You’ve found the one. Maybe it’s a red-brick house in the Avenues, a starter home in the West End, or a townhouse a short walk from Jackson Park. Before it’s yours, there’s one step our team never wants a first-time buyer to skip: the home inspection.
A good inspection won’t tell you whether to buy. It tells you what you’re buying, so you can make the decision with clear eyes. Here’s how it works in Ptbo, and how to get the most out of it.
What an inspector looks at
According to the Province of Ontario’s guide to buying a home, a home inspection is an on-site, visual examination of a home’s condition and structure. Inspectors typically check:
- The foundation and overall structure
- The roof (where it’s safe to get to), exterior walls, doors and windows
- The attic, visible insulation and ventilation
- Visible plumbing and electrical systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Drainage and grading around the house
- Common areas, if you’re buying a condo
You’ll get a written report covering the condition of each major system, anything unsafe or not working properly, and any signs of past problems.
What it won’t tell you
An inspection isn’t a pass-or-fail test, and it doesn’t check zoning or building code compliance. Inspectors report what they can see on the day. Mould hidden behind a wall can be missed, and a roof under snow may not get inspected at all. Inspectors also don’t give warranties or guarantees on a home’s condition.
That last point about snow matters as we head into a Kawarthas winter. If you’re buying in the colder months, ask your inspector what they couldn’t check and whether it makes sense to have anything looked at again.
Choosing an inspector
Ontario doesn’t currently have mandatory requirements for home inspectors, and they aren’t required by law to carry insurance. That makes your choice worth a few phone calls. The province suggests getting quotes from more than one inspector, checking references, asking about their training, accreditation and experience with your type of home, and asking to see a sample report. Look for someone who provides a written contract, and ask whether they carry insurance.
On cost, the province says inspection fees range from about $350 to $600, and can be higher depending on the size and condition of the home.
Where the inspection fits in your offer
Many buyers make their offer conditional on a satisfactory home inspection, which gives them a set number of days to inspect and review the results. If something significant turns up, you might ask the seller to make repairs, ask for a price adjustment, accept the issue and plan for it, or decide not to go ahead. Exactly what your condition allows depends on how it’s written, so have your lawyer explain it before you sign.
When a home is getting a lot of interest, some buyers arrange an inspection before they make an offer, so they can offer without the condition and still know what they’re buying. A seller’s pre-listing inspection can be helpful too, but the province recommends getting your own.
Older homes and rural properties
Plenty of Peterborough’s homes have some age on them, especially in East City, the Avenues and the streets around downtown. That’s a big part of their charm. Look for an inspector with experience in older homes, and ask specifically about the wiring, plumbing, foundation, and the age of the roof and furnace. If something needs a closer look, your inspector may suggest bringing in a specialist. It’s also smart to call your insurance company early, since the age and type of a home’s systems can affect coverage.
Outside the city, a general inspection usually doesn’t cover the septic system or well water, and a wood stove usually needs a WETT inspection before insurers will cover the property. Our guide to buying a cottage or waterfront home in the Kawarthas walks through those extra checks.
Making the most of inspection day
The province puts it simply: make sure you’re there for the inspection. Walk through with the inspector, ask questions as you go, and take notes and photos. It’s also a good chance to learn where the main water shut-off and electrical panel are, and what maintenance the home will need.
Afterward, read the full report, not just the summary. Sort what you find into three piles: safety issues, bigger costs coming in the next few years, and normal wear and tear. Every home has something on the list, even a new one. The goal isn’t a perfect house. It’s a house you understand.
About this guide: written by McAuley Real Estate Group, a team at Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage in Peterborough, Ontario. Inspection details are from the Province of Ontario’s What to know before buying a home. It’s general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm the details for your purchase with your lawyer, lender and insurer.
Buying your first home? Our free First-Home Starter Kit includes worksheets for your down payment and closing costs, every program and how to claim it, and the steps from pre-approval to keys. Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Home to your next Moments, Memories & Milestones.
