Housechek
Ltd.
HOME INSPECTION SERVICE
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About the ...
Housechek was founded by James Christie in March of 1992, through a learned knowledge that the real estate market climate predominantly favours the seller rather than the people taking the risk, the buyers.
Since 1992, Housechek has provided various types of building and pre-purchase home inspections to the standards of the Ontario Building Code, the Plumbing Code, and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Housechek also provides dispute resolution services between new homebuyers and builders, and Tarion Corporation. In 1998, Housechek took Tarion, (formerly the Ontario New Home Warranty Program) to the Commercial Registration Appeal Tribunal on behalf of a client, resulting in the reversal of a denied claim dating back to 1988. Housechek continues to pursue improvements toward better consumer protection.
A home inspector since March of 1992, James (Jim) Christie quickly developed a phrase that sums up the real estate industry. "The home inspector, is most often, the only guy who is actually looking out for the best interests of the poor schlep buying the house."
Sadly, this still holds true today.
Jim began in the construction industry in 1983. By 1985, Jim owned his own construction company. By 1991, Jim had completed several design/build commercial and residential projects that included hands-on experience in all areas of construction.
Included in Jim's abilities are backhoe and bulldozer operator, septic system designer and installer, carpenter, block layer, brick layer, roofer, electrician, plumber, drywall installer/taper, finish carpenter, cabinet maker, and painter.
Jim quickly realized that the value of knowing how to complete work to trade standards will greatly facilitate hiring quality trades as well as helping prevent getting ripped off.
In 1989, Jim used the same construction ideology, and took the courses to become a licensed real estate sales representative. While Jim does not actively work as a real estate agent, he maintains his real estate license, and uses its knowledge base to better enable him to perform home inspections to the highest standards.
Almost 16 years as a home inspector has proven that lack of regulation and licensing of home inspector's in Ontario is a major problem. While Jim is not an advocate of government intervention, he is aware that a uniform regulated standard for the home inspection industry is greatly required.
Experience has given Jim a dim view of both municipal building departments and Tarion. The currently system openly favours builders and neglects the consumer. Jim is of the opinion that the consumer has become a voiceless, second class citizen to big business and greed.
In return, Housechek has been rewarded with substantial praise from its customers, as well as ridicule from Tarion, builders, and disgruntled home sellers. Jim considers unhappy builders and home sellers is a good indication that he is doing his job to assist the homebuyer, to the best of his abilities.
Jim's use of humour on inspections is most definitely a trademark. A balance of humour typically sets defining moments and eases the stress that home buyers are under during the inspection process. Humour keeps people fresh, alert, and more willing to learn.
James Christie understands that the information provided to a buyer during a home inspection is extensive and fast paced. Above all else, Jim is cognizant that home buyers need an inspector who genuinely places the home buyers interests above all others.