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New home buyers issues warning to others

When Raven Grauman was buying her home she performed her due diligence and hired a local home inspector, but now she is warning other potential home buyers to know what they’re getting for their money and to take every step possible to be there for the home inspection itself.

When Raven Grauman was buying her home in Prince Rupert she performed her due diligence and hired a local home inspector, but now she is warning other potential home buyers to know what they’re getting for their money and to take every step possible to be there for the home inspection itself.

“I found a house I wanted and asked the realtor who would be good. She suggested this person, but also said if I knew a plumber or carpenter or electrician who could look they might be more knowledgeable about the specifics. I was supposed to meet the home inspector at three p.m., but when I got there at three he had already done the inspection,” she said.

“He didn’t turn on the water at all as part of the inspection and when I asked him about that he said it wasn’t his responsibility. The result was that when we turned on the water there were two large leaks that I am now responsible for.”

The home inspection cost $425 and repairs as a results of the damage were about $500.

And while it may seem odd that a home inspector wouldn’t turn on the water, the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics does indicate that running water through the pipes isn’t a requirement of a home inspection. According to the document, “the inspector shall inspect the interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets,” but “is not required to operate any system or component which is otherwise shut down or inoperable” nor operate “shut off valves”.  Executive director of CAHPI BC Helene Barton says that it’s not something required and whether it is done or not varies.

“In my mind most would do it anyway, because certainly they do check the waterlines in the bathroom and the kitchen. The standards and practices are minimal, and it is up to the individual how comfortable they are going beyond that,” she said, noting that the home inspector in question is not registered with the association.

“When it’s not someone who is part of our association it is difficult to comment.”

That the water wasn’t turned on was noted in the report, something Barton says should cover the inspector.