Should I do a final walkthrough before closing on a house in Ontario?

Yes, and you should treat it as more than a formality. Most Agreements of Purchase and Sale give the buyer the right to inspect the property once before closing — typically 24 to 48 hours before the closing date. This walkthrough lets you confirm that the property is in substantially the same condition as when you agreed to buy it and that all included chattels are still present.

During the walkthrough, check that appliances and fixtures that were included still work, that no visible damage has occurred since your last visit (for example, a wall patched over after something was removed), and that the seller has vacated and left the property in a broom-swept condition as required by the agreement. Check the basement for any new water intrusion, especially after rain.

If you notice something missing or damaged, report it to your lawyer immediately — before closing. Your lawyer can raise it with the seller's lawyer and may be able to negotiate a credit or hold back funds. Waiting until after closing makes it much harder to get a remedy.