What is a WETT inspection when buying a house in Ottawa?

When you are buying a house in Ottawa that has a wood-burning fireplace, woodstove, or other solid-fuel appliance, a WETT inspection is a separate evaluation of that appliance and its system, carried out by an individual who holds WETT Inc. certification. It is not part of a standard home inspection.

WETT Inc. describes itself as a training and education body. According to WETT Inc., only individuals are certified, never companies or the appliances themselves, and what the certified professional produces is an inspection report, not a certificate. WETT Inc. describes three levels of inspection: a Level 1 visual examination of readily accessible areas, a Level 2 technical examination of accessible areas, and a Level 3 invasive examination of concealed areas. WETT Inc. also says each insurer has different guidelines as to how long it will accept a WETT inspection.

A home inspection is a separate service. If your insurer asks for a WETT inspection, that is arranged with a WETT-certified individual. We found no Ontario law that requires a WETT inspection as a condition of purchase. For questions about cost, which level your insurer requires, and chimney-related work, ottawafireplaces.com is the right place to look.

WETT Inc. describes Level 1 as a visual inspection of readily accessible areas and says it is used for most insurance and real estate needs and describes Level 3 as an invasive inspection of concealed areas. It also says its authority does not include regulating how much WETT-certified professionals charge.

Before you book, ask the individual you are considering whether they hold current WETT Inc. certification, check the individual yourself, and ask them to confirm in writing which level of inspection they are proposing to carry out and why.