What a home inspector checks, what to look for in older and newer Milton homes, and how to use an inspection in your offer.
A home inspection is a visual check of a home's major systems by a trained inspector, usually done within a few days of an accepted offer. It won't catch everything, since inspectors can't open walls or move your seller's furniture, but it is the best few hundred dollars most buyers spend.
What an inspection covers
- Structure: foundation, framing, signs of settling or water entry
- Roof: shingles, flashing, age and remaining life
- Exterior: grading, downspouts, windows, doors, decks
- Electrical: panel, wiring type, outlets and GFCI protection
- Plumbing: supply and drain lines, water heater, visible leaks
- Heating and cooling: furnace and AC age and condition
- Interior: attic insulation and ventilation, basement, moisture
You get a written report, usually with photos. Read the summary, then the details. Most findings are maintenance items; you're looking for the expensive ones.
Older Milton homes
In Old Milton and other established areas, watch for:
- Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which can affect home insurance
- Galvanized or older plumbing supply lines
- Older roofs, furnaces and windows nearing replacement
- Basement moisture, foundation cracks and poor lot grading
- Older oil tanks, current or removed, on some properties
Newer Milton homes
New doesn't mean perfect. Much of Milton was built in the last 20 years, and common findings include grading and drainage problems, missing attic insulation, and incomplete finishing. If the home is still under the Tarion new home warranty, an inspection before the warranty deadlines helps you document defects for the builder to fix.
Check builders' track records before you buy new: Ontario Builder Rankings.
The inspection condition in your offer
An inspection condition gives you a set number of days to inspect and either waive the condition or walk away. In competitive Milton markets, many buyers go firm without one. If that's your plan, consider a pre-offer inspection before the offer date. It costs the same and protects you without weakening your offer.
For sellers: inspect before you list
A pre-listing inspection shows you problems before buyers find them. You can fix them, price for them, or share the report with buyers to reduce surprises at negotiation time. More in our guide to selling in Milton.
Choosing an inspector
- Ask about training, designations and how long they've been inspecting
- Ask for a sample report
- Confirm they carry errors and omissions insurance
- Be there for the inspection and ask questions as you go
Need an inspector in Halton? Before The Keys does buyer and pre-listing inspections.
Disclosure: Steve Bulatovic has an ownership interest in Before The Keys and may benefit financially from referrals. You're free to choose any inspector.
Need an Inspector in Halton?
Before The Keys does buyer and pre-listing home inspections across Halton.