Home Inspection
A buyer-hired, visual check of a home's condition and major systems, with licensing rules that vary from province to province.
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment of a home's condition, hired by the buyer. An inspector looks at major systems and components, such as the roof, structure, electrical, plumbing and heating, and signs of water damage. The result is a written report. It is advisory, not a pass-or-fail verdict.
In a resale purchase, buyers often make their offer conditional on a satisfactory inspection. That gives you time to review the report before the deal becomes firm. A new build can also benefit from an independent inspection. It is separate from the builder's pre-delivery inspection and gives you an unbiased second opinion.
Inspections have limits. Consumer Protection BC notes that inspectors cannot do destructive testing, perform repairs or give repair cost estimates. They also do not assess asbestos or mould, or determine market value or insurability. Read the contract before the inspection so you know what is and is not covered.
Rules depend on the province. British Columbia has licensed home inspectors through Consumer Protection BC since April 1, 2009. BC inspectors must carry insurance and provide a written contract and report, and you can check a licence online. Alberta requires both home inspectors and home inspection businesses to be licensed by Service Alberta. In Quebec, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec has issued certificates to pre-purchase inspectors since October 1, 2024. The certificate becomes mandatory on October 1, 2027.
Ontario passed the Home Inspection Act, 2017, which provides for licensing of home inspectors. Before assuming an Ontario inspector is licensed, check whether those rules are in force, since credentials may come only from a private association. Wherever you live, ask about training, insurance and a sample report before you hire.
Sources
- Consumer Protection BC: Industry backgrounder, home inspections (2025)
- Service Alberta: Home inspector licence
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec: Pre-purchase inspection
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Bill 59, Putting Consumers First Act, 2017
Last reviewed October 16, 2026.
Go deeper
Related terms in New Build & Warranty
- Major Structural Defect The most serious structural problem in a new Ontario home, covered by Tarion's seven-year warranty from the date of possession.
- Pre-Delivery Inspection The builder-led walkthrough before possession of a new Ontario home that records its condition on Tarion's PDI Form.
- Tarion The not-for-profit that administers Ontario's new-home warranty, covering defects for up to seven years and protecting deposits.
- Certificate of Completion and Possession The Tarion warranty certificate your builder provides at possession, recording the date that starts your warranty clock.
General information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and vary by province; confirm the current details with the relevant authority before you rely on them.