What does a home inspection cover and should I get one before buying?

A home inspection is a visual assessment of the property's physical condition conducted by a qualified inspector before you finalize your purchase. A typical inspection covers the roof, foundation, structure, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows and doors, and any visible signs of moisture, mould, or pest activity.

The inspector identifies defects, safety issues, and items approaching the end of their useful life. They do not typically open walls or conduct invasive testing — so not everything can be detected — but the report still gives you important information about the property's current state.

Including a home inspection condition in your offer lets you cancel the deal if the inspection reveals serious problems you are not willing to accept. In competitive markets, buyers sometimes waive this condition to make their offer more attractive. That is a calculated risk: you are buying the property without knowing what is behind the walls. For most first-time buyers, the home inspection is money well spent. Your lawyer can advise on the risk of waiving it in your specific offer situation.