October 21, 2026 | Buying
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Ontario? (2026)
Updated October 2026 · By Xerxes Bharucha, Broker · Team Rajpal, Re/Max Key2 Real Estate., Brokerage, Seaton, Pickering
Quick answer: A home inspection in Ontario usually costs about $400 to $650 for a typical house in the GTA and Durham, and about $350 to $500 for a condo. Larger, older or rural homes can run $700 to $1,000 or more, and add-ons like a sewer scope or radon test cost extra.
How much does a home inspection cost in Ontario?
Price depends mostly on the size, age and type of home. These are typical 2026 ranges, not quotes, and they match what our clients in Pickering and across Durham typically pay.
| Home type | Typical cost | Time on site |
|---|---|---|
| Condo apartment | $350 – $500 | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Townhouse or semi | $400 – $550 | 2 – 3 hours |
| Detached, under 2,000 sq ft | $450 – $650 | 2.5 – 3.5 hours |
| Detached, 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft | $550 – $900 | 3 – 4 hours |
| Detached over 3,000 sq ft, or with a basement suite | $850 – $1,200 | 4+ hours |
| Rural home with well and septic | $750 – $1,000+ | Half day |
Sources: RenoQuotes 2026 price guide; Bremo Ontario price guide.
What do add-on inspections cost?
| Add-on | Typical cost | When it’s worth it |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer scope (camera) | $150 – $400 | Homes with mature trees or older clay or cast iron pipes |
| Radon test | $150 – $400 | Any home with a basement you’ll live in |
| Mould sampling | $200 – $500 | Visible staining, a musty smell or past leaks |
| WETT (wood stove or fireplace) | $100 – $200 | Any wood-burning appliance; insurers often ask |
| Thermal imaging | $100 – $300, often included | Hidden moisture or missing insulation |
What does a home inspection include?
A standard inspection is a visual check of the home’s main systems: roof, structure and foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, insulation and ventilation, windows and doors, and the attic. You get a written report, usually with photos, within a day or two.
It doesn’t include anything behind walls, under flooring or inside sealed systems. It also isn’t a code inspection or a guarantee.
A home inspection is also your budget for the next 5 years
Most buyers read the report looking for deal-breakers. The bigger value is often what it tells you about the next few years. A good report notes the age and condition of the big-ticket items, so you know what’s coming and can plan for it instead of being surprised.
| Item | How long it usually lasts | Rough cost to replace in Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle roof | 15 – 20 years (basic 3-tab), 25 – 30 years (architectural) | $9,000 – $18,000 for a typical 2,000 sq ft house |
| Gas furnace | 15 – 20 years | $4,000 – $8,000 installed, before tax |
Sources: Green Building Canada; ViewHomes; Home Depot Canada; RenoQuotes. Get quotes for your own home.
So if the report says the roof is near the end of its life and the furnace is 18 years old, you’re not walking away. You’re planning for roughly $13,000 to $26,000 of work in the next few years. That might mean setting money aside each month, keeping a little more cash after closing, or negotiating the price.
Use the report to build a simple list: what needs fixing now, what’s coming in 1 to 3 years, and what to watch over 5 years. It turns a stressful document into a plan.
Do you need a home inspection on a brand-new home?
Yes, and it’s one of the best-value inspections you can buy. A new build comes with the Tarion warranty, but only for defects you report on time on the right form.
Our tip for new-build buyers is two inspections: one right after you take possession, and one around day 360, just before the one-year window closes. Upload both reports with your Tarion forms. Together they cost about $1,000, and they routinely catch items the builder then has to fix at no cost to you.
See our Tarion warranty guide for every form deadline, and open the Warranty Clock there to work out your dates.
Should you make your offer conditional on a home inspection?
On a resale home, an inspection condition gives you a few business days after your offer is accepted to inspect, and to walk away if something serious turns up. Our advice: it depends on the situation.
- There’s an offer date and you really want the home: consider inspecting before the offer date. Keep in mind it’s money spent with no guarantee you’ll get the house, so save it for the homes you’re serious about.
- No offer date or no competing offers: make your offer conditional on an inspection and do it after your offer is accepted.
Either way, you’re buying a six- or seven-figure property. A few hundred dollars on an inspection is worth it. If you do need to walk away, see what happens if you back out of buying a house in Ontario.
How do you choose a home inspector in Ontario?
Ontario doesn’t require home inspectors to be licensed yet, so credentials matter. Look for:
- An OAHI membership or RHI (Registered Home Inspector) designation
- Errors and omissions insurance
- A sample report you can read before you book
- An inspector who lets you walk the home with them
What we see from our Seaton office
Home inspections have saved our clients thousands of dollars, many times over. More than once, a client has walked away from a house that looked perfectly fine on the surface because the inspector found significant foundation problems, repairs that would have cost them tens of thousands of dollars.
Because their offer was conditional on the inspection, they walked away and got their full deposit back.
“You’re buying a property worth six or seven figures. Investing a few hundred dollars in a home inspection is always worth it.”
Xerxes Bharucha, Broker, Team Rajpal
Buying your first home? Start with our first-time home buyer guide for Ontario, or browse houses for sale in Pickering.
Home inspection cost: FAQ
How much is a home inspection in Ontario?
Most inspections cost $400 to $650 for a house and $350 to $500 for a condo. Large, older or rural homes can cost $700 to $1,000 or more.
Who pays for the home inspection, the buyer or the seller?
The buyer usually pays, because the inspection protects the buyer. Some sellers pay for a pre-listing inspection to share with buyers.
How long does a home inspection take?
About 2 to 3 hours for a typical house and 1.5 to 2 hours for a condo. Plan to be there for the walk-through at the end.
Do I need a home inspection on a new build in Ontario?
It’s not required, but it’s worth it. An inspection after possession and another before day 365 helps you report defects under the Tarion warranty in time.
Are home inspectors licensed in Ontario?
Not yet. Look for an OAHI member or a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) with errors and omissions insurance.
Can a home inspection help me budget for future repairs?
Yes. A good report notes the age and condition of the roof, furnace and other big items. Use it to plan what needs fixing now, in 1 to 3 years, and over the next 5 years.
Can I back out of buying a house after a home inspection?
Only if your offer was conditional on an inspection and you act within the condition period. A firm offer doesn’t let you walk away because of the report.
Talk to a local agent
Buying in Pickering, Ajax or Whitby? Team Rajpal is the only real estate team with an office in Seaton. We’ll help you time your inspection, read the report and negotiate what it finds. If you’re looking for a realtor in Pickering, start here.
Call or text Team Rajpal · 647.372.2997
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