Home Inspection Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
Quick answer
A home inspection is a professional visual review of a property's condition before you firm up your purchase. It typically costs a few hundred dollars and covers the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling, and signs of moisture or mould. Use the report to walk away, renegotiate price, or ask for repairs — an inspection condition in your offer gives you that right.
What an inspection covers
- Foundation and structure
- Roof, attic and insulation
- Electrical system and panel
- Plumbing and water heater
- Heating, cooling and ventilation
- Moisture, mould and drainage
Major red flags
Structural movement, an aging roof, knob-and-tube wiring, lead or galvanized plumbing, and moisture problems are the costly ones. A clean inspection is reassuring; a long list is leverage.
Using the results
With an inspection condition, you can renegotiate the price, request repairs, or cancel and recover your deposit if issues are serious. Without it, you take the home as-is.
Key takeaways
- Inspections cost a few hundred dollars and prevent costly surprises.
- Prioritise structure, roof, electrical, plumbing and moisture.
- An inspection condition protects you.
- Use findings to renegotiate or walk away.
Frequently asked
How much does a home inspection cost in Ontario?+
Usually a few hundred dollars depending on the size and age of the home.
Is a home inspection worth it?+
Yes — it can reveal expensive issues before you commit and gives you leverage to renegotiate or walk away.
Can I waive the inspection?+
You can, and buyers sometimes do in competitive offers, but you take on the risk of undiscovered problems. Understand that risk first.