Learn About Home Inspections
Everything you need to know about home inspections — what they cover, what they cost, and when you need one.
What Home Inspectors Check
A certified home inspector examines over 400 components of your home. This includes the roof, foundation, structural framing, electrical panel and wiring, plumbing supply and drainage, HVAC systems, insulation, ventilation, windows, doors, grading, and exterior cladding. They look for safety hazards, code violations, deferred maintenance, and signs of water intrusion or structural movement. The inspection is visual and non-invasive — they won't open walls, but an experienced inspector can spot warning signs that point to hidden problems.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
In Canada, a standard home inspection costs $350–$600 depending on the property's size, age, and location. A 1,200 sq ft condo might run $350–$400, while a 3,000 sq ft older detached home could be $500–$600. Add-on services cost extra: radon testing ($150–$200), thermal imaging ($200–$300), mold air sampling ($200–$350), and septic inspections ($200–$400). Most inspectors quote a flat fee. Compare 2–3 quotes, but don't choose solely on price — credentials, experience, and sample report quality matter more.
When Should You Get a Home Inspection?
The most common time is during a conditional offer period when buying a home — you typically have 5–10 days to complete the inspection. But inspections are valuable at other times too: before listing your home for sale (to fix issues proactively), before a builder warranty expires on a new home, when you notice signs of problems like cracks, water stains, or unusual odours, and as a periodic maintenance check every 5–10 years. In competitive markets, some buyers get pre-offer inspections before submitting a bid.
New Build Inspections — Yes, You Need One
New doesn't mean perfect. New construction inspections routinely find issues like improper grading that directs water toward the foundation, missing or poorly installed insulation, plumbing connections that weren't tightened, electrical code violations, HVAC ductwork that's disconnected, and incomplete caulking or flashing. A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before you take possession costs $300–$500 and gives you a documented list of deficiencies the builder must fix under warranty. Many buyers also get a 1-year warranty inspection before coverage expires.
How to Choose a Home Inspector
Look for inspectors certified by recognized organizations like InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or CAHPI (Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors). Ask about their experience, errors and omissions insurance, and request a sample report. A good report is detailed with photos, not just a checkbox form. Check Google reviews and ask your real estate agent for recommendations — but verify independently. The cheapest inspector isn't always the best value.
What Happens After the Inspection?
You'll receive a detailed report (usually within 24–48 hours) documenting the inspector's findings with photos and descriptions. For a pre-purchase inspection, you can use the report to negotiate repairs or a price reduction with the seller, request the seller fix critical issues before closing, decide to walk away if major problems are found, or plan and budget for future maintenance. Your inspector should be available to answer follow-up questions about the report.
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