Purchasing a home is one of the biggest expenses people will make in their lives. It’s a decision that requires the utmost prudence, due diligence and, critically, the help of experts. When those people give poor or flawed advice, the consequences and costs can be staggering.

Most buyers are aware they should make their offer to purchase conditional on a home inspection. What they may not realize is that in Alberta, anyone can print business cards and call themselves a home inspector. There is no minimum education requirement, work experience or training to set up shop as a professional inspector.

That’s about to change, thankfully, with new rules announced by the Alberta government that will require inspectors in the resale housing market to get a licence. To qualify, they must meet minimum requirements, including the completion of an approved education program, and pass a test inspection. The only approved program in the province is offered at SAIT, however, increased education options will likely be another positive outcome of the government’s regulatory change, which comes into effect Sept. 1.

New construction isn’t covered in the regulation because it is already subject to inspections by safety code officers accredited by the Safety Codes Council of Alberta.

Importantly, the rules recognize that even well-trained inspectors will make mistakes. Inspectors will be required to carry $1 million in errors and omissions insurance, to post a $10,000 security to cover consumer losses if they fail to do their jobs, and must stand behind their work for two years. That’s a far more realistic period for flaws to appear than the current three- to six-month guarantee more commonly offered.

Any contract that attempts to limit liability will be banned.

It’s telling that the new rules have the support of buyers, realtors and the industry itself, which recognizes the damage caused when the shoddy work of a few leaves a black mark on the occupation as a whole.

Reputable companies are already providing what the regulations now spell out must be included in the inspection: examination of the structure, electrical system, heating, insulation and plumbing, the interior and exterior areas of the building and the roof.

Those who are already registered through the industry’s Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors automatically qualify, as do certified master inspectors — one of the sector’s top designations.

Those who don’t meet the requirements can apply for a conditional licence valid until March 2013, buying them time to get educated and registered.

The province should be commended for taking a strong, proactive approach to protecting homebuyers. Purchasing a house should be a happy landmark in life, and it usually is, provided people get what they are paying for and there are no ugly surprises.