studying. “I feel confident about recommending this course followed by subsequent field training with fully experienced professional inspectors.” says Dobnev. “Students appreciate the fact that when they need tech- nical support, it’s readily avail- able on a toll free telephone number — it's the most uncomplicated way I know of to get first class professional home inspector training.” Dobncey notes that finan- cial assistance-for tuition fees may be available fromgovern- ment retraining programs: Human Resources. Develen- ment Canada provides federal funds for Empioyment Insursnce recipients and B.C.’s Department — of Education Skills and Training over- sees pravincially funded retraining programmes. General information about the home inspection industry is available from: CAHIBC at 1-800-610-5665 or 250-548- 3414. To learn more about home inspector courses and field training, Clayton, Dobney & Associates can be reached at 1-800-558-8158 or in the Vancouver area, 604-250- 4006. TATT 671-0271 ‘Lot ‘9i20: 77x. 187. This parktike property located in the heart of Lynn Valley white still enjoys fotal privacy. 3 “This split level home offers 4 bdirs, 3 baths; (master with ensuite), hardwood floor ir: UR, bdrms. Renovated i modem kitchen & dining | toom are spacious & bright with sliaing door waking out to the huge beautiful back- # d, You must come in to see this frome. Call today. for viewing JUDY, 671-0271. ——— | 240-1316 cell. 267-3800 3163 TENNYSON CRES. 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