Buying a home is the single most expensive decision in most people’s lives, and to be sure you know exactly what you’re buying, a comprehensive home inspection is a good idea. Although home inspections are not legally required when buying property in Toronto, they are absolutely the best way to save money and stress down the line. But what’s covered in a home inspection, and what should you expect from your Toronto home inspector?

Home Inspection Basics

 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual examination of all aspects of a property, including the interior, exterior, roof, yard and foundations. 

 

Why should you do a home inspection?

The purpose of a thorough home inspection is to identify any issues with the home, so that prospective buyers know exactly what they’re getting. 

 

When should you do a home inspection?

Timing of home inspections can vary; some buyers make offers contingent on a successful home inspection, and so it’ll happen shortly after your offer is accepted; others make unconditional offers but choose to have a home inspection done prior to closing so that they have a priority list of potential work. Still others wait until they take possession. Timing depends on exactly how you intend to use the information the inspection provides.

 

What’s a pre-listing inspection?

Some sellers choose to have their own home inspection performed prior to listing their property; this is done in the hopes it’ll make the property more attractive to potential buyers. 

 

How can you use a home inspection?

The results of a home inspection can be used as a negotiation tool, as a reason for prospective buyers to walk away from a purchase, so that buyers have a list of issues to work on when they take possession, or simply to reassure buyers of the safety of a home.

 

What is a home inspector?

In Toronto, you do not need a license or any formal training to act as a home inspector, so it’s extra important to do your research and find a reputable, professional home inspector. In many cases, your realtor will be able to recommend someone.

 

How much does a home inspection cost?

The cost of a thorough home inspection depends on the provider you choose and the size of the property; they can range from $300 to about $700.

 

How does the inspection work?

A typical home inspection takes 2-3 hours, and you can be present during it if you prefer. The inspector will walk around the property to examine it, and use specialized tools to identify issues. Once complete, the inspector will compile a report detailing all of their findings. 

 

What does the inspection report look like?

A property does not ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ an inspection - the inspector simply lays out the state of repair of the property in a detailed report that will be sent to you (electronically, physically, or both). This report breaks down all aspects of the property, along with the inspector’s professional assessment of each aspect.

 

Home Inspection Checklist

Home inspections can be broken down into three parts: inside, outside, and key systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical). All of the items displayed in the graphics below should be covered in your home inspection; although many of these can be checked easily by anyone, others require experience to assess.

Graphics source: Enercare

 

What’s Not Included in a Home Inspection?

Although a good home inspection is thorough, it cannot cover absolutely everything. Most home inspectors do not test for the following:

• Asbestos

• Radiation

• Methane

• Radon

• Mould

• Mildew

• Fungi

• Pests

• Rodents

• Lead

• Woodworm

 

In addition, although home inspectors check roofs, yards and drains in their inspection, these checks are visual only. To be 100% sure about the state of these items, you may want to consider paying for a separate roof inspection, ground survey, or sewer inspection (this is especially relevant for older properties).

And it may seem obvious, but items that are not part of the property sale (such as the seller’s personal property) are not part of the inspection. To understand exactly what comes with a house when you buy it, take a look at our blog post on Chattels and Fixtures.

 

Home Inspections for New Homes and Condos

You may be wondering if all this is necessary for a new home, or a condo? The answer is yes to both. Even new homes are unlikely to be perfect, and a few hundred dollars upfront will bring you peace of mind and save you from unpleasant surprises down the line. And if issues are found that are covered by a builder’s guarantee, you can have them addressed prior to possession.

A condo inspection will perform all of the same interior checks as a standard home inspection, and usually include examination of the common areas within the building as well. This, in conjunction with the condo building’s status certificate, should tell you everything you need to know about the specific unit and the larger property.

If maintenance is a concern in your house-hunt, a condo can be a smart way to go. Read more about this in our blog on Condos vs. Houses in Toronto.

 

Make Your Home Inspection Work For You

Your home inspection should be just one aspect of your real estate journey; it cannot take into account every aspect of a property or your needs and circumstances, and it cannot predict the future. What it can do is provide you with facts, so that you can make informed decisions. It is unrealistic to expect any home to be perfect, or to expect any seller to fix every issue outlined in a home report. But with the right information at your fingertips, you can be sure you’re making the best decisions.

 

For help finding the best real estate in the GTA, connect with Sutton Group’s local experts.