Inspection IQ
Straight answers to Ottawa home inspection questions: what an inspector looks at and what an inspection cannot tell you, where licensing stands in Ontario, how an inspection fits an offer or a new home's Tarion deadlines, what it costs, and what to ask before you book.
Browse Inspection IQ71 questions answered
Is an inspection booked online covered by Ontario consumer law?
When you book a home inspection through a website, the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 may apply to...
What an Inspection CoversIs a home inspection a pass or fail test in Ontario?
No, a home inspection is not a pass or fail test. Ontario.ca is direct on this point: "A home...
Licensing & InsuranceWhat would the Home Inspection Act require if Ontario brought it in?
Ontario passed the Home Inspection Act in 2017, but it has not been brought into force, so there is...
New Homes & TarionDo I tell my builder before filing a Tarion claim in Kanata?
Yes, you notify your builder first. Tarion says: "Before you make a claim to Tarion, it's important...
What an Inspection CoversDoes a home inspection tell me if the Kanata basement was permitted?
A home inspection does not check whether any work in a home was permitted. Ontario.ca is clear that...
What an Inspection CoversWhat does a home inspector look at in an Ottawa house?
A home inspection is a visual examination of a home's condition and structure, carried out on-site...
New Homes & TarionShould I hire an inspector for my new build PDI in Riverside South?
Tarion requires your builder to do a Pre-Delivery Inspection with you before handing over the keys,...
Wiring, Asbestos & MouldCan a home inspection confirm asbestos in an old Ottawa house?
A home inspection cannot confirm asbestos. It is a visual, non-invasive examination, and only a...
New Homes & TarionHow long does Tarion cover major structural defects in Ontario?
The seven-year warranty covers major structural defects, running from the date of possession to the...
What an Inspection CoversWill a home inspection in Orleans find hidden mould?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination. Ontario.ca notes directly that an...
Licensing & InsuranceWhat does the RHI title mean on an Ottawa inspector's card?
RHI stands for Registered Home Inspector, a designation granted by the Ontario Association of Home...
Inspection CostsAre inspection fees part of closing costs when buying in Nepean?
The inspection fee is one of the upfront costs you pay when buying a home, and the Financial...
Showing 12 of 71 questions
View all recent questionsPopular Questions
Is an inspection booked online covered by Ontario consumer law?
What an Inspection CoversIs a home inspection a pass or fail test in Ontario?
Licensing & InsuranceWhat would the Home Inspection Act require if Ontario brought it in?
New Homes & TarionDo I tell my builder before filing a Tarion claim in Kanata?
What an Inspection CoversDoes a home inspection tell me if the Kanata basement was permitted?
What an Inspection CoversWhat does a home inspector look at in an Ottawa house?
New Homes & TarionShould I hire an inspector for my new build PDI in Riverside South?
Wiring, Asbestos & MouldCan a home inspection confirm asbestos in an old Ottawa house?
New Homes & TarionHow long does Tarion cover major structural defects in Ontario?
What an Inspection CoversWill a home inspection in Orleans find hidden mould?
All Answers by Topic
Hiring an Inspector 10
- Are references worth checking for an Orleans home inspector?
- Does experience with century homes matter for a Glebe inspection?
- Is an inspection booked online covered by Ontario consumer law?
- Should I get quotes from more than one inspector in Kanata?
- Signed an inspection contract at the house in Orleans: can I cancel?
- What belongs in a written home inspection contract in Ontario?
- What does CSA A770 mean for a home inspection in Ontario?
- Where do I complain about a home inspector in Ontario?
- Which questions does ontario.ca suggest putting to an Ottawa home inspector?
- Why ask a Barrhaven inspector for a sample report first?
Inspection Costs 13
- Are inspection fees part of closing costs when buying in Nepean?
- Can an Ottawa inspector bill more than their fee estimate?
- Condo apartment inspection fee in Centretown: what range is fair?
- Do Ottawa inspection fees change with the size of the house?
- Does a pre-listing inspection cost the same as a buyer's in Westboro?
- How much does a pre-purchase home inspection cost in Ottawa?
- How much is a do-it-yourself radon test kit in Ottawa?
- Is $650 a fair fee for inspecting a Kanata detached house?
