Does a pre-listing inspection cost the same as a buyer's in Westboro?

The fee for a pre-listing inspection and a buyer's inspection are based on the same factors: the size of the home, its condition, and the type of home. Ontario.ca puts the range at $350 to $600, and may be higher depending on size and condition. Published Ottawa-area inspector pages put a detached or semi-detached home up to about 2,000 sq ft at about $450 to $640, and a townhouse at about $400 to $515. Neither range changes because the person paying is the seller rather than the buyer.

What can shift the number is what you ask the inspector to include. If you want add-on services, the fee goes up regardless of whether you are selling or buying. The written quote you receive before signing is what matters, not the label on the inspection.

One thing worth knowing about a pre-listing report: the Office of Consumer Affairs says "some sellers do this to share with prospective buyers and speed up the selling process", and ontario.ca says an inspection can help a seller determine the value of their home. Ontario.ca also says that although seeing a current inspection report can be helpful, buyers should have their own home inspection done too. Whether and how you share your report is a question for your listing agent or lawyer.

Before you book, ask the inspector for a written quote that lists every service included and the total cost, so you know exactly what you are paying for and what the report will cover.

The request form on this page goes out to local Ottawa home inspectors listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory, if you want to hear from inspectors who work in the Westboro area.