Common Questions About Home Inspection in Ontario

Buying a house is surely an exciting process, especially since it’s your first time but there are some boring but important parts like the home inspection, which is also a condition of purchase. Since we have a seller’s market in GTA and the rest of Ontario, the home inspection clause is left out of the picture. As a first-time home buyer, you should always put a home inspection clause to protect yourself from any unknown damage afterward. As a home seller in Ontario, get a home inspection done, fix whatever issues you can, and reveal a true picture of other problems to the buyer. 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual evaluation of the structure and major systems of any property you’re interested in. It’s conducted by a licensed home inspector. During an inspection, they will also check the property exterior along with the interiors and give you a detailed written report on their condition. It takes anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on the size of the house and lot. 

What are the common things a home inspector checks? 

A home inspection isn’t compulsory in Ontario but it’s always good to get one. A certified home inspector will check the following:

• Heating system
• Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
• Interior plumbing and electrical systems
• Roof and rain gutters
• Attic, including visible insulation
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Windows and doors
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural components

The inspector won’t break any parts of your house and all checking is done superficially. That’s why it is extremely important to find a responsible and efficient inspector.

What does a home inspection in Ontario don’t cover? 

A professional home inspector doesn’t check: 

• Separate structures, like gazebos, pools, and sheds
• Hot tubs or saunas
• Cosmetic fixtures or finishes, like sliding doors, paint, or window coverings
• Fireplaces
• Anything you are visibly unable to evaluate or access (eg – pipes hidden inside the walls) 
• Water quality or supply
• Adherence to building codes or bylaws

How to choose a home inspector in Ontario?

There’s no right way to choose a home inspector in Ontario. However, make sure whoever you choose is licensed. Ask for referrals from your friends or your real estate agent. You can also find a qualified inspector on the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors or Google. Make sure to go through the reviews, and check their website for more details about their procedure, and their codes and standards.  

How much does a home inspection cost?

Depending on the property’s location, size, experience, and qualification of the home inspector, expect to spend around $300 to $600. As a buyer, you have to pay for the inspection. However, sometimes the seller gets it done beforehand as a way to reassure potential buyers that they are aware of the issues. 

What follow-up costs should I be aware of? 

Depending on the concerns raised by the inspector, you would either want to commission further inspection or get the issue fixed. I recommend getting further inspection when the report indicates the following:

• Radon
• Termite infestations
• Asbestos
• Lead piping or paint
• Mold
• Water damage
• Other safety issues

Do I need to do a home inspection?

While it isn’t compulsory, getting a home inspection done can give you a clear picture of potential issues with the property. An average house in GTA costs over a million and you don’t want to leave any stones unturned while making a major buying decision. Using the information, you can work with your real estate agent and negotiate a good deal. The seller might agree to take over some of the issues as well. 

What do I do with the issues that are discovered during the inspection in Ontario?

The very first thing to do is contact your real estate agent. They will let you know if the property’s worth investing your hard-earned money or not. Next, connect with an experienced contractor who’ll give you an estimate on how much it’ll cost to fix the issues. The final decision lies in your hands. Remember, you can find any other property that would have less issues and won’t require any immediate fixes. Ask yourself if you’ll be able to postpone your move-in date, and continue paying rent and monthly mortgage payments simultaneously.

Looking for a first-time home buyer realtor in Ontario? Contact Brampton’s best rated realtor – Catherine Nacar today.