Why Home Inspections Matter in Toronto
Toronto's housing stock spans over 150 years. Victorian-era homes in Cabbagetown, post-war bungalows in Scarborough, 1970s townhouses in North York, and 2020s condos in Liberty Village all have different issues. A qualified home inspector identifies problems that could cost thousands — or walk-away-level structural concerns.
Choosing an Inspector
In Ontario, home inspectors are not licensed by the province. Anyone can call themselves an inspector. Choose someone who is certified by a recognized professional association — the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) or the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). Ask for sample reports before hiring, and confirm they carry errors and omissions insurance.
Expect to pay $400–$600 for a typical residential inspection. For older homes or larger properties, it may be more. This is not the place to bargain-shop.
Key Areas to Focus On
Foundation and Structure
Look for cracks in the foundation walls, uneven floors, and doors that don't close properly (a sign of structural shifting). In Toronto's older neighbourhoods, stone foundations are common and may show signs of mortar deterioration. Horizontal cracks are more concerning than vertical ones — they can indicate lateral pressure from soil.
Roof
Ask the inspector about the roof's age and remaining lifespan. Asphalt shingles in Ontario typically last 20–25 years. If the roof is near end of life, budget $10,000–$25,000 for replacement. Look for missing shingles, sagging ridgelines, and water stains in the attic.
Electrical
Many older Toronto homes still have 60-amp or 100-amp electrical panels. Modern households typically need 200-amp service. Knob-and-tube wiring, still found in some pre-1950 homes, is a significant concern: many insurers won't cover homes with active knob-and-tube, and replacement costs $8,000–$15,000+.
Plumbing
Galvanized steel pipes (common in pre-1960 homes) corrode from the inside and restrict water flow. Replacing them with copper or PEX is a major expense. Lead supply lines from the city main are still present in some older Toronto neighbourhoods — the City of Toronto offers a lead pipe replacement program for the portion on city property.
HVAC
Furnaces last 15–20 years. Air conditioning units last 10–15 years. If either is near end of life, budget accordingly. Check whether the home has natural gas or electric heating, and ensure the system has been serviced recently.
After the Inspection
Review the inspector's report carefully with your agent. Categorize issues into three levels: cosmetic (paint, finishes — not a concern), moderate (aging systems that need attention within 1–3 years — budget for them), and critical (structural, safety, or code violations — may justify renegotiating or walking away). Your agent can help you determine which issues warrant a price adjustment and which are normal for the property's age and type.