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Going out on your own

How to start a home inspection business in Ontario

Home inspectors assess a property's condition for buyers and sellers. Home inspection is one of the most accessible built-environment businesses to start — it is currently unregulated in Ontario — but the recognized, legally protected credential is the RHI (Registered Home Inspector) from OAHI.

Home Inspector at a glance

Credential
RHI — a protected designation from OAHI (home inspection itself is currently unregulated)
Path in
Recognized education → practical training → 150 fee-paid inspections → peer review
Regulated by
Not licensed — OAHI grants the protected RHI designation
Insurance baseline
Professional liability (E&O) — expected by clients and referral sources
Professional body
Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)

The steps to start your practice

  1. 1

    Carry E&O and stand up your inspection business

    There is no licence to obtain — which is exactly why credibility matters. Carry professional liability (E&O) and commercial general liability insurance (referral sources expect it), incorporate, and set up your scheduling, reporting, and accounting.

    Full guide: Insurance
  2. 2

    Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)

    Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.

    Full guide: Incorporation
  3. 3

    Set up your CRA accounts

    Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.

    Full guide: CRA Registration
  4. 4

    Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance

    Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.

    Full guide: Insurance
  5. 5

    Stand up your practice operations

    Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.

    Full guide: Operational Setup

Your launch checklist

The whole page in one list.

  • Carry E&O and stand up your inspection business
  • Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
  • Set up your CRA accounts
  • Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
  • Stand up your practice operations

Let AEC Stack handle the business side

Incorporation, CRA, insurance, and the operations to run a practice, set up so you can focus on the professional work.

Start your practice