The Complete Home Inspection Checklist for Ontario Buyers

Exterior & Site

The exterior is your first indication of how well a home has been maintained. Walk the perimeter before going inside. A professional inspector will cover all of these areas systematically, but knowing what they're looking for helps you engage with the process.

Roof

• Shingle condition: curling, cupping, missing, granule loss (granules in gutters = aging shingles)
• Flashings around chimneys, skylights, valleys, and penetrations — rust, gaps, or improper installation
• Gutters and downspouts: securely attached, free of debris, downspouts extending at least 6 feet from foundation
• Fascia and soffit condition: rot, pest damage, gaps in soffit ventilation
• Chimney: mortar deterioration, cap condition, flashing, and any visible efflorescence (white staining)

Exterior Walls

• Siding material condition: cracks, rot, gaps at joints, paint peeling (indicates moisture intrusion)
• Caulking around window and door frames
• Evidence of past repairs or patches (often indicates problem areas)
• Masonry: cracks in brick or mortar, spalling, and staining

Grading and Drainage

• Lot grading: ground should slope away from the foundation (minimum 6 inches over 10 feet)
• Window wells: drain properly, not collecting water
• Driveway and walkway condition: settlement cracks that direct water toward the home
• Trees within 10 feet of the house: root intrusion risk into the foundation or sewer

Interior Living Areas

Inside the home, your inspector is checking for evidence of problems — water staining, settlement cracks, poor workmanship, and potential safety hazards.

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

• Water stains or discolouration on ceilings (especially below bathrooms or near exterior walls)
• Cracks: diagonal cracks at corners of windows/doors often indicate settlement
• Floors: soft spots, excessive bounce, unlevel areas that could indicate structural concerns or moisture damage
• Walls: bubbling paint, staining, or efflorescence in basement areas

Windows and Doors

• Double-pane windows: fogging between panes indicates failed seal (insulation compromised)
• Operate every window and exterior door — difficulty operating can indicate settlement or framing issues
• Weatherstripping and threshold condition
• Safety glazing in hazardous locations (near doors, low in bathrooms)

Electrical System

Electrical deficiencies are among the most common — and potentially serious — findings in Ontario homes, particularly those built before 1985.

Electrical Panel

• Panel capacity: 100A minimum for most homes, 200A recommended for modern loads
• Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels are considered a safety concern and should be evaluated by a licensed electrician
• Double-tapped breakers (two wires under one breaker) — generally not permitted by code
• Breaker labeling accuracy
• Signs of overheating: discolouration, scorch marks, melted insulation

Wiring

• Aluminum wiring (copper-coloured at panel connections, or noted on permit history): requires COPALUM connections or ESA review
• Knob-and-tube wiring (visible in attics or basements of pre-1950 homes): ungrounded, not suitable for modern loads, and often not insurable without upgrade
• Any visible wiring with damaged insulation

Outlets and Fixtures

• GFCI protection in all wet areas: bathrooms, kitchen countertops, garage, and exterior
• AFCI protection in bedrooms (required by current Ontario code)
• Grounded outlets (three-prong) throughout living areas
• No open junction boxes or exposed wiring

Plumbing System

Toronto's older housing stock presents several plumbing concerns unique to the region's construction era and building practices.

Water Supply

• Pipe material: copper is generally fine, galvanized steel corrodes internally and reduces flow over time, lead pipe is a health concern and requires replacement
• Water pressure: adequate flow at multiple fixtures simultaneously
• Shut-off valve locations (main, and individual fixtures)
• Signs of previous repairs or active leaks at exposed supply lines

Drainage System

• Drain material: ABS and PVC are modern; cast iron is durable; older orangeburg or Orangeburg-era lead pipes are serious concerns
• Slow drains or backup: run multiple fixtures simultaneously to test capacity
• Backwater valve: highly recommended (and sometimes mandatory) in Toronto flood-prone areas
• Floor drains: properly sealed if not in use

Water Heater

• Age: tank water heaters typically last 10-15 years; note age sticker on unit
• Pressure relief valve: must be present, properly installed, and discharge to within 6 inches of floor
• Flue condition for gas units
• Evidence of past leaks at base or fittings

Heating and Cooling Systems

HVAC systems are typically among the most expensive items to replace and deserve careful attention during any inspection.

Furnace

• Age and expected remaining service life (gas furnaces last 20-30 years; heat exchangers can crack before that)
• Filter condition and access
• Flue pipe condition and connection to chimney or power vent
• Carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of sleeping areas (Ontario law)
• Service history evidence (annual service stickers)

Air Conditioning

• Condenser unit condition: fins straight, clearance from vegetation and structures
• Refrigerant lines: properly insulated, no evidence of leaks (oily residue)
• Tested during inspection if ambient temperature permits (above 15°C)

Ductwork

• Distribution to all rooms
• Flexible duct in attics: should be properly supported and not kinked
• Signs of mold or debris accumulation at visible register locations

Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

The attic is one of the most revealing areas of any home. Many problems originating elsewhere — roof leaks, bathroom exhaust venting, ice damming — manifest as staining or moisture damage in the attic.

• Insulation depth and type: R-60 is the current Ontario building code minimum for most climates; many older homes have R-12 or less
• Ventilation balance: adequate intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge, gable, or power vents)
• Any bathroom or kitchen exhaust venting directly into attic space (must vent to exterior)
• Condensation staining on sheathing: indicates inadequate ventilation or air sealing
• Evidence of past or current leaks at any roof penetrations
• Vermiculite: if present, treat as suspect for asbestos (see our asbestos guide)

Basement and Foundation

In Toronto, the basement is often where significant problems hide. Moisture is the primary concern — whether from ground water, surface water, or condensation — and its presence can indicate issues ranging from simple to serious.

• Foundation walls: horizontal cracks (potential structural issue, consult engineer), vertical cracks (typically cosmetic settlement), diagonal cracks (monitor, may indicate differential settlement)
• Efflorescence (white mineral deposits on concrete): indicates past water movement through the wall
• Sump pump: present, functioning, with proper discharge to exterior and check valve
• Exposed wood framing: checking for any signs of mold, rot, or pest damage at bottom plates and joists
• Basement windows: proper egress size if the basement is used as a bedroom (min. 0.35m² opening per Ontario Building Code)
• Water heater and furnace installation compliance and clearances

This checklist covers the major systems and components a qualified home inspector evaluates. But a checklist is not a substitute for a professional inspection — a certified inspector brings training, experience, and specialized tools (moisture meters, thermal cameras, combustion analyzers) that no checklist can replicate.

If you're buying a home in Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, or anywhere else in the GTA, our OAHI-certified inspectors would be glad to walk you through every item on this list — and everything else we find along the way.