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A home inspection is one of the key steps in the buying or selling process, as it protects both the buyer and seller from unexpected issues with the property, while ensuring transparency amongst all parties involved in the transaction of purchase and sale. 

While an inspection may seem daunting for sellers especially, who will worry about anything that may negatively impact the value of their property, an inspection also works to safeguard sellers from any surprise issues (with the property) that could be brought forth by new owners after closing. 

This is another area where the right real estate professional can assist you with their knowledge, experience and resources, to make this step as seamless and productive as possible. 

To prepare you for a home inspection, you’ll need to know what a general home inspection entails, who does the inspection, when you should get an inspection, how to optimize the process, and what to ask at an inspection. 

What is a “general home inspection”?

CanadianHomeInspection.com defines a home inspection as: “an objective, professional examination to visually assess a home's interior and exterior features.”

In a nutshell, this process refers to a non-invasive inspection of a home by a certified professional, limited to specific points of examination and typically following the sale of the property. The purpose of these inspections is to evaluate and report on the present condition of the property. Some of the points of assessment during the inspection include:

• Heating/cooling systems
• Electrical work
• Plumbing and sewage
• Water
• Fire and safety issues, if any
• Evidence of water, fire or insect damage further, for any findings by the home inspector, you can expect feedback on the following:

• The degree of severity of each issue - whether it qualifies as a safety issue, major or minor defect, etc.
• Guidance on whether the issue requires basic servicing, repairs, or replacement
• Issues and items of note that do not warrant immediate attention but should be monitored for future

Who does the home inspection?

A specialized arena with varied forms of certification and licensing, it’s important to do your homework when choosing a home inspector. 

An experienced home inspector should have an extensive knowledge of the many components and systems that make part of a home, as well as courses specific to their industry, including (but not limited to) courses on building sciences, defect recognition and home construction. Many home inspectors will also have a background in building trades, construction or engineering. All practicing inspectors should also be well-versed in the home inspection codes of conduct, safety protocols and any other applicable regulations. 

The type of experience from one home inspector to the next will vary, as some may offer general experience across the board, while others have specialized experience relative to specific types of properties (residential, commercial, house, condominium, multi-dwelling, etc.) 

While there are many existing programs and courses for certification available in the industry, most Canadian provinces and territories do not currently have any specific training requirements in place for home inspectors. This is all the more reason to do your research and ensure you ask some key questions when narrowing down the right home inspector for your needs: 

• What kind of training does the inspector have? Are they certified? Licensed? 
• Do they belong to an industry association?
• Do they specialize in any particular area of home inspection? 
• Can they provide you with references? 

Asking the right questions will enable you to get a feel for a home inspector’s professional background and expertise. You will be relying on their insights and observations for a crucial step in the home buying process, and it’s vital that you feel confident in their abilities and comfortable in your choice of home inspector. 

First-time home buyers will benefit additionally from a thorough home inspector, who will often identify and explain special points of ongoing home maintenance for new buyers to be aware of. This can include the location of certain valves, filter replacements, etc. For first-time buyers, these are often entirely new considerations, and having a professional to guide them through some of the basics, specific to their new property, is a welcome help!

When to get a home inspection?

As far as when you should get a home inspection, there are a few pivotal points in your home ownership journey that should be earmarked for inspection:

•  Before you commit to purchase
•  Before you list your home for sale
•  Every 5-10 years to stay on top of any new issues

Tips to optimize your inspection

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Do your best to attend the inspection

CanadianHomeInspection.com notes that home inspections typically take between 2 ½ to 3 hours. The home inspector will typically prepare a formal written report to reference all observations and issues of note during the inspection, it is advisable that buyers (as well as their realtors, when possible) attend the inspection. This will give you an opportunity to ask any questions as they arise and get clarity on anything that may come up in the duration of the inspection. You also won’t want to miss the chance for any bonus tips and insights the home inspector may offer for the property. 

Inform yourself before the inspection begins

Ask the home inspector what exactly they will be inspecting. If something seems to be missing from their “check list”, you will have the opportunity to inquire about it ahead of time. Ensure you are clear on your chosen home inspector’s professional background and qualifications, as well as cost prior to committing to their services as well. In an industry that is not regulated, the procedures and scope of services can vary from one home inspector to the next, and it’s in your best interest to be as informed as possible before making your decision. 

What to ask at an inspection?

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Being in attendance during the home inspection means you’ll have the added benefit of asking questions in the moment, as they arise, versus solely referencing the written report after the fact. Be comfortable in your right to ask questions as needed, in order to ensure you are satisfied with the inspector’s services:

How much does that typically cost?

Is this an urgent issue?

Can you explain what that means in more detail? 

Remember, this process should leave you feeling more confident in your purchase and next steps. Don’t be shy about speaking up if the inspector brings something to your attention that you aren’t clear on. 

FYI: here are a few additional notes on home inspections:

• The buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for a home inspection - the results of the inspection may sometimes lead buyers to renegotiate the sale price in lieu of any findings, negotiate for repairs to be done as an added condition of sale, cancellation of the sale altogether, or, enable the buyer to comfortably move onward to the closing of the sale without issue.
• Some buyers may choose to waive inspection in an effort to make their offer more attractive to a seller (particularly when there are multiple offers on the table), but choosing to do so is risky and should only be considered under very specific conditions, with the guidance of a professional sales representative who can help you come to the best decision for your specific circumstances.  
• Often confused as interchangeable, a home inspection and home appraisal are not the same thing. A home appraisal is a required step of lenders, who will arrange for this when determining a property’s value (for buyers looking to obtain a mortgage on said property).
• Per RECO: RECO does not regulate home inspectors. For information about home inspectors and home inspection services you can speak to your real estate broker or salesperson or refer to the Ontario government website.

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