Home Inspection Services in Scarborough

Scarborough's housing stock tells the story of Toronto's mid-twentieth century expansion. The dominant building types are the wartime bungalow and the postwar 1.5-storey — constructed rapidly between 1945 and 1965 to house returning veterans and their growing families. These homes were built to a standardized but often minimal specification, and many have been modified and renovated multiple times over their 60-70 year lifespans.

One of the most important electrical concerns in Scarborough's older housing is aluminum branch circuit wiring, which was widely installed from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s as a cheaper alternative to copper. Aluminum wiring requires specific compatible devices and anti-oxidant compound at all connections — without these, the risk of overheating and fire is significantly elevated. Many homes in Agincourt, Malvern, and Bendale were built during this period and may still have original aluminum wiring throughout.

The 1970s and early 80s also saw the construction of numerous split-level homes and tri-levels across Scarborough, particularly in Highland Creek, West Hill, and Rouge. These homes often feature partially finished basements that have been converted to additional living space — sometimes with unpermitted plumbing and electrical work. Galvanized water supply lines are common in homes of this era and frequently show significant internal corrosion, reducing water pressure and carrying rust into fixtures. Newer townhome developments in communities like Malvern and Milliken require a focus on builder deficiencies and envelope performance.