Begin to prepare for a home inspection as a buyer?

Make the Most of Your Home Inspection

Know when to ask questions.

Every inspector has a different approach. Some welcome questions throughout the inspection, while others prefer to focus on the evaluation & review everything with you at the end. Ask your inspector how they prefer to handle questions so you can get the most value from the experience.

Attend the summary if you can't be there for the entire inspection.
Many inspectors recommend that buyers arrive for the final walk-through & verbal summary. This is often the best time to review the home's condition, discuss significant findings & ask questions.

Keep the group small.
Avoid bringing extended family members or multiple friends to the inspection. Too many people asking questions or offering opinions can distract the inspector from performing a thorough evaluation & may make it harder for you to focus on the important information.

Respect that the home still belongs to the seller.
Until the transaction is complete, you do not own the property. Buyers & inspectors should avoid moving personal belongings, opening sealed storage areas, or handling the seller's possessions unless it is necessary for the inspection & permission has been granted. Respecting the home & its occupants helps ensure a smooth & professional inspection process.

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Are you forgetting anything? Ask the inspector if they are qualified & have or could included the following into the inspection:

Pool/hot tub/sauna inspection

Infrared camera for any air or moisture leaks

Pest/termite inspection

Fireplace inspection

Air quality inspection

Mold testing or 

Radon testing

Fire extinguisher inspection

We have to make sure you’re a 100% safe in that lovely new home!

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If you're buying a home, the inspection starts before the inspector arrives. The better prepared you are, the more value you'll get from the process.

1. Read the listing critically

Don't assume upgrades mean quality.

Look for & add them to a note:

• Age of the roof, furnace, air conditioner & water heater

• Foundation type

• Signs of renovations or additions

• Disclosures about water damage, leaks, or structural work

Write down anything that doesn't make sense so you can ask about it during the inspection.

2. Research the property's history

Check:

• Previous sale prices of that area

• Building permits for major renovations

• Flood risk in the area

• Known neighbourhood issues such as drainage

3. Hire your own inspector

Avoid choosing solely based on price.

Look for someone who:

• Has substantial experience

• Provides detailed reports with photos

• Encourages you to attend the inspection

• Explains findings in language of your choice

4. Attend the inspection

This is one of the best opportunities to learn about the house.

Ask:

• What should I fix first?

• What needs monitoring?

• What maintenance should I expect over the next few years?

• Are there signs of recurring moisture problems?

• Which issues are cosmetic versus significant?

5. Bring a notebook or use your phone

Record:

• Maintenance recommendations

• Approximate remaining life of major systems

• Locations of shutoffs & service panels

• Filter sizes and replacement schedules

6. Focus on the expensive items

Minor defects are normal. Pay closest attention to:

• Roof condition

• Foundation movement

• Water intrusion

• Electrical safety issues

• Plumbing leaks

• Heating and cooling systems

• Insulation and ventilation

• Evidence of mold, wood rot, or structural concerns

7. Understand the limits of an inspection

A standard home inspection is visual and non-invasive. Inspectors generally do not open walls or predict future failures. Specialized inspections may still be needed for items like sewer lines, wells, septic systems, or environmental hazards.

8. Review the report before negotiating & asking any questions

Separate findings into categories:

Priority Examples

Immediate safety concerns- Electrical hazards, active gas leaks, major structural issues

Significant repairs- Roof nearing end of life, foundation water intrusion, failing HVAC

Maintenance- Caulking, grading improvements, cleaning gutters

Cosmetic- Paint touch-ups, worn flooring, minor drywall cracks

Don't expect a used home to be defect-free. The inspection's value is in helping you understand the home's condition, budget for future repairs & identify issues that could materially affect your purchase decision.

For a first-time buyer, the most important mindset is this: you're not trying to find a perfect house, you’re trying to avoid unexpected major costs & understand what ownership will require.