PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING DAY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025

DEFECT RECOGNITION 101
9:00am - 12:00pm (3 MRCs)
Add-on Fee: $100.00

Speaker: AIden E. Gibson, RHI, ACI, NCH, Inspections by Gibson

As professional Home Inspectors we are constantly looking for the key Deficiencies in the homes we inspect.  Being able to identify the most basic and important Defects is imperative. To describe and clearly report to our clients the Who, What, Where, When and Why is a crucial and key component of our jobs as home inspectors. This condensed Defect Recognition session will outline and help inspectors, both new and veteran, to identify the top 10 Deficiencies found by home inspectors from across Canada.  The list will include items relating to plumbing, roofing, electrical, heating and cooling, structure and the exterior and interior components of the average Canadian residential home. New Home Inspections will also be addressed. 

BUILDING BETTER: NAIMA CANADA INSULATION & AIR SEALING ESSENTIALS
9:00am - 12:00pm (3 MRCs)
Add-on Fee: $100.00

Speaker: Andy Cockburn, Senior Director of Education and Impact, NAIMA Canada

Understanding insulation and air sealing is critical for identifying energy efficiency opportunities, spotting potential issues, and communicating value to clients. In this 3-hour interactive session, Andy Cockburn, Senior Director of Education and Impact at NAIMA Canada, will walk you through the key components of high-performance building envelopes, drawing from NAIMA Canada’s national flagship training program.

Tailored for property and home inspectors, this session will enhance your knowledge of:

• Modern insulation practices,
• Energy retrofit and renovation,
• Common installation errors, and
• How insulation and air sealing contribute to building durability, occupant comfort, and energy performance.

This interactive session will include access to NAIMA Canada resources and training.

SEPTIC INSPECTIONS: TOP TO BOTTOM REVIEW
1:00pm - 4:00pm (3 MRCs)
Add-on Fee: $100.00

Speaker: Sarah Orendt, Licensed Septic Installer, Licensed Well Technician, Registered Home Inspector, Sarah’s Home Inspections Inc.

Unlock the essential knowledge you need to understand, maintain, and inspect septic systems in this comprehensive course. From the basics of septic system operation to advanced treatment methods and regulatory frameworks, this session is designed to provide valuable insights for professionals and homeowners alike.

Engage with real-world case studies to explore common septic issues and their solutions, and learn how to navigate permits, regulations, and the inspection process. This course will equip you with the tools and expertise to confidently interpret inspection findings and recommend effective actions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Septic system fundamentals and maintenance
• Advanced treatment units and upkeep
• Understanding permits and regulations
• Septic system inspection procedures: Identifying issues and interpreting findings
• Best practices for proper system care
• Real-world case studies for practical insight
• Interactive Q&A session to clarify your queries

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your septic system knowledge and skills!

ANCILLARY SERVICES: BECAUSE YOUR HOME INSPECTION DESERVES A SIDEKICK!
1:00pm - 4:00pm (3 MRCs)
Add-on Fee: $100.00

Speaker: Panos Loucaides, Registered Home Inspector / Certified Master Inspector, Director of Business Operations, Inspection Services Group Inc.

Unlock your potential and elevate your home inspection business by adding ancillary services to your repertoire. This 3-hour session covers everything you need to know to thrive, from understanding your business model to mastering hands-on technical skills. Whether you’re looking to refine your business model or expand your technical expertise, this course provides the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience you need to succeed. Topics covered will include:

1: Understanding Your Business Model: Gain insights into full-time vs. part-time inspector roles and revenue growth strategies. Participate in group discussions to assess your business and set achievable income goals.
2: The Profit and Loss Reality: Dive deep into the financial aspects of your business with a focused lecture and worksheet exercises that help you calculate potential profits based on your pricing structure.
3: Add-On Services & Hands-On Technical Training: Learn about valuable add-ons like radon, air quality, mold testing, and pool inspections. Through expert demonstrations and hands-on practice, you'll sharpen your skills in these critical areas, boosting your service offerings and expanding your revenue potential.
4: Investing in Growth: Understand the importance of investing in your business, from training and certifications to equipment. Ask questions during our interactive Q&A session and gain clarity on the best growth strategies.
5: Marketing & Pricing Strategy: Discover effective marketing tactics for your add-on services. Create a personalized sales pitch for one of your services and learn how to present it to clients confidently.

CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16

9:00 - 10:30 AM
Ambrosia Ballroom

Opening Keynote:
Adam Shoalts, Ph.D., Professional Adventurer and Westaway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Is he a home inspector? No. Would he know the difference between aluminum and copper wiring or what do about it? Maybe not. But does he have relevant content to support both your personal and professional journeys through life? YES!!
The purpose of an Opening Keynote is to set the stage for a successful conference. A keynote should inspire you, motivate you, and prepare you for a weekend of intense learning. Adam's core message is how to tackle any problem, overcome any challenge, and turn a negative into a positive with the right mindset. It resonates with just about every diverse group imaginable regardless of what field they work in, and leaves people feeling ready to tackle whatever challenge they face.
Find out more about Adam here. 

