Home inspection홈 인스펙션 (주택 점검)

What is it?

A home inspection is when an inspector (a home-condition professional) comes to the home before you buy and looks over its condition and structure. The Ontario government describes it as a "visual inspection" of major elements and systems such as the foundation, the electrical and plumbing systems, the attic ventilation and the roof.

It is not a pass-or-fail test. It also does not say whether the home meets the building code or zoning rules. The inspector writes a report of what they saw at the time, and you use it to decide whether to buy, at what price, and what repairs to ask for.

RECO (the regulator of Ontario real estate agents) says a home inspection condition is one of the most common conditions in an offer.

What does it cover?

According to the Ontario government, an inspector typically examines:

• The foundation and the overall structural condition of the building
• The roof (if they can reach it safely), exterior walls, doors and windows
• Attics, insulation and ventilation (where visible)
• Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible), heating and air conditioning
• Ceilings, walls and floors
• Drainage away from the building and slopes
• Common areas in a condominium

In older homes, insurers and lenders often ask about the type of wiring (for example knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring), plumbing (lead or galvanized pipes) and insulation (for example vermiculite or UFFI). Ask the inspector to check these. RECO lists the type of wiring and plumbing as examples of "material facts".

What does it not cover?

• Hidden areas: the Ontario government says an inspector cannot see or find everything. For example, they may not find mould or may not be able to inspect a roof covered with snow.
• No walls or floors are opened. Ontario’s legal definition also calls it a "non-invasive" evaluation. That is why a latent defect (a hidden defect) often stays unknown even after an inspection.
• It is not a warranty. The inspector does not provide warranties or guarantees about the home’s condition.
• It does not judge code or zoning compliance, the home’s value, or whether permits were obtained. Those are checked with your lawyer and city records.
• Sewer pipes, chimneys and fireplaces, wells and septic systems, and pools are often checked by separate specialists. Ask the inspector and your agent whether you need them.

Are inspectors licensed in Ontario?

As of October 2026, Ontario has no mandatory qualification for home inspectors. The Ontario government’s guidance says that "at this time, Ontario does not have mandatory requirements for home inspectors", and that inspectors are not required by law to carry insurance. RECO does not regulate home inspectors either.

The Home Inspection Act, 2017 was passed and would create a licensing system, but e-Laws marks the Act as "not yet in force". It takes effect on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, and no day has been named yet. So for now anyone can call themselves a home inspector, and buyers must check qualifications themselves.

Questions the Ontario government suggests: May I see a copy of the inspection report you use? Do you have experience with this type of home? Do you have insurance? May I see accreditation that shows your training and experience? Can you provide references? It also says to look for an inspector who will provide a written contract.

How much does it cost?

The Ontario government says home inspection fees range from $350 to $600 and may be higher depending on the size and condition of the home (page updated July 28, 2026). The buyer normally pays, and the fee is not refunded if the deal falls through.

RECO advises buyers to know the costs of a home inspection, appraisal or survey when setting a budget. Get quotes from more than one inspector.

When do you do it?

RECO warns that dropping the inspection condition in a competing offer situation can leave you with defects, repairs or upgrades you did not know about, and that forgoing a home inspection is a significant risk a buyer must weigh carefully.

What about condos?

Yes, condos can be inspected. The inspector looks at the unit’s electrical, plumbing, windows, ventilation and appliances, plus some common areas. But the big-ticket items of the whole building (roof, pipe replacement, reserve fund) are checked through the status certificate and the reserve fund study, not an inspection.

A condo inspection is usually smaller in scope than a house inspection and priced differently. Decide with your agent based on the unit’s age and condition and how competitive the situation is.

How do you use the report?

According to the Ontario government, after the report a buyer usually chooses one of four paths:

1. Ask the seller to make certain repairs. RECO advises being clear in the offer if repairs based on the inspection must be completed before closing.
2. Accept the defect and deal with it yourself.
3. Ask for a price adjustment. In a conditional deal, negotiate within the condition deadline.
4. Decide not to buy. If you have an inspection condition, you tell the seller within the deadline that the condition will not be fulfilled, the deal ends and the deposit comes back.

Whichever path you take, do it in writing within the condition deadline. If the deadline passes, the contract may treat the condition as waived or the deal may end, so check the exact deadline in your contract.

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