In 1986, Graham Ashdown, founder and president of Grassroots® recognized the need for determining the condition of properties. Mr. Ashdown felt that it was important to rely on the opinion of someone who would be independent and objective. That person would also have to conduct an investigation of the property and building which was thorough enough that the consumer was able to make an educated decision about its condition before they purchased it.

It is through his vision and determination that the formation of the Grassroots® system emerged in 1990 -- an independent, full service, Inspection business.

In early 1991 our first office was opened in Sarnia, Ontario. This office was utilized as a test market where we introduced different products and programs. We soon learned what worked and quickly refined our service.

	Mr. Ashdown is a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) and and former Board Director, Vice President and Secretary, of the Provincial Association of Home Inspectors (PACHI) who in November 2001 merged with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). OAHI is the provincial counter part of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
	Mr. Ashdown is a former Full Certified Member with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the largest and most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America.
	Mr. Ashdown is a Certified Environmental Inspector (CEI) and Certified Environmental Specialist (CES) with the Environmental Assessment Association (EAA), the largest and most widely recognized association of Environmental Inspectors in the world.
	Mr. Ashdown is also a member in good standing with the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA), who, amongst other things, are responsible for education, training, and certification of members in the Ontario Building Code.
	Mr. Ashdown is also a "founding father" of the CMHC led initiative on "Charting the Future of the Home Inspection Profession in Canada" and continues to provide insight and assistance to this ongoing initiative.
	Mr. Ashdown is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Today, Grassroots® has a network of offices throughout Ontario and now Alberta, Canada. Expansion plans for across Canada and the US are underway.

Reduce the stress.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions of your life! With all that's at stake, it's crucial that you're fully aware of the condition of the major systems and components before you buy.

A Grassroots® Inspection is an objective examination of your prospective building and/or property to assure you that its condition meets with your approval before you close your real estate transaction.

No one likes surprises.

Whether you own, are about to lease, or, are purchasing a building, don't wait to find out what condition the building's systems & components are in.

Knowing the condition of a building will allow you to budget more accurately and provide for expenditures down the road -- whether it's a new roof, HVAC or simply maintenance related items.

It affects us all.

Today, more and more people are concerned about our environment. It affects us all…at home, at work or simply everywhere you go. Naturally, there are the health concerns that stem from environmental issues, but there’s also a financial side to it as well. It includes the potential healthcare costs for individuals, employees, employers and the likes, as well as the financial liability and responsibility for those responsible for the creation and clean-up relating to those environmental concerns.