House Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying

A house inspection checklist helps home buyers organize observations and questions before, during and after a professional home inspection. Use this practical checklist for Ottawa and other Ontario homes, whether you are viewing an older detached house, townhouse or condominium.

Important: This is a buyer’s reference, not a substitute for a qualified home inspector. Do not climb roofs, open electrical panels, test unsafe equipment or attempt destructive investigations yourself.

Exterior house inspection checklist

• Look from a safe distance for missing or visibly damaged roofing, sagging eaves or blocked gutters.
• Observe whether grading seems to direct surface water away from the home.
• Note foundation cracks, staining or signs of past water entry that require expert interpretation.
• Check visible siding, masonry, caulking and flashing for deterioration.
• Observe steps, railings, decks, fences, driveways and retaining walls for obvious damage.
• Ask about drainage, snow accumulation and previous water problems.

Basement and foundation checklist

• Look for musty odours, stains, efflorescence or damp-looking materials.
• Ask about past basement flooding, repairs, sump pumps and backwater valves.
• Note visible foundation cracks and request a specialist’s opinion where indicated.
• Check whether stored belongings or finished walls prevent inspection of important areas.

Kitchen, bathrooms and plumbing checklist

• Observe accessible sinks, faucets, tubs, toilets and surrounding finishes for leaks or moisture.
• Ask whether drainage is slow or fixtures have been repaired repeatedly.
• Check visible sealant and grout condition, without treating cosmetic defects as a diagnosis.
• Ask about water-heater age, ownership or rental terms and service history.

Electrical and heating checklist

• Ask the inspector to examine the accessible electrical panel and visible wiring.
• Note damaged outlets, missing covers or other visible safety issues; do not investigate live components yourself.
• Ask about furnace, boiler or heat-pump service records and approximate age.
• Ask which heating and cooling tests can be performed safely under current weather conditions.
• Confirm the presence of appropriate smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms with the inspector.

Attic, insulation and ventilation checklist

• Ask whether the attic was accessible and what areas could not be viewed.
• Discuss visible insulation, moisture staining and ventilation concerns.
• Ask whether bathroom or kitchen exhaust appears to vent appropriately.
• Consider further specialist testing where radon, mould, asbestos or other environmental hazards are a concern; these are not conclusively assessed by an ordinary visual inspection.

Doors, windows and living spaces checklist

• Ask about window operation, signs of condensation and failed seals.
• Note visible movement, cracking, soft flooring or uneven surfaces that warrant investigation.
• Check accessible stairs, handrails and guards for obvious safety concerns.
• Document water stains, unusual odours and visible ceiling or wall damage.

Extra checklist items for Ottawa properties

• Older homes: Ask about past renovations, building permits where relevant and potentially outdated systems.
• Condominiums: Clarify what is privately owned and what belongs to the condominium corporation; a unit inspection does not replace a status-certificate review.
• Rural properties: Ask whether well water, septic, fuel tanks or outbuildings need specialist inspection or testing.
• Winter viewings: Ask what snow and cold weather prevented the inspector from accessing or testing.

Questions to ask your inspector

• Which important areas were not accessible?
• Which issues are urgent safety concerns versus ordinary maintenance?
• What additional specialist evaluations do you recommend?
• Which items could involve substantial future expenses?
• When will I receive the full written report?

What to do with the completed checklist

Keep your notes with the professional inspection report. Ask the inspector to explain concerns and request quotes or specialist opinions if needed. Any decision about renegotiating or acting on an inspection condition must follow your signed agreement and deadlines. For the overall process, read House Inspection Ottawa. For help understanding conditions and decisions as a new buyer, see Home Inspection Ottawa for First-Time Buyers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this checklist instead of hiring an inspector?

No. It is a planning and note-taking aid. A professional inspection offers training, documentation and broader assessment within its stated limitations.

Should I attend the inspection?

Ask the inspector whether you may attend and when questions are welcome. Seeing issues explained in person can help you interpret the final report.

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Reviewed October 2026. Do not enter unsafe or inaccessible spaces; use qualified specialists where appropriate.