A home inspection is a detailed, non-invasive examination of a property’s physical structure and major systems. At Leppard Inspections, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide a full understanding of the condition of your home. This includes evaluating the foundation for any signs of settlement, cracks, or water penetration, as well as assessing the roof for the condition of shingles, flashing, gutters, and overall drainage.

We also examine the exterior, looking for any damage to walls, windows, doors, and other elements that may cause future issues. The plumbing system is thoroughly tested to ensure proper water pressure, drainage, and to check for leaks or corrosion in pipes. The electrical system is inspected to verify that the wiring, outlets, panels, and circuits are safe.

In addition, we evaluate the heating and cooling systems to confirm that the furnace, air conditioning, and ventilation are operating safely and efficiently. Inside the home, we inspect the walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and railings to ensure structural integrity and to identify any safety concerns. The attic is also checked for proper ventilation, insulation effectiveness, and any moisture issues that may exist.

We don’t overlook the basement or crawl spaces, either, examining them for water damage, structural concerns, organic growth, or signs of pests. Ultimately, the goal of a home inspection is to uncover potential problems, whether they are minor maintenance items or significant defects that could affect the safety, value, or livability of the home. Following the inspection, we provide a detailed report with photos and descriptions of any issues, along with recommendations for repairs or further evaluations. Your report will include information needed for your home insurance, will identify your home’s shut off locations, and will offer maintenance advice.

A home inspection helps you make an informed decision by revealing any hidden issues with a property, such as structural problems, electrical faults, or plumbing leaks.

For buyers, it offers peace of mind and can be used to negotiate repairs or price reductions with the seller.

For sellers, a pre-listing inspection helps identify and fix issues, making the home more attractive to buyers. Ultimately, it protects your investment and ensures you're fully aware of the home's condition before making a commitment.

Beyond this, a home inspection will also teach you valuable information about your property, and how to maintain it.

A home inspection covers the major systems and components of a property.

This includes evaluating the foundation, roof, exterior, and structure for any visible damage or defects. We also check electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation to ensure everything is functioning properly and safely.

Inside, we inspect walls, ceilings, floors, and doors for structural issues, and we look at attics, basements, and crawl spaces for moisture, insulation, and ventilation problems.

The goal is to give you a clear understanding of the home's overall condition.

The cost of a home inspection in Ontario typically starts around $500 and can increase depending on the size, age, and complexity of the property. Larger homes or properties with additional structures may have higher fees. For a personalized quote based on your specific needs, please contact Leppard Inspections directly.

A typical home inspection takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. Larger or older homes may take longer, while smaller homes may be quicker. We recommend attending the inspection to ask questions and get a better understanding of the property.

Ideally, after your offer has been accepted but before finalizing the purchase.

You can have an inspection done at any time though!

Some clients were not able to have a home inspection done before purchasing their home to make a more competitive offer, and have opted to do a home inspection after the fact to better understand their property.

Others have had a home inspection done before listing their home for sale to make their listing more attractive to buyers.

Home inspections are not mandatory in Ontario, but they are highly recommended. While not required by law, a home inspection can help you avoid costly surprises by identifying potential issues before you buy or sell a property. It’s a valuable tool for making informed decisions and protecting your investment.

Yes, condos should be inspected just like single-family homes. An inspection can reveal potential issues with the unit’s structure, electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances. While the condo association typically handles common areas and building systems, it's important to ensure that the individual unit is in good condition before buying.

Yes, new homes should definitely be inspected. While newly built homes are expected to meet current building codes and standards, construction errors or oversights can still occur. An inspection helps ensure that everything is in good working order, identifies any issues with workmanship or materials, and verifies that all systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, are functioning correctly. It provides peace of mind and ensures that your new home is safe and ready for you to move in.

Further to this, new homes should be covered under the Tarion warranty. A home inspection gives you the opportunity to identify issues and have them repaired while your home is still covered under the warranty.

Inspections for older homes focus on issues like outdated systems and structural wear. Older homes may have more wear and tear and require updates.

Newer home inspections typically check for construction quality, system functionality, and minor defects. While newer homes are less likely to have major issues, inspections still ensure everything is up to standard. They also provide an opportunity to identify issues and have them repaired while your home is still covered under the Tarion warranty.

A home inspection doesn’t cover hidden or inaccessible areas like inside walls, behind finished surfaces, or underground. We also can’t detect issues that require specialized equipment, such as certain types of organic growth, pest infestations, or issues with buried utilities.

Weather conditions can also affect the inspection; for example, snow or heavy rain might obscure roof conditions or exterior damage. Additionally, an inspection doesn’t include future maintenance needs or aesthetic concerns.

Seasonal conditions can impact a home inspection in several ways.

During wet weather conditions, it can be easier to identify active leaks.

In winter, snow and ice may cover the roof and exterior, making it difficult to assess these areas thoroughly. Cold temperatures can affect the functionality of heating systems and expose issues like frozen pipes.

In summer, high temperatures may reveal problems with cooling systems, but extreme heat can also affect certain components.

Weather conditions can limit access to some areas and affect the visibility of potential issues, so inspections may need to be supplemented with follow-up checks.

A pre-listing inspection is conducted before a home is put on the market. It helps sellers identify and address potential issues in advance, making the property more attractive to buyers and potentially preventing last-minute surprises during the sale. This proactive approach can also help set a fair price and build trust with potential buyers by demonstrating transparency about the home's condition.