- Should HST be added to a condo inspection fee in Vanier?
- Townhouse inspection fees in Barrhaven: what range is fair?
- What does one PDI visit by a hired inspector cost in Stittsville?
- What should a large Rockcliffe Park home inspection cost?
- Why would an Orleans inspection fee land above ontario.ca's range?
Licensing & Insurance 6
- Do Ontario home inspectors need errors and omissions insurance?
- Does RECO oversee the home inspector my Ottawa agent recommended?
- How can I tell if an Ottawa inspector is qualified without a licence?
- What does the RHI title mean on an Ottawa inspector's card?
- What happened to Ontario's Home Inspection Act from 2017?
- What would the Home Inspection Act require if Ontario brought it in?
What an Inspection Covers 8
- Can an inspector check the roof on an Ottawa house in winter?
- Does a home inspection tell me if the Kanata basement was permitted?
- Does an Ottawa home inspection come with any guarantee?
- Furnace and air conditioning: are they part of a Nepean inspection?
- Is a home inspection a pass or fail test in Ontario?
- What does a home inspector look at in an Ottawa house?
- Will a home inspection in Orleans find hidden mould?
- Will an Ottawa inspector open walls or move furniture?
New Homes & Tarion 7
- Can I send someone else to my PDI in Findlay Creek?
- Do I tell my builder before filing a Tarion claim in Kanata?
- How long does Tarion cover major structural defects in Ontario?
- Should I hire an inspector for my new build PDI in Riverside South?
- What does Tarion's second-year warranty cover on an Ottawa new build?
- What goes on the Tarion Initial Form after moving into a Barrhaven home?
- What happens if I miss an item on my PDI form in Ottawa?
Wiring, Asbestos & Mould 5
- Can a home inspection confirm asbestos in an old Ottawa house?
- Inspector noted vermiculite in a Glebe attic: what now?
- Insurer asking for an ESA inspection on a Kanata purchase: why?
- Mould air sampling before buying a Hintonburg house: worth it?
- Should I worry about mould an inspector found in an Ottawa basement?
Browse by Topic
Inspection Costs
What home inspections cost: ontario.ca's $350 to $600 range, published Ottawa-area fees for condos, townhouses, detached homes and new-home visits
13 questionsHiring an Inspector
Choosing a home inspector in Ottawa: what ontario.ca and the federal consumer office suggest asking, sample reports, written contracts and comparing quotes
10 questionsWhat an Inspection Covers
What a home inspector typically examines, and the limits: not pass or fail, not a code or zoning check, cannot see everything, no warranty
8 questionsNew Homes & Tarion
New-home Pre-Delivery Inspections, bringing or sending a designate, Tarion's warranty forms and the 1, 2 and 7 year warranty
7 questionsLicensing & Insurance
The status of Ontario's Home Inspection Act, voluntary designations like RHI, and inspector insurance, which is not required by law
6 questionsWiring, Asbestos & Mould
Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring, suspected asbestos and mould: what an inspection can flag and who does the follow-up
5 questionsOffers & Conditions
Home inspections in an offer: inspection conditions, competing offers, attending the inspection and the buyer's options after the report
4 questionsReading the Report
What an inspection report normally shows, what it leaves out, why inspectors do not price repairs, and what to do next
4 questionsCondo Inspections
Inspecting a condo unit: common areas, access, condo conversions and Tarion
4 questionsRadon When Buying
Health Canada's radon guideline and 91-day test, and what that means for a home purchase in Ottawa
4 questionsSpecialty Checks
Sewer laterals in Ottawa, wood-burning appliances (WETT) and thermal imaging during a purchase
4 questionsSelling & Pre-Listing
Pre-listing inspections for sellers: why some sellers order one and why buyers still get their own
2 questionsRecently Asked
View allIs an inspection booked online covered by Ontario consumer law?
Is a home inspection a pass or fail test in Ontario?
What would the Home Inspection Act require if Ontario brought it in?
Do I tell my builder before filing a Tarion claim in Kanata?
Does a home inspection tell me if the Kanata basement was permitted?
What does a home inspector look at in an Ottawa house?
Should I hire an inspector for my new build PDI in Riverside South?
Can a home inspection confirm asbestos in an old Ottawa house?
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