No they are not! The government of Ontario has not put in place legislation for licensing home inspectors. That means that unqualified people can easily promote themselves as home inspectors!! So what should you look for... experience, experience, experience
A visual inspection of all the readily accessible components of the house.
The home inspector will explain and direct you to the most important concerns that your insurance provider will want to know.
Absolutely not, they should provide you with all the detailed information needed to make a decision on the house.
The price depends on the home you're buying. Many factors will contribute to the price of a home inspection...age, square footage, number of levels, usage (duplex/triplex), out buildings, etc.
Inspecting a home is a complex process that requires extensive knowledge of many systems and a great deal of experience. When searching for a qualified home inspector look for someone who is reputable and has at least 5 years of practical experience.
Peace of mind.
A comprehensive document of all the details discussed during the visual inspection. It outlines the concerns, and time needed to conduct any repairs.
Systems that are old and will need upgrading to satisfy your insurance provider. Environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead and mold. Safety hazards which can result in personal injury (electrical, stairs, smoke & CO alarms, etc)
Yes an experienced home inspector will tell you how old the furnace is and how long it typically lasts.