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Summary: A home inspection is a top-to-bottom visual check of a property by a professional, meant to catch current problems and future red flags before you close. It is not legally required in Ontario, but it is strongly recommended for buyers who want to make an informed decision. A typical inspection covers the structure, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, insulation and ventilation, and any signs of pests.
Buying a home is exciting, but it is worth slowing down before you sign your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, call the movers, and plan the housewarming. One task matters more than the rest at this stage: the home inspection. Here is what it is, what it covers, and how to get the most out of it.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a check-up for your soon-to-be home. Carried out by an experienced professional, it identifies current problems and future red flags through a visual evaluation of the property's condition, from the foundation to the roof. It is not legally required in Ontario, but it gives buyers peace of mind and the confidence to make a well-informed decision.
There is currently no provincial licensing for home inspectors in Ontario, so credentials and reputation matter. Look for inspectors certified through the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors or the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, and check that whoever you hire has a solid track record.
What do home inspectors check?
A home inspector examines the property from top to bottom. Here is a quick breakdown of the main areas they look at, and what you should pay attention to alongside them:
Area | What the inspector looks for |
Structural elements | Cracks or water damage in the foundation or basement, missing roof shingles, poor insulation, and windows and doors for rot or drafts |
Plumbing | Corrosion or leaks, water pressure, and the condition of pipes under the sinks |
Electrical | Properly grounded outlets, enough of them, and up-to-date wiring systems |
Heating and cooling | A working air conditioner, clean and functional vents, and the furnace's maintenance history |
Insulation, ventilation, and moisture | Proper airflow throughout the home and any signs of mould or mildew |
Pests and critters | Evidence of rodents or insects, even where there are no obvious signs |
Ontario's climate makes a few of these especially worth watching. Summers can get hot, so you want the air conditioning working by July, and winters are cold and summers humid, so proper airflow matters year-round.
Should you ask the home inspector questions?
Absolutely, and if you can, attend the inspection. Walking through the home with the inspector is one of the best ways to learn about the property you are about to buy. During and after the inspection, useful questions to ask include:
Over the next few years, what kind of maintenance will be required?
Do you recommend following up with any specialists?
What are your biggest concerns about the property?
Does anything need immediate attention?
How do you choose a home inspector?
Because Ontario does not license inspectors, the choice is yours to vet. Start with the certification bodies above, then weigh experience and reputation. One example of an established firm is Carson Dunlop, which has over 45 years of experience, but the goal is the same whoever you pick: proper credentials, a solid reputation, and someone you trust to be thorough.
A home inspection can feel like one more box to check, but it is worth doing, and doing right. Take your time, find a reputable inspector, and do not shy away from questions. If something does not feel right, do not be afraid to walk away. Once you own the home, our guide on what a homeowner should do to protect their home covers the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is a home inspection required in Ontario?
No. A home inspection is not legally required in Ontario. It is, however, strongly recommended, because it gives buyers a clear picture of the property's condition and the confidence to make an informed decision before closing.
Are home inspectors licensed in Ontario?
There is currently no provincial licensing for home inspectors in Ontario. Look instead for certification through the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors or the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors, and confirm the inspector has proper credentials and a good reputation.
What does a home inspector check?
An inspector looks at the structure (foundation, basement, roof, windows, and doors), plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, insulation and ventilation, and signs of pests. The result is a visual evaluation of the property's overall condition.
Should you attend the home inspection?
Yes, if you can. Attending lets you walk through the home with the inspector, see any issues first-hand, and ask questions about maintenance, areas of concern, and anything that needs immediate attention.
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
The inspection gives you information to act on. You can ask the inspector what needs immediate attention and whether to follow up with a specialist, and if the findings are serious enough, you do not have to proceed with the purchase.
About the author
Emily Holland is a content writer at Ownright. She writes about the Ontario home-buying process to help buyers understand what to expect at each step, from offer to closing.
At Ownright, we focus on Ontario real estate law and on making your closing simple and transparent. You can start your closing online or get in touch with any questions.
Important note: This article is not legal advice. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on the information in this post or any linked materials without first seeking appropriate legal or professional advice.