National Home Warranty claims to be exempt from BC's Home Inspector Licensing, according to this TV report by CBC News: Homeowners out thousands despite warranty
National Home Warranty spokesperson Kimberly Flood explained that the company's inspectors don't require licenses. "Different kinds of inspectors require different qualifications," Flood said in an email: "Inspectors who are not responsible for policing and certifying a contractor's work during construction are actually not required to have certification."
Consumer Advocacy and Support for Homeowners (CASH Society) President, Lorelei Quiding, responded, “In the name of consumer protection, surely the opinion of anyone other than a licensed home inspector or a professional engineer should not be allowed to disqualify the warranty claim of a homeowner,” and questioned, “How could warranty companies possibly think they are entitled to immunity from this legislation?”
Well, I’ve been looking on the Consumer Protection BC website (click banner above) and haven’t found any loopholes yet that might perhaps give National Home Warranty a "get-out-of-jail-free-card"!
The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act through the Home Inspector Licensing Regulation, clearly defines “home inspection” and “home inspector”, verbatim as follows:
“home inspection” means an opinion as to the condition of a residential dwelling or property based on a visual examination of readily accessible features and components of the dwelling or property.
“home inspector” means a person who engages in the business or occupation of home inspection.
In response to requests from the industry and consumers the Regulation came into effect on April 1 2009.
Given only a minimal protection from the HPO, does this Regulation now protect homeowners from unlicensed individuals, or were we sold a bill of goods - an "April Fools" joke?
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