What is a Home Inspection? A Quick Guide

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection thoroughly examines the current conditions of a property and is usually used by potential home buyers before finalizing a deal. A qualified inspector will assess everything from the air conditioning and heating system to the electrical, plumbing, and foundation. They also look for evidence of water, fire, and insect damage in areas that are easily accessible.

How much does home inspection cost

While Ontario's initial home inspection average cost is between $300 - $600, this investment can save you physically, emotionally, and financially down the line. Depending on the findings, homebuyers can continue closing the sale, negotiate pricing, request repairs, or withdraw their initial offer if the risks outweigh the benefits.

The 3 Major Types Of Home Inspections in Milton, Ontario

Let’s do a deep-dive into the three types of home inspections in Milton, Ontario, that many realtors consider:



Inspection #1: Visual

Home inspectors typically carry out a visual inspection of all aspects of the property that are easily accessible. It’s their job to assess certain conditions and advise on anything that could pose future issues.

Professional home inspectors will often use tools like spot thermometers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras to give you a thorough visual inspection of:

• Indoor components like walls, floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Exterior components like decks, siding, foundation, and the roof
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Appliances
• HVAC systems, including fireplaces and wood stoves
• Ventilation
• Windows, doors, and Insulation

After the inspection, they should provide you with a written home inspection report and complete a walkthrough with you (if you didn’t already tag along for the initial inspection, which by all means, is A-OK as it gives you a better understanding of the findings!)

Inspection #2: Structural

It’s common for home inspectors to also be structural engineers. On top of the visual inspection, these inspectors look for structural issues that can lead to potential havoc on the home. Sloping floors, cracked walls, and sagging roofs can leave a house vulnerable to water damage, pests, and costly fixes. Major foundation repairs can run you upward of $25,000 in extreme cases — yikes.

Structural engineers investigate the foundation, beams, and anything structural that can pose a risk. A good structural inspector will look for:

• Cracks in walls, windows, and foundation
• Warped, cracked, sloped, or uneven floors
• Gaps between floors and walls
• Rotted timber or wood inside or outside that has small holes
• Windows and doors that don’t open and close easily
• Cracked or leaning roof or chimney
• Drainage issues on the property

Inspection #3: Environmental

An environmental inspection gives you a detailed look at what the naked eye can’t see to detect possible health hazards or invisible threats in the home, like mould, allergens, and toxins. Environmental inspectors test for the following:

• Air Quality
• Asbestos
• Mould
• Radon
• VOC
• Lead
• Water
• Soil

Resources to Help You Find A Reputable Home Inspector

Ontarian home inspectors don’t require any special licensing, but the most reputable ones usually belong to a regional or provincial industry association, such as:

• Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)
• Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI)
• Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (CanNACHI)

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