top of page

COMMON QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

ARE HOME INSPECTIONS REQUIRED?

Currently home inspections are not required in Ontario. Though they are recommended! As we've seen time and time again, the older the property, the higher the likelihood that it will have some major and minor issues. Even newly built properties should be inspected to ensure proper building practices were used.

HOW LONG DOES A HOME INSPECTION TAKE?

Home inspections take roughly 3 to 5 hours depending on the size of the home.

CAN WE BE PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTIONS?

Yes. In all cases we encourage the client to join the inspector during the inspection. While this creates a longer inspection time it allows the client to understand everything that is shown in the inspection report and gives the Home Inspector a true opportunity to educate you on your new home. Your knowledge is our success. If you choose not to walk around the home with your inspector you should still be at the property during the inspection. If any major concerns are found they can be explained and shown to you while the inspector is there to answer any questions.

ARE HOME INSPECTORS REGULATED IN ONTARIO?

Not yet. However, the government is taking strides towards putting regulations in place. Until that happens anyone can call themselves a home inspector. At Tip Top Inspections our home inspectors are certified by an accredited institution, and attend a minimum number of hours each year for continuing education. Don’t take a risk with an uncertified home inspector. Ensure to always receive a certified and insured Home Inspector. Tip Top Inspections offers the MOST comprehensive and detailed home inspection with the best available tools and knowledge available.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A HOME INSPECTION?

SITE GROUNDS AND GRADING

  • Sidewalks / Walkways

  • Driveway

  • Retaining Walls

  • Grading at House Wall

  • General Grading / Drainage

  • Trees and Shrubs

  • Patio / