Why to do "Home Inspection"

1. Pre-Purchase Inspection (Most common)

Standard Purchase: Conditional Offer

• When: As soon as possible after the seller accepts your conditional offer.

• Why: Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale will contain a "conditional on inspection" clause. This gives you a strict timeline (usually 3 to 5 business days) to hire an inspector, complete the physical walkthrough, and review the report. If major deficiencies are found, you can walk away or renegotiate before the condition expires.

2. Competitive Market: Pre-Offer Inspection

• When: Before the designated "offer presentation date" set by the seller.

• Why: In active Ontario markets, sellers often prefer "firm offers" with no conditions. By coordinating with your realtor to bring an inspector to the property before submitting your bid, you can submit a clean, unconditional offer with total peace of mind.

• Risk: You must pay for the inspection out of pocket ($300–$600), with no guarantee that your offer will be accepted

3. New Construction: Tarion Warranty Milestones

If you are buying a brand-new home or condo in Ontario, your timing revolves around the Tarion Warranty Corporation deadlines:

• Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): Completed with the builder right before you take possession to note missing items or surface damage.

• The 30-Day Mark: Hire an independent home inspector during your first month of living there to catch hidden systems issues for your Tarion 30-Day Form.

• The 1-Year Mark: Schedule a comprehensive inspection close to your first anniversary. This allows the house to settle through all four Ontario seasons, revealing structural shifts, roof leaks, or insulation gaps before the 1-year builder warranty expires.

4. Selling a Property: Pre-Listing Inspection

• When: A few weeks before putting the home on the market.

• Why: Doing a pre-listing inspection gives you time to fix hidden problems proactively, choose a realistic listing price, and build immediate trust with potential buyers