If you’re buying a home in Toronto, one of the essential steps in the process is getting a home inspection. The goal is to identify existing or potential issues so the buyer has a better understanding of the home’s condition before committing to the purchase.
During a home inspection, a licensed inspector thoroughly examines the property’s major systems, including but not limited to: the roof, insulation, plumbing and electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, exterior elements and any potential safety hazards.
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So, What Does a Home Inspection Cost in Toronto?
On average, a home inspection in Toronto costs around $500-700, though this can vary depending on the size, age, and specifications of the house. Larger homes or older properties with more complex systems may come at a higher price, while smaller properties may be on the lower end of the spectrum.
How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
A typical home inspection lasts about 2 to 3 hours. However, just like cost, this timeframe depends on the size and condition of the home. Older homes or larger properties with multiple systems to inspect will take longer.
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What Happens During a Home Inspection?
Typically, the inspector conducts the inspection while the agent waits for them to complete their assessment. When representing buyers, we like to meet with the inspector at the end to review the findings in person and walk through the house together to point out anything notable. This allows us to go through any major concerns and ask questions before receiving the written report.
What To Look For In a Home Inspection?
Buyers should pay close attention to major red flags. Here are some key ones we look out for:
- Knob-and-tube wiring (commonly found in older homes, it can be costly to replace and may pose issues with insurance coverage. Most insurers require it to be replaced immediately)
- Aluminum wiring (a potential fire hazard if not properly maintained)
- Asbestos (found in insulation or older materials and requires professional removal)
- Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) (previously banned due to health concerns)
- Clay pipes (prone to cracking and tree root infiltration)
- Lead pipes (a risk for drinking water contamination)
- Mold and moisture issues (signs of leaks, poor ventilation, or water damage)
Who Pays For a Home Inspection?
If a home inspection is done as a pre-listing inspection (before putting the home on the market), the seller or their agent typically covers the cost. This helps sellers address any concerns in advance and provides transparency to potential buyers.
If a buyer chooses to have their own inspection, they are responsible for covering the cost. This is common in cases where no pre-inspection report is available or when the buyer wants a second opinion.
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For all our listings, our team conducts pre-list home inspections in order to:
- Understand the home’s condition before it goes on the market.
- Address any issues that could be resolved ahead of time.
- Be transparent with buyers, reducing uncertainty.
- Encourage stronger and more confident offers.
Are Pre-List Home Inspections Worth It?
Some buyers might worry that a pre-inspection report might be biased in favour of the seller. However, professional home inspectors stake their reputation on their reports, and they are liable for their findings. The reports we obtain are always done by highly reputable inspectors, often spanning 30 to 50 pages, covering every detail from a loose doorknob to a missing floor drain. Although they cannot see past the walls, their goal is to be as thorough as possible.
In a competitive market, submitting a conditional offer can put buyers at a disadvantage. In multiple-offer situations, we aim to present the cleanest, most attractive offer possible—which often means avoiding conditions, like a home inspection condition, when we can.
Learn more about pre-list home inspections with our blog: Should I Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection right here.
If a good pre-list inspection is available, we can rely on that. Otherwise, we might advise our clients to conduct an inspection before making an offer. Spending a few hundred dollars to ensure you’re making an informed decision is a small price to pay when purchasing a home worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Home inspections are an important part of the home-buying process, and our team is here to guide you through every step.
Whether you need help understanding an inspection report, deciding whether to conduct your own, or strategizing for an offer night, we have the expertise to ensure you’re making the best possible decision! Call us at 416.642.2660 or email admin@torontorealtygroup.com to get in touch!
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