What should I look for when hiring a home inspector?

When hiring a home inspector in Ottawa, look at training, insurance, sample reports and local experience, because Ontario does not license home inspectors today. Ontario passed a Home Inspection Act in 2017, but it has never been brought into force. The Province says that at this time, Ontario does not have mandatory requirements for home inspectors.

Qualifications to Check

Because there is no provincial licence, the checks are up to you. Ask about training and how many homes the inspector has inspected. Many belong to voluntary associations such as the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) or InterNACHI. Ask what membership requires, but remember it is voluntary and not a government licence.

Ask whether they carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and general liability insurance, and ask to see the certificates. Insurance is not required by law in Ontario, so it is worth asking.

Ottawa-Specific Experience Matters

Look for inspectors familiar with Ottawa's housing. Clay soils in parts of the city can cause foundation movement, and ice dams are common with our freeze-thaw cycles. Older neighbourhoods like the Glebe and Westboro have older homes with their own issues.

Ask about their experience with your home's age and style. Someone who regularly inspects 1950s bungalows in Nepean will spot different issues than someone who mainly inspects new builds in Riverside South.

Red Flags to Avoid

Never hire an inspector who offers to do the repairs on issues they find. That is a clear conflict of interest. The federal government's consumer guidance also says a home inspector should not give you estimates of repair or renovation costs.

Be wary of inspectors who rush. A thorough inspection of an average Ottawa home takes a few hours. Anyone promising to finish in an hour is unlikely to be thorough.

What to Expect From the Inspection

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the home's major elements and systems. It is not a pass or fail test, and it doesn't check whether the home meets zoning or building codes. An inspector cannot see everything: mould may not be found, and a snow-covered roof may not be inspectable. Inspectors don't provide warranties or guarantees on a home's condition.

Ask for a sample report before you book. A good report has photos and sorts issues by severity, from safety concerns to minor maintenance. Ask whether you can call with follow-up questions after reading it.

Pricing in Ottawa

The Province says home inspection fees range from $350 to $600 and may be higher, depending on the size and condition of the home. Specialised testing such as radon, mould or asbestos usually costs extra.

Additional Considerations

For older homes, consider specialists for the things a general inspection doesn't settle. Health Canada advises having a professional test for asbestos before renovating. For knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, a Licensed Electrical Contractor can assess the wiring; ESA notes that this is different from a home inspection because it focuses only on the electrical.

For the work after your inspection, find verified contractors in our directory at justynrookcontracting.com/directory to address any issues the inspection finds.