Considering how much you’re spending on a home purchase, you’ll want to make sure the home you’re buying is in good condition. That’s exactly why a home inspection is an important part of the home-buying process.
An inspection might be an extra step to take and may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it’s well worth it to save you from potential headaches down the road. To make sure your inspection covers everything, be prepared with a comprehensive list of items to check off. Read on to find out what to include in your home inspection checklist.
Key Points
- Home inspections give buyers a chance to uncover serious issues with a home before the sale is finalized.
- Generally, inspections should be conducted by professional and experienced home inspectors who are either licensed and/or certified in their field.
- Home inspections are paid for by the buyer and cost anywhere from $300 to $700 on average.
- It’s helpful to attend the inspection yourself and bring a detailed checklist with you to make sure nothing is missed.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is done before a home is purchased to make sure that there aren’t any major issues. The buyer pays for a home inspection. Costs are usually between $300 to $700, on average, though they could be much more depending on the conditions and size of the house.
Home inspectors usually walk through the home to visually check for anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Any issues that are discovered are communicated to the buyer through a detailed written report prepared by the inspector
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Are Home Inspections Mandatory In Canada?
Generally, home inspections are not mandatory to buy a house in Canada. However, it’s standard practice to include a home inspection condition in your offer. This will give you a chance to make sure there’s nothing seriously wrong with the home before you commit to the deal.
When A Home Inspection May Be Required:
There may be less-common scenarios where a home inspection may be required by a third party.
- Some lenders may ask for a home inspection before approving you for a mortgage to protect them from investing in a house that could lose them money if you default on the loan.
- Some home insurance companies may require a home inspection, as the health of your house directly impacts your insurance.
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Canada Home Inspection Checklist
When you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to inspect every corner of it for problems or anything that could cause problems later on. But how do you know what to look for? Use the following home inspection checklist below for helpful tips:
Inside The House
Floors, Walls, And Ceilings
- Walk across all floors on the property to check if they squeak or if they are uneven.
- Check all surfaces for damage, including cracks and water spots.
Windows And Doors
- See if there are any damaged screens or broken or cracked glass in the windows.
- Make sure that all doors and windows can open and close properly.
- Check the weather stripping and seals on doors and windows for any damage.
Bathrooms
- Check that all bathroom fixtures work and drain properly, including the sink, toilet, bathtub, and shower.
- Check the faucets for pressure and water flow.
- Make sure that the plumbing and cabinets in the bathrooms are in good condition.
- See if any tiles are cracked or loose.
Kitchen
- Check sink faucets for pressure and water flow.
- Verify that appliances work, including dishwasher and garbage disposal.
- Make sure that there are no leaks in the plumbing.
- Check all sinks, cupboards, cabinets, and countertops for damage.
- Inspect the range hood exhaust fan.
Attic
- See if the attic is well-insulated and well-ventilated.
- Inspect the attic for any water or structural damage.
Basement
- Check for any damage and decay in the structural wood.
- See if there are any large stains or cracks in the exposed foundation.
- Inspect the basement for water damage, large cracks in the exposed foundation, and water leaks on the ceiling and floor.
Odds And Ends
- All stairways should have suitable handrails.
- Stairway risers should be solid.
- There should be even and adequate air flow throughout the home.
- Air filters on the furnace and A/C units should be clean.
- Duct work should be clean and in good working order.
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Outside The House
Roof
- Check for any damage in the chimney and gutters.
- Inspect the shingles to see if there are any that are missing or broken. Shingles should also be free of curling, rotting, cracks, or granule loss.
Driveway
- See if there is any standing water on the property, including near the driveway and in any yards.
- Inspect the driveway to make sure it is even and not cracked.
Grounds
- Railings on decks should be sturdy and secure.
- There should be no signs of standing water.
- The property should be free of leaks septic tanks.
- Greenery should be in healthy condition.
- No branches from trees should be touching the house or hanging over the roof.
Drainage
- Downspout drainage should be directed away from the home.
Exterior Surfaces
- Ensure that any painted surfaces aren’t stained or have paint flaking off.
- Make sure that there are no decayed, stained, or cracked areas on exterior walls.
Odds And Ends
- Double-check that the outside foundation is straight and not cracked.
- Make sure that the automatic garage door opens and closes as it should.
- Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work and are installed according to government regulations.
Electrical, Heating, Plumbing, And Ventilation
Electrical
- Make sure that all wiring in the home is in good condition and that there are no exposed splices.
- Double-check that the main electrical panel can be easily accessed.
- Verify that there are ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in the bathrooms and in the kitchen.
- Check to see that all electrical outlets work.
Heating
- Make sure that there is no damage to the furnace or air conditioner and that they work.
- Verify that thermostats and heat pumps are in working order.
- Verify the ages of components and systems, such as the A/C, furnace, hot water tank, windows, and the roof.
- Each room should have adequate heating and cooling sources.
Plumbing
- Check if there is any rust on the water heater.
- See if there are any pipes that are leaking or damaged.
- Find all the water shut-off valves. It’s important to be able to turn off the ones that supply water outside in the winter to prevent any pipes from freezing.
Ventilation
- See if the ventilation system works properly.
- Check the supply vents for cleanliness.