11:00 - 12:00 PM
Macintosh Room

Electrical for New Home Inspectors

Kelly Baziuk, C.E.T., RHI, NCH, Owner/Chief Inspector, Welcome Home Inspection Services

Designed specifically for newer home inspectors, this presentation offers a practical introduction to inspecting residential electrical systems. You'll learn what to look for during an electrical inspection and how it aligns with the CAHPI Standards of Practice. Through clear explanations and real-world photos of common electrical defects, this session will help build your confidence and sharpen your on-site inspection skills. A must-attend for anyone looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge in home electrical systems!

11:00 - 12:00 PM
Algonquin Room

Topic TBC

Session description coming soon!

1:00 - 2:15 PM
Ambrosia Ballroom

Engineered Lumber: I-Joists, LVLs, and the Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Graham Clarke, M.Sc., P.Eng., RHI, Consulting Engineer, Clarke Engineering

Engineered wood products like I-joists, LVL, and rim boards are revolutionizing framing—but they aren’t foolproof. This session takes a field-first approach to understanding these materials, focusing on what can go wrong and how to spot it. Using real-world photos, case studies, and manufacturer guidelines, we’ll explore defects that matter—from notches and holes to misaligned supports and field modifications. Whether you're inspecting new builds or renovations, this session will sharpen your eye and improve your reporting on structural performance.

Key goals for this session:

• Recognize common engineered lumber products
• Understand how engineered lumber differs from dimensional lumber
• Identify typical installation and field modification issues
• Know when to call for further evaluation

2:30 - 3:45 PM
Ambrosia Ballroom

From Incident to Resolution: Navigating Home Inspector Insurance Claims

Kim Smith, Senior Commercial Producer, HUB International
Chris McDonald, Vice President, Specialty Lines, Canada East (Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada), Markel Canada

Join us for an eye-opening insurance panel featuring experts from HUB International and Markel Insurance Company as we dive into what really happens when a claim is filed. From the first notice to final resolution, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the claims process and what it means for you as a home inspector.
Referencing real life insurance claims, we’ll unpack the latest claim trends, highlight common pitfalls, and set realistic expectations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field, this session offers essential insights to help you protect your business and respond with confidence.

4:00 - 5:00 PM
Macintosh Room

Flood Risk Assessment at the Level of the Community

Kathryn Bakos, MEB, B.Sc. (Hons)., Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo

Flooding isn’t just a property-level issue — it’s a growing community-wide concern, and home inspectors are uniquely positioned to help clients understand the bigger picture. In this session, Kathryn will explore how inspectors can assess and communicate flood risk beyond the individual home, incorporating key community-level factors into their evaluations.
With over 1.5 million homes in Canada currently ineligible for flood insurance and lenders like Desjardins pulling back from high-risk areas, understanding flood vulnerability is becoming essential knowledge for buyers and inspectors alike. Kathryn will walk attendees through practical, actionable considerations they can bring to clients — empowering inspectors to add greater value and insight during the home buying process.

4:00 - 5:00 PM
Algonquin Room

Topic TBC

9:00 - 10:30 AM
Ambrosia Ballroom

Wall Hung Boilers and Water Heaters

Alan Carson, President, Carson Dunlop

Hot water is making a comeback in North America. Radiant floor heating and domestic hot water are leading the way. These are not your Daddy’s boilers! They are compact, efficient, and complicated. And they have a lot of pumps, some of them counterintuitive.

In this session, we’ll look at how they are supposed to work, why they sometimes don’t, and what to watch for.

11:00 - 12:00 PM
Macintosh Room

Soaring Safely: Drone Essentials for Home Inspectors

Brad Nesbitt, Founder/ Owner, Advanced RPAS Drone Pilot & Flight Reviewer, realdrone

Drones have become invaluable tools for home inspectors, offering safe, efficient access to roofs, gutters, chimneys, and aerial views. But flying drones for inspection purposes involves more than just great photos—it requires understanding the tools, the tech, and the regulations.
Join us for an in-depth session tailored specifically for home inspectors looking to enhance or refine their drone operations. We’ll cover key topics including:

• Choosing the right drone: sub-250g vs 250g–25kg
• Collision avoidance: forward-facing vs full 360° systems
• Licensing and certification requirements
• Navigating airspace and municipal restrictions
• Weather and safety considerations
• Lithium-ion battery handling and safety
• Legal aspects of takeoff and landing on private property
• Recommended training and courses to get certified and stay compliant

Whether you're new to drone inspections or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will give you the tools and confidence to fly smarter and safer.

11:00 - 12:00 PM
Algonquin Room

Leveling Up: A Home Inspector’s Guide to Commercial Property Assessments

Richard Weldon, President, CDW Engineering

This presentation provides attendees a view into the lucrative world of commercial building inspections. Most home inspectors are already doing some commercial inspections but may not have the confidence to jump in with both feet. The presentation will highlight some of the differences between home inspections and commercial inspections, performed to the ASTM E2018 Standard for Property Condition Assessments. The focus of the presentation will be on how commercial clients are different, how the scope of work is different, and working with a TEAM of specialists. This presentation will provide a good foundation to build on, in a home inspectors’ evolution into commercial property condition assessments.

1:00 - 3:00 PM
Ambrosia Ballroom

Closing Plenary Panel - Topic TBC

Session description coming soon!