SCHEDULE CHANGE:
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE 2025 CAHPI EXHIBITOR RECEPTION HAS BEEN
MOVED FROM SATURDAY, NOV. 15th (5pm – 7pm) to FRIDAY, NOV. 14th (5pm – 7pm).
This adjustment is designed to enhance engagement, networking, and overall conference value for both attendees and exhibitors.
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
FULL COURSE OUTLINE AVAILABLE HERE
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
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
FULL COURSE OUTLINE AVAILABLE HERE
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.
*NEW TIME* CAHPI EXHIBITOR RECEPTION
5:00pm - 7:00pm
FREE for all Conference registrants
Don’t Miss the 2025 CAHPI Exhibitor Reception!
Join us Friday evening for one of the most popular networking events of the CAHPI National Conference! Meet our incredible exhibitors, discover the latest tools and technologies in home inspection, and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed, social setting. Enjoy refreshments, great conversations, and the chance to win exciting prizes—all while supporting the partners who help make our industry stronger.
CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH
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
Power Up Your Knowledge: Inspecting Generac Backup Generator Systems
Adam Wachtel, Master Electrician Lic # 6000985, President, Platinum Electrical Contractors Inc.
In an age of increasing power outages and extreme weather events, more homeowners are turning to standby generators for peace of mind. But how prepared are you to evaluate these systems during a home inspection? Join us for a specialized educational session focused on Generac residential backup generators, one of the most commonly installed systems in Canada and the U.S. This session is designed specifically for home and property inspectors who want to expand their knowledge and confidently assess the condition and safety of these systems.
What You’ll Learn:
- A basic overview of how Generac generators operate including the main components of the system (standby vs. portable, transfer switch functionality)
- Key components to identify during an inspection
- Signs of wear, improper installation, or maintenance issues
- Common installation errors and red flags, including the most common reasons for denied warranty claims
- Safety considerations and what’s outside your scope
- How to clearly document generator observations in your inspection report
Whether you're seeing more generators in newer homes or dealing with retrofits in rural properties, this session gives you the tools to speak confidently and report responsibly.
PLENARY SESSIONS:
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.
SPONSOR SESSIONS:
1:00 - 2:15 PM
Macintosh Room
SPONSOR SESSION: From Operator to Owner: How a Franchise Helps You Work On Your Business, Not In It
Ahmed Awan, Vice President Education & CD Franchise Division, Carson Dunlop
1:00 - 3:45 PM
Algonquin Room
SPONSOR SESSION: Inspecting Solar System with Confidence
Cory Vanderpool, Founder, SPRK Technologies
30% of solar inspections uncover significant issues that home buyers deserve to know about and now inspectors can provide a higher level of service and value to clients by ensuring they don't inherit solar problems. This 2-hour course built for home inspectors is packed with the foundational knowledge and field-ready skills required to visually inspect residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Participants will learn how solar systems work, the components involved, and how to identify installation defects and safety issues during a home inspection. This class equips attendees to confidently assess system condition, identify visible risks, and understand system ownership types without needing to be licensed electricians. The course includes a walkthrough of a real solar inspection report to reinforce concepts through applied learning.
This course helps inspectors:
- Clarify solar ownership methods and how they can impact their clients
- Identify key components of residential solar systems
- Provide the solar insights home inspectors will need to inspect solar systems
- Define and clarify the common defects and failures inspectors will encounter inspecting solar
- Provide inspectors with comments they can use to communicate solar problems to clients
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Macintosh Room
Flood Risk Assessment at the Level of the Community
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
Benefits and Implications of AI in the Home Inspection Industry
Kingsley Tong, Software Engineer, Co-Founder of Eneris
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries. From predictive insights to generative tools like ChatGPT, new tools have unlocked new ways for inspectors to work differently. From faster, higher-quality reports to smarter scheduling and risk assessment, the benefits are real and within reach. Learn how to harness AI as your assistant and future-proof your workflow today.
Key topics:
- History and technological advances in AI
- Benefits of AI in home inspections
- Implications of AI in home inspections
- How to take advantage of AI as a home inspector
- What could be next
2025 CAHPI Networking Dinner
Featuring: That Hypnotist Guy Comedy Hypnosis Show
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Ambrosia Ballroom
Additonal fee: $100 + hst
Enjoy a buffet dinner offering plenty of fresh delectable selections that will please anyone's palette. Following dinner, you will be treated to That Hypnotist Guy Comedy Hypnosis Show. Are you brave enough? Volunteers come up from the audience to participate in fun, zany, and wild skits! Richard is committed to offering a safe, clean, and family-friendly experience. You won’t find any embarrassing or humiliating moments here – just pure laughs, wonder and fun. Get ready for unique and fresh experience offering plenty of laughs along the way!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Ambrosia Ballroom
Wall Hung Boilers and Water Heaters
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
Smart Home Technology & Home Inspections
Justin Hines, Synapse Smart Homes
This session will provide an overview of the types of smart home technologies homeowners are seeking—from basic systems to advanced integrations. The session will also highlight key considerations for home inspectors, helping them understand what to look for and how to properly advise clients as part of a comprehensive home inspection.
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
The Future of Home Inspection
Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop
Darin Germyn, Vice Chair, Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
Graham Clarke, M.Sc., P.Eng., RHI, Consulting Engineer, Clarke Engineering
Where is the home inspection profession headed? Find out in this powerful closing panel presentation featuring three of the industry’s most respected leaders offering their unique perspectives on The Future of Home Inspection.
• Alan Carson, President of Carson Dunlop – Offering national insights on governance and leadership, licensing, and standards of practice.
• Darin Germyn, Vice Chair, Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) – Discussing how evolving buyer expectations, communication, and professional standards are redefining the relationship between Realtors and Inspectors.
• Graham Clarke, Consulting Engineer, Clarke Engineering, Past President of CAHPI – Ground-level insights on how industry changes translate into the day-to-day realities of professional home inspectors.
Together, these experts will deliver a 360° view of the future of home inspections - covering regulation, collaboration, technology, best practices, and consumer expectations and protection.
This Closing Panel will include an extended but facilitated Q&A opportunity so bring your questions, concerns, and challenges for discussion! This panel of experts combined with healthy discussion and debate with your inspector colleagues from across the country, will deliver critical insights to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, this is your chance to hear directly from the voices guiding the future of home inspection in Canada.