Should You Get A Home Inspection: The Benefits
Here are some of the reasons that you should have a home inspection:
- Current or future repairs needed: An inspection will make you aware of any issues that a house has after a home inspection has taken place. That means you’ll have an idea of how much money you will need to put into your home to repair any issues.
- Safety: Home inspectors may be more familiar with obvious signs of mold, carbon monoxide, and water damage, so they may be able to detect these issues better than you. Do note that it’s not the job of a home inspector to look for mold. Though, in most cases, they will inform you if they notice the presence of mold.
- Faulty renovations: A home inspection may be able to reveal any shabby renovations made on the home. These updates can be costly for you as the new owner because your insurance and taxes will go up. You’ll also have to deal with these faulty renovations yourself, including bringing them up to code or tearing them down — all on your own dime.
- Negotiation tool for buyers: You may be able to negotiate a better deal on a home if you get it inspected before you buy it. You can ask for any issues to be repaired as a condition of purchasing the home, or you might be able to snag a price reduction.
- Insurance: Sometimes, an insurance company won’t insure a home if certain conditions are found. A home inspection can help to identify if these conditions exist in a home so they can be fixed and the home can be insured.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Home Inspector In Canada?
A home inspection usually costs between $300 and $700. The cost of a home inspector depends on the home itself. Larger, older, and out-of-the-way homes may cost more to inspect because the inspector will have to spend more time inspecting them.
Homebuyers are responsible for the cost of a home inspection, but they can make a deal with the seller to get them to cover all or part of the cost.
Who Can Conduct A Home Inspection?
- Home Inspector – Generally speaking, professional home inspectors conduct inspections on a home. They have experience around homes and know what deficiencies to look for. A home inspector will point out particularly problematic areas and previous renovations and can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a home.
- You – You can also inspect a home on your own if you so choose. Keep in mind that although you will save some money by not paying a home inspector, you might miss some things when going through an inspection if you’re inexperienced or untrained in this field.
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Are Home Inspectors Licensed In Canada?
Currently, only Alberta and British Columbia require their home inspectors to have a license. In BC, home inspectors need a specialized education that is approved by the Consumer Protection of BC, under the Home Inspector Licensing Regulation. They must also pass an exam in order to become a licensed home inspector.
Similarly, home inspectors in Alberta must have an education from an approved educational institution.
Unfortunately, all the other provinces do not require their home inspectors to have any formal training. With no mandatory licensing or certification requirements, anyone can offer home inspection services in the rest of the provinces. However, the Canadian Association of Housing and Property Inspectors offers voluntary certification for home inspectors.
Where To Hire A Home Inspector In Canada
There are several ways to find a good home inspector:
- Ask your realtor: Speak to your realtor to see if they know any good home inspectors. These professionals typically have a network of other experts in related fields that they can connect you with.
- Friends and family: People you know may have previous experience with a home inspector they can refer to you.
- Your local jurisdictions: Some communities may keep a list of home inspectors, so you can refer to this list to find a suitable inspector.
- Search online: You can also find home inspectors in your area by doing some online research.
What Is A Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection happens when a seller has their home professionally inspected before they put it on the market. This inspection can make selling a home easier because the seller will have a better idea of the condition of their home and if there are any problems with it. A pre-listing home inspection can save sellers a lot of headaches down the road before they receive any offers or sign any contracts.
What Items Are Not Usually Included In A Home Inspection?
A home inspection should include a thorough and comprehensive assessment of a home and its condition. But while your home inspection checklist should be very detailed, inspections don’t necessarily cover everything.
Speaking specifically about what a professional home inspector does, certain items are not typically inspected or looked at, as they tend to fall outside the scope of what a typical inspector is knowledgeable about. Instead, certain items may require the attention of more specialized experts. More specifically, the following things are usually not included in a typical home inspection:
- Sewer lines
- Pests
- Inside chimneys and fireplaces
- Underground septic systems
- Hazardous materials (ie. asbestos, mold, or radon)
- Swimming pools (except pool liners, weather permitting)
- Details about the roof
If you have concerns about any of the above, speak with your home inspector about them. They can refer you to a specialized professional who can address these concerns for you.
What To Do When You Find Problems With The Home
If your home inspector uncovers serious issues with the home, you can handle the situation in a few ways:
- Renegotiate a lower price: Let the seller know about the problem and the potential cost to fix it. You can then use this information as a negotiating tool to see if the seller is willing to lower the cost.
- Ask the seller to make the repairs: You could request that the problem identified be fixed before you take possession of the home.
- Ask the seller for concessions: If the seller doesn’t want to get involved in fixing the problem or lowering the sale price, consider asking them to cover the cost of the repairs. Essentially, you would take care of having the issues rectified, and the seller would pay for these repairs.
- Walk away from the deal: If you’ve included a home inspection condition in your offer, you have the right to walk away from the deal if you’re unsatisfied with the results of the inspection. You’ll get your deposit back and won’t be legally bound to your offer.
Bottom Line
Although a home inspection may seem like yet another cost on top of an already expensive purchase, it is well worth the expense. A home inspection can reveal many issues with a home and can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing a home. To make sure you leave nothing uncovered, have your home inspection checklist handy to check off all the boxes.
