Sandra MacGregor
Kurt Woock
Beth Buczynski
Getting a home inspection is an integral part of the house-hunting process.
Though not legally required, a thorough, professional inspection of a home you’re thinking of buying can reveal potential issues and save you from making a costly mistake.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual evaluation of a property’s structural integrity and major systems conducted by a professional home inspector.
When the home inspection is done, the inspector will give you a detailed written report of their findings.
There are limits to what an inspection can reveal because the examination is visual — the inspector only evaluates what they notice and can see. However, the home inspection report should provide you with a good sense of a home’s major and minor defects so you can better understand the property’s overall condition.
This independent, objective assessment of the home can be a good counter-balance to the more emotionally charged impression of the property you might have after imagining yourself living there.
What is and isn’t included in a home inspection
What’s included in a typical property inspection may vary by province or territory, and will also depend on the type of home: a house with a deck and basement has more elements to cover in an inspection than a condo, for instance.
A home inspection typically covers:
- Plumbing.
- Electrical systems.
- Roof.
- Attic.
- Visible insulation.
- Ceilings, walls and floors.
- Windows and doors.
- Cabinets and trim.
- Foundation.
- Basement.
- Chimney.
- Gutters.
- Exterior drainage.
- Driveway.
- Lot grading.
- Deck.
- Some inspections may also include fencing and garages (if attached to the house).
Optional services
Some home inspectors offer additional inspection services. These optional inspections cost extra, but they may be worth it. These might include:
- Radon screening.
- Mold inspection.
- Septic tank testing.
- Well water testing.
- Separate structures, such as pools and sheds.
- Hot tubs or saunas.
- Fireplaces.
- Indoor air quality.
- Asbestos.
- Lead paint.
- Lawn irrigation systems.
- Historic home inspection.
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How much does a home inspection typically cost?
Typical fees for a home inspection range from $300 to $600. The cost depends on factors like the size of the home, the inspector’s qualifications and experience, and the property’s location.
Are home inspections required?
There is no law in Canada that requires a home be inspected before purchase. However, some buyers make a satisfactory home inspection a condition of their purchase offer.
In hot housing markets like Toronto and Vancouver, some buyers forgo inspections to make their offers more competitive, especially in the case of a real estate bidding war.
How to choose a home inspector
There is very little regulation of home inspectors in Canada. Alberta and British Columbia are the only two provinces that require home inspectors to be licensed (though Ontario is working on making licensing mandatory). Outside of those two provinces, anyone can call themselves a home inspector, so it’s up to you to do your due diligence before hiring one.
Getting recommendations from friends or a trusted real estate agent is a good idea.
Nerdy Tip: Check out sites like the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI). This industry organization requires its registered members to follow a stringent set of codes and standards, and its website has a search engine to help you find a qualified professional in your area.
Waiving inspection is a risky tactic that can lead to unexpected expenses if the home has hidden damage or defective systems. Consult with your real estate agent about the pros and cons of waiving the home inspection before omitting this condition from your offer.
When does the home inspection happen?
Traditionally, a home inspection happens once a buyer makes an offer and before the deal closes.
Some sellers may get an inspection before they list the home and use the completed inspection report to entice buyers. However, inspections advertised by sellers may not give a comprehensive assessment of a property. If you’re thinking of buying a property, it’s best to arrange your own inspection.
What happens during a home inspection?
A home inspection usually lasts one to three hours. The inspector will take photos and detailed notes to include in their report.
Nerdy tip: If possible, ask to tag along with the inspector so you can ask questions and the inspector can draw your attention to any areas they think might be of particular concern.
After the inspection, the inspector will provide a complete, detailed report of their examination, which should include photos and a list of specific defects and areas that may need repairs.
The home inspection report will not include repair recommendations, estimates of what it may cost to repair any uncovered issues or a “pass/fail” rating. It will be up to you and your real estate agent to decide the best course of action based on the report.
What to do with your home inspection report
Carefully review the home inspector’s report and follow up with any questions you have about what it contains. If the inspector has identified any necessary major repairs, you might consider making your purchase of the house contingent on those repairs being handled by the sellers or asking for a decrease in the sale price to cover the cost of the repairs.
If you wind up buying the property, it’s a good idea to keep your inspection report. It identifies any needed repairs to make, as well as areas to keep an eye on in case new issues develop.
Home inspection vs. home appraisal
The main difference between a home inspection and a home appraisal is that an appraisal evaluates a home’s market value and a home inspection deals strictly with the home’s physical condition.
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