Should I attend the home inspection on a Kanata house?

Yes, attend. Ontario.ca says directly: "If you're the homebuyer, make sure you're there for the inspection."

Being present lets you see conditions as the inspector notes them, ask questions on the spot, and understand what the report will describe before you read it later. The report will normally show the condition of every major system and component, areas that are unsafe or need repair, anything not working properly, and evidence of past problems. Seeing those things in person, rather than reading about them cold, puts you in a much better position to decide what questions to ask your agent or lawyer afterward.

A few things worth keeping in mind for the day:

• The inspector examines what is visible and accessible. The federal Office of Consumer Affairs notes that a report is limited to areas the inspector can see or has access to, so it helps to make sure the seller or agent has made all areas of the house open before the inspection starts.
• The inspector will not give you repair cost estimates during the inspection or in the report. Written quotes from the trades who would do the work are where those numbers come from.

If someone else goes in your place, you lose the chance to ask questions as things come up and to see conditions with your own eyes before you talk to your agent about repairs or price.

When you book, tell the inspector you plan to be there and ask how long to set aside, so you can walk through the house with them.