May 8, 2025 | Buying
What Do Home Inspectors Check in Ontario?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make—and it’s completely normal to feel anxious, especially when you’re considering an older Toronto property. In West End neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles, The Junction, or Parkdale, where century homes line the streets, character often comes with quirks—and some level of risk.
Home inspections play a key role in helping buyers understand the condition of a home and budget for fixes before committing to a purchase. But it’s important to remember that inspections are visual and non-invasive. That means they can’t uncover everything, especially what’s hidden behind walls or under flooring. Unless a home has been fully gutted and renovated, there will always be some uncertainty.
Still, a quality inspection can reveal a lot—and serve as a valuable decision-making tool. Whether you’re planning to buy a small semi in High Park or a detached family home in Bloor West Village, understanding what inspectors look for (and what they don’t) is essential.
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What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s overall condition, conducted by a certified inspector. The goal is to identify any visible issues or areas of concern, helping buyers make informed decisions and budget for problem fixes, before finalizing a purchase.
In many Ontario real estate transactions, the inspection takes place after an offer has been accepted, during the conditional period. This gives buyers time to review the findings and decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or walk away from the deal.
However, in high-demand neighbourhoods like West Toronto, it’s common for buyers to review the home inspection before submitting an offer. With multiple offers still a frequent occurrence in these areas, it’s become standard practice for sellers to commission a pre-listing home inspection ahead of putting their property on the market. These third-party reports are shared with prospective buyers, allowing them to make confident, informed, and often unconditional offers. In today’s competitive environment—where many buyers bid on several homes before securing one—pre-list inspections have become not just the norm, but an expected part of the process.
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What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
Home inspectors assess the major systems and components of a home. Their goal is to give you a general understanding of its condition—not to provide cost estimates or warranties. Here’s what they typically evaluate:
1) Structure & foundation: Inspectors look for signs of foundation settlement, cracks in walls, uneven floors, and other indicators of structural movement or damage. These are especially important in older homes.
2) Roof: They will check the condition of the roof covering, flashings, chimneys, gutters, and any signs of water penetration or deterioration. The roof’s age and potential lifespan are often noted.
3) Exterior: This includes siding, windows, doors, decks, railings, and grading around the foundation. Proper grading is important to ensure water is directed away from the home.
4) Plumbing: Visible piping, water flow, drainage, and hot water systems are reviewed. Inspectors also check for signs of leaks, corrosion, or outdated materials like lead or galvanized pipes.
5) Electrical: They examine the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and fixtures. In older homes, they’ll note the presence of outdated or unsafe systems like knob-and-tube wiring or fuses and ungrounded outlets.
6) Heating & cooling systems: Inspectors test heating and cooling systems to confirm they are operational. They will also note the age and general condition of equipment such as furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning units.
7) Interior: Floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, and windows are checked for signs of water damage, settlement, or other issues. They’ll also look for potential safety concerns, like missing handrails or loose steps.
8) Insulation & ventilation: Insulation levels in the attic and visible ventilation systems (like bathroom or kitchen fans) are reviewed to ensure airflow and energy efficiency. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture issues and mould.
9) Basement & attic spaces: These areas often reveal issues with moisture, insulation, or structural integrity. Inspectors look for staining, odours, or visible damage that may suggest a problem.
Get more answers to your home-buying questions with these posts next:
- Cost of Renovations: Read Before You Sell or Buy an Older Home!
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What Doesn’t a Home Inspection Cover?
While inspections are thorough and incredibly important, they will never offer the full scope and surprise old house problems may still arise. Home Inspectors in Ontario cannot:
- Open walls or ceilings
- Assess hidden or inaccessible systems
- Perform specialized testing (e.g., for mould, asbestos, or radon)
- Inspect pools, hot tubs, or outbuildings (unless agreed upon separately)
- Verify permit history or past renovations
For older homes, this means that some issues—like concealed wiring or hidden structural changes may not be discovered. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced inspector who understands the types of homes commonly found in Toronto’s west end. If you are buying an older Toronto home, hiring an inspector that has little experience with old houses will be a disadvantage. Some house issues are big problems and enough to walk away from the deal. While others may be common old house items that can be dealt with and will most likely replicate in other homes of a similar age and character. Don’t be afraid of old homes just be prepared and get advice from the right person.
Learn more about how to invest wisely in West Toronto real estate. Read this post next.
How Do You Read a Home Inspection Report?
Evaluating an old home can be overwhelming, especially when the home inspection list dozens of issues. It’s important to remember that not all problems are equal.
Focus on Major Systems: Pay attention to structural integrity, electrical safety, plumbing issues, basement leaks, and roofing conditions. These are higher-cost items that can affect the safety and livability of the home.
Cosmetic vs. Critical: Cracked tiles or scuffed walls are common and usually not serious. Focus on items that impact function, safety, or have a higher cost.
Understand Recommendations: Phrases like “recommend further evaluation” suggest the inspector found a concern worth investigating. You may need to bring in a specialist—like a roofer, HVAC technician, or licensed electrician—for a more detailed assessment.
Do you have more questions? Here are a few more posts you might find interesting:
- Can You Buy a House in 30 Days
- Red Flags to Look For When You’re on the House Hunt
- How to Evaluate a Good Fixer-Upper in Toronto’s West End
What Should You Consider When Buying an Older Toronto Home?
If you’re looking for cookie-cutter new builds, Toronto’s west end—or other established inner-city neighbourhoods—may not be the best fit for your search. These areas are known for their unique, character-filled homes, many of which are over a century old. With that charm often comes age-related wear and specific maintenance considerations. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when reviewing a home inspection and planning your renovation or repair budget:
- Knob-and-Tube Wiring: Common in homes built before 1950, this type of wiring is outdated and often not insurable for a long periods of time. You should budget for electrical upgrades sooner rather than later. You can learn more about knob and tube wiring right here!
- Wet Basement: Many older homes have unfinished basements, and some may show signs of dampness or moisture. Look for indicators like efflorescence (white, powdery stains on walls), musty odours, or visible water damage. In many cases, basements haven’t been properly waterproofed and may experience water infiltration—especially during heavy rain or spring thaw. While this can be common, it’s not something to ignore. Budgeting for a proper basement renovation that includes waterproofing and improved exterior drainage is a smart investment. With the right work, water issues can be fully resolved—so it’s not something to fear, just something to plan for.
- Insulation Issues: Most old Toronto homes will lack adequate insulation not just in the roof but also in the walls. Upgrading can improve comfort and reduce energy costs. Keep in mind, if this bothers you a more substantial renovation will be required to add insulation in walls.
- Unpermitted Renovations: Some upgrades may look appealing but could be hiding shortcuts. If structural changes were made, ensure proper permits were used and inspections completed to close the permits. Removing walls or posts without proper structural reinforcement can lead to structural shifting and floor sagging.
Looking for more insights into buying an older home? Read this post next!
Final Thoughts…
No home is perfect—especially in a city as old and diverse as Toronto. Even newer builds can come with surprises. A home inspection won’t tell you everything, but it provides an essential layer of transparency and protection during the buying process.
Your inspector is there to identify what can be seen. Your real estate agent helps you understand what it means, what questions to ask next, and how to move forward with confidence.
If you’re considering a home in Roncesvalles, High Park, The Junction, or anywhere in the west end, make sure you’re working with a team who knows these homes—and the kinds of issues they can present.
Looking for more real estate advice? Get in touch with us today. Fill out the form on this page, call us at 416-909-1602, or email us at hello@getnested.ca.
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