Home Inspection Guide Canada — What to Check

A $400–$600 home inspection can save you from a $50,000 nightmare. Here's what inspectors look for, what the report means, and when to walk away.

Why Home Inspections Matter

A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property's condition by a trained professional. It identifies existing defects, safety concerns, and maintenance issues that may not be visible during a regular showing. For first-time buyers, a home inspection is one of the most important tools you have — you are about to commit hundreds of thousands of dollars to a property, and understanding its true condition is critical to making an informed decision.

What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

A standard home inspection covers the following components:

• Roof: shingles, flashing, gutters, fascia, soffit — age and condition
• Foundation: visible cracks, signs of movement or water infiltration
• Structure: framing, load-bearing walls, visible joists and beams
• Exterior: siding, windows, doors, caulking, grading and drainage
• Electrical: panel age and type, breaker condition, grounding, outlets, visible wiring
• Plumbing: water pressure, drain flow, pipe materials, water heater age
• Heating and cooling: furnace age and condition, heat exchanger, ductwork, AC unit
• Insulation and ventilation: attic insulation levels, vapor barriers, ventilation adequacy
• Interior: walls, ceilings, floors for water damage, cracks, moisture
• Basement: water infiltration signs, efflorescence, sump pump operation

What Inspectors Cannot Check

Home inspectors are limited to visual, non-invasive assessments. They will not open walls, remove insulation, or access areas that are not safely accessible. They cannot detect issues hidden behind finishes. Mold, asbestos, radon, underground oil tanks, and sewer line condition typically require specialist testing beyond the standard inspection. In older homes (pre-1980), asking for a mold and asbestos assessment is worth the additional cost.

Cost of a Home Inspection in Canada

Property Type	Typical Cost
Condo (under 1,000 sq ft)	$350–$450
Townhouse or semi-detached	$400–$550
Detached home (under 2,000 sq ft)	$450–$600
Larger detached home (2,000+ sq ft)	$550–$800+
Add-on: radon testing	$150–$300
Add-on: sewer scope	$200–$400

Major Red Flags in an Inspection Report

Not every issue in a report is a deal-breaker. Inspectors flag items on a spectrum from "monitor" to "immediate action required." The following issues warrant serious reconsideration or at minimum an estimate from a specialist contractor:

• Foundation cracks that are horizontal (most serious), stair-step, or actively growing
• Active water infiltration in the basement
• Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) or aluminum wiring throughout — fire hazard
• Knob-and-tube wiring that has been modified or overloaded
• Aging or failing roof (over 20 years old) — replacement cost $15,000–$30,000+
• Furnace over 20 years old with heat exchanger concerns — replacement $5,000–$100
• Signs of mold in attic or basement
• Polybutylene or galvanized plumbing throughout — replacement cost $100–$30,000

How to Use the Inspection Report

After the inspection, you have options. If major issues are found, you can: renegotiate the purchase price to reflect the cost of repairs; request the seller complete specific repairs before closing; proceed as-is with full knowledge of the issues; or exit the purchase entirely if you included an inspection condition. Never waive your right to an inspection unless you are highly experienced or are working with a builder's new home covered by a statutory warranty.

Finding a Qualified Inspector

In Canada, home inspector licensing varies by province. Ontario, BC, and Alberta have mandatory licensing and regulatory bodies. Look for inspectors certified through CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors) or InterNACHI. Always ask for a sample report before hiring — a good inspection report includes photos, detailed descriptions, and clear severity ratings for every issue found.