Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers

You have a lot on your mind during your search for a new house. As you tour potential listings, you’re wondering what the best neighbourhood will be, whether or not your furniture will fit, and last but most certainly not least, what colour you should paint your walls.

In all of the excitement, there are a few practical steps that you do not want to miss. After all, there’s really no point in picking out the perfect colour for your living room if the roof starts leaking three months after you move in. This is where the home inspection comes in.

A trained eye scrutinizing a property you’re considering can save you a lot of time, money, and heartache in the near future. Today, we’ll talk about what home inspectors look for in Ontario, and perhaps more importantly, what they don’t check.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are both fantastic locations when searching for your first house! Download our detailed Buying Checklist to help you stay on track.

Who Is a Home Inspector?

Most home buyers are not trained to spot flaws that could become big problems later on. Even if you have a background in construction, there is a tendency to be emotional. It’s understandable; we’re talking about what may soon be your new home.

This is why it pays to have a trained third party carefully look over all major systems of the house. Most professional home inspectors have earned certification from either the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), the Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (CanNACHI), or both.

Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

OAHI is the only official body recognized by the government of Ontario. Membership is not required for home inspectors to practice. However, gaining official certification can indicate a high level of expertise and professionalism.

This organization also holds the exclusive right to grant the title of “Registered Home Inspector” (RHI). If someone hands you a business card with those letters after their name, you can be reasonably sure they are a true industry expert who knows what to look for in a home inspection.

Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

CanNACHI is a national organization that aims to create uniform standards of competency and ethics for home inspectors all over the country. In other words, what passes for structurally sound in British Columbia or Alberta will also apply in Ontario.

They also offer their own certifications, giving authorization to use the title “Certified Master Home Inspector.” If you see CMHI behind the name, you’ll rest assured that the inspector has solid credentials. If you see both CMHI and RHI, then they likely have excellent standing in Ontario and in Canada.

Searching for your next home in Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes? Start here by browsing our latest listings!

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an investigation by a trained inspector. They aren’t necessarily officially certified. However, they should have an impeccable reputation in the community and among listing and buying agents alike.

Note: Home sellers will often bring in a home inspector to perform a pre-listing inspection. It’s a helpful step to show buyers that their property is well-maintained and with a solid foundation, or, in industry speak, “good bones.” Always ask if a pre-listing inspection report is available during showings as it can help you make a better decision.

Whether the buyer or the seller requests the inspection, the idea is the same: to spot any flaws in the property that need immediate attention or that could soon represent an expensive repair.

Do you have your eye on Peterborough for your next home? The posts below might make you do a double take:

What Do Home Inspectors Check?

A home inspection is in-depth, but perhaps not always as in-depth as some homeowners believe. It involves a thorough visual inspection of a home’s major components, such as the HVAC system, the roof, and the foundation.

They’ll typically come armed with a headlamp for inspecting basements and crawl spaces. They may also have a variety of electrical testers, a moisture meter, a gas leak detector, maybe even a thermal imaging camera to detect poor insulation and hidden water leaks.

The results are effective, yet not always foolproof. A trained professional will use a variety of tools at their disposal, but they won’t start ripping down walls to look at the pipes or internal wiring.

Home Inspector Checklist:

Exterior: Roof, gutters, siding, windows, doors, decks, grading & drainage, foundation (visible).
Structure: Basement/crawlspace, attic, framing, visible foundation walls.
Roof & Attic: Roofing materials, ventilation, insulation, leaks, pests.
Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, windows/doors, fireplaces.
Plumbing: Supply lines, drains, fixtures, water heater, water pressure.
Electrical: Service panel, breakers, outlets, switches, GFCIs, visible wiring.
Heating & Cooling: Furnace/boiler, AC, ductwork, thermostats.
Insulation & Ventilation: Attic/crawlspace insulation, bathroom/kitchen/laundry vents.
Safety: Smoke & CO detectors, handrails, visible hazards.

The guiding principle is to never assume anything beyond the basics. Home inspections in Ontario are visual and non-invasive. Specialized checks (septic, wells, radon, asbestos, etc.) may require separate inspections. For example, mold detection is often a separate service altogether. Some areas of inspection are standard; others are offered as an upgrade, whereas some components aren’t part of the package at all. Before agreeing to a service, you’ll want to be clear about the scope of the project.

Looking for even more tips to find and buy the right house? You’ll find plenty of insight in the posts below:

Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

Now that you understand the importance of a thorough home inspection, the next question is, how do you find an expert you can trust? There could be countless candidates in your area at any given time.

To narrow it down, you could ask around if any friends or family members have bought or sold a home recently. Alternatively, a local real estate agent (like Jeff & Katie Real Estate) can likely make a few referrals.

With a few names on your list, you can begin interviewing potential home inspectors. Start by asking some of the questions below:

What are your credentials?
How long have you worked in this area?
Are you insured and bonded?
What systems will you inspect?
What is not included in your inspection?
Can I be there during your inspection?
What is the total cost and how long will the process take?

A thorough home inspection is an essential part of the transaction, especially when buying a house. With a clean bill of health, you can enjoy peace of mind that your new oasis is a good investment, and most of all, safe to live in.

Do you have questions about buying or selling a home in the current market? Our Peterborough real estate agents are happy to talk strategy with you. Connect with us today, email team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.