Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Home Inspection Checklist for Canadian Buyers

Attending the home inspection is one of the most valuable things you can do as a buyer. Walking alongside the inspector lets you see issues firsthand, ask questions in real time, and understand the property's condition far better than reading the report alone. Use this checklist to stay organized.

Before the Inspection

• Confirm inspector holds valid credentials (CAHPI, InterNACHI, or provincial designation)
• Request a sample report to assess quality before booking
• Confirm errors and omissions insurance coverage
• Ask the inspector to test all appliances included in the sale
• Request that the inspection occur during daylight for best visibility
• If the home is over 40 years old, ask about additional testing (asbestos, lead pipes, knob-and-tube wiring)

Exterior Checklist

• Foundation: visible cracks, bulging, efflorescence (white mineral deposits)
• Grading: does the ground slope away from the house? Flat or inward sloping ground directs water toward the foundation
• Driveway and walkways: significant cracks or heaving near the foundation
• Siding or cladding: rot, gaps, missing pieces, damage at the base
• Windows and doors: seal integrity, rot in frames, operation
• Deck and stairs: secure attachment to house, rot, missing railings or guards
• Eavestroughs and downspouts: secure, directed away from foundation
• Chimney: crown, flashing, cap, and mortar condition

Roof Checklist

• Shingles: curling, cracking, missing, or moss growth
• Estimated years of remaining life (ask the inspector directly)
• Flashing around all penetrations (chimney, vents, skylights)
• Valleys (where two roof planes meet): proper material and no gaps
• Fascia and soffits: rot or pest entry points

Attic Checklist

• Insulation type and depth (inadequate insulation drives heating costs)
• Ventilation: soffit vents and ridge or roof vents present and unobstructed
• Signs of moisture, water staining, or mould on sheathing
• Evidence of pests (droppings, nesting material)
• Bathroom fans properly vented to exterior (not just into attic space)

Basement and Foundation Checklist

• Walls: cracks (horizontal cracks are most serious), bowing, water staining
• Floor: cracks, moisture, efflorescence
• Sump pump: present, operational, and connected to where? (Interior weeping tile?)
• Visible signs of prior water infiltration (staining at base of walls, white deposits)
• Insulation on rim joists
• Any evidence of sewage backup (staining around floor drain)

Electrical Checklist

• Panel size (100 amp is minimum; 200 amp preferred for modern needs)
• Breakers properly labelled
• No double-tapping of breakers (two wires under one breaker terminal)
• Aluminum wiring (common in 1960s–70s homes; requires specific outlets and connections)
• Knob-and-tube wiring (very old homes; can create insurance issues)
• GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior outlets
• Arc fault circuit interrupters in bedrooms (required by modern code)

Plumbing Checklist

• Water pressure at multiple fixtures (low pressure can indicate issues)
• Hot water at all fixtures within a reasonable time
• Water heater age and condition (average lifespan 10–15 years)
• Supply pipe material: copper (good), PEX (good), galvanized steel (old, may need replacement), polybutylene (recalled product, serious issue)
• Drain speed at sinks and tubs (sluggish drains may indicate blockages)
• Visible leaks under sinks and around toilets
• Toilet secure to floor (no rocking indicates potential subfloor damage)

Heating and Cooling Checklist

• Furnace age (expected lifespan 20–25 years) and service history
• Condition of heat exchanger (cracked exchanger = CO risk)
• Air conditioning unit age and condition (if present)
• All registers delivering air in every room
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors present and working
• Fireplace: ask for WETT inspection if wood-burning fireplace is present

Interior Room-by-Room Checklist

Kitchen

• All appliances operate (stove, dishwasher, fridge if included)
• Range hood vents to exterior
• No soft spots in floor near dishwasher (indicates past leaks)
• Cabinet doors and drawers open and close properly

Bathrooms

• Caulking around tub, shower, and toilet in good condition
• Tiles solid (tap with knuckle — hollow sound means loose tiles)
• Exhaust fan present and venting to exterior
• No soft floor near toilet or tub base

All Rooms

• Windows open, close, lock, and seal properly
• Doors open, close, and latch smoothly (sticking doors may indicate settling)
• No water stains on ceilings (brown rings indicate past or current leaks)
• Wall cracks (diagonal cracks at corners of doors/windows may indicate settling)

Questions to Ask Your Inspector

1. What are the most significant issues with this property?
2. What would you do first if this were your home?
3. Is anything a safety concern requiring immediate action?
4. What has the most expensive repair potential?
5. How old is the roof, furnace, and water heater?
6. Do you see any evidence of past water damage that has been covered up?
7. Are there any permits that should have been pulled for visible renovations?