Does experience with century homes matter for a Glebe inspection?

Yes, it is worth asking. One of ontario.ca's suggested questions for any inspector is: "Do you have experience inspecting the type of home that I'm considering?" For a century home in the Glebe, that is the question to put first.

Ontario.ca describes a home inspection as a visual inspection of major elements and systems. Its list of what an inspector will typically examine covers the foundation, doors and windows, the roof if they are able and it is safe to do so, exterior walls, attics, plumbing and electrical systems where visible, heating and air conditioning, ceilings, walls and floors, insulation where visible, ventilation, drainage away from the building, and the overall structural integrity. The federal Office of Consumer Affairs adds that a report is limited to the areas the inspector can see or has access to, so ask the seller or agent to make every area accessible.

An answer about experience is only as useful as what backs it up. Ontario.ca's other questions help with that:

• May I see a copy of the inspection report you use?
• May I see accreditation that shows what kind of training and experience you have?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you have insurance? Ontario.ca says it is not required by law, so ask whether they choose to carry it.

Ontario passed a Home Inspection Act in 2017, but it has not been brought into force, so there is no provincial licence to look up. The federal Office of Consumer Affairs also suggests asking whether the inspector will apply CSA A770, a voluntary national standard published in 2016.

A sample report from a house of a similar age is the most direct evidence of experience you can ask for. Ontario.ca also suggests getting quotes from more than one inspector, and the Office of Consumer Affairs suggests a written contract that lists the items to be inspected, the report deadline and the total cost before the work starts.

Ask each inspector you call for a sample report from a home like the one you are buying.