20 Things an Ontario Home Inspector Looks For
Buying a home is a big investment, and it's important to ensure you're getting a good one. A home inspection is a great way to learn about the property’s condition and identify potential problems.
In Ontario, Canada, home inspectors typically look at the following 20 things:
Roof: The roof is one of the most important parts of a home, and it's important to confirm that it's in good condition. The inspector will check for leaks, missing shingles, and other damage.
Attic: The attic is a good place to check for insulation, ventilation, and any signs of pests. The inspector will also look for water damage, which can indicate a larger problem.
Visible insulation: The inspector will check to see if there is enough insulation in the attic and walls, and there aren’t any gaps. This helps to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Ceilings, walls, and floors: The inspector will check for cracks, holes, and other damage to the ceilings, walls, and floors. Cracks are typically caused by structural damage or natural movement of the property. Inspectors will also check for signs of water damage. Water damage can originate from different sources, such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.) and clogged toilets.
Windows and doors: The inspector will check to see if the windows and doors are in good working order. They will also check for leaks and signs of pests.
Foundation: The foundation is the foundation of your home, and it's important to make sure that it's in good condition. The inspector will check for cracks, bowing, and other damage.
Grading: The grading around your home is important to help prevent water damage. The inspector will check to see if the grading is correct.
Drainage: The drainage system around your home is important to help prevent water damage. The inspector will check to see if the drainage system is working properly.
Exterior walls: The exterior walls of your home are important to protect your home from the elements. The inspector will check for cracks, holes, and other damage.
Siding: The siding on your home helps to protect it from the elements. The inspector will check to see if the siding is in good condition.
Windowsills: The windowsills on your home are important to protect the windows from water damage. The inspector will check to see if the windowsills are in good condition.
Doors and frames: The doors and frames on your home are important to protect the home from the elements. The inspector will check to see if the doors and frames are in good condition.
Decks and patios: If your home has decks or patios, the inspector will check to see if they are in good condition. They will also check for signs of pests, rot and water damage.
Garage: The garage is a good place to check for pests and other problems. The inspector will also check to see if the garage is properly ventilated.
Basement: The basement is a good place to check for water damage. The inspector will look for humidity, mould, bad smells, cracks, and leaks. All of these can be signs of issues with the foundation or excess moisture. The inspector will also check to see if the basement is properly ventilated and if the floor is level.
HVAC system: The HVAC system is important to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The inspector will check to see if the HVAC system is in good working order and confirm the expected remaining lifespan.
Water heater: The water heater is important to provide hot water for your home. The inspector will check to see if the water heater is in good working order and how long it is likely to last before needing to be replaced.
Electrical system: The electrical system is important to keep your home safe. The inspector will check if the electrical system complies with safety standards and best practices. Often DIY renovations include dangerous modifications to electrical systems that buyers need to be aware of.
Plumbing system: The plumbing system is important to provide running water for your home. The inspector will check if the plumbing system meets the Ontario building code.
Septic system: If your home has a septic system, the inspector will check to see if it is in good working order.
Top 5 Things That Tend to Result in an Unsatisfactory Inspection
These are the typical things that can result in an unsatisfactory inspection. The top 5 things that tend to result in an unsatisfactory inspection are:
Major structural damage: This includes cracks in the foundation, bowing walls, and other serious damage.
Water damage: This includes things like leaks in the roof, flooding, and other water-related damage.
Pest infestation: This includes termites, carpenter ants, and other pests that can cause damage to your home.
Major electrical or plumbing problems: This includes things like faulty and unsafe wiring or overloading a fuse. Issues with electrical systems are a serious fire hazard.
Buying a home is undeniably a monumental investment, requiring careful consideration and the assurance that you're making a sound financial decision. Given the magnitude of this undertaking, it is critical to ensure that the property being purchased is worth the price. Embarking on a home inspection is invaluable to gain a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition and identify any likely or existing issues that may cost you additional unexpected maintenance and repairs.
While your average Canadian can get their hands on a home inspection checklist, they don’t have the education, experience and context of a professional.
A qualified home inspector provides a specialist's discerning eye, capable of uncovering concealed flaws that could evolve into costly problems over time. From the roof down to the foundation, a meticulous inspection unravels the intricacies of the property, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of exposing any hidden concerns lurking beneath the surface.
Investing in this critical due diligence is not guaranteed to uncover every issue with a home. Still, it goes a long way toward safeguarding buyers against potential financial setbacks or unforeseen troubles.
Ideally, find a home inspector that you’ve selected yourself and has no relationship with your Realtor or the seller’s Realtor. An inspector regularly hired or referred by a realtor might feel influenced to help the deal go through. While, of course, there are professional standards, and no inspector would consciously provide a biased report, it is best to eliminate the possibility of bias by hiring an arms-length independent inspector. It can be more difficult to find an independent inspector when buying a home in smaller Ontario communities.
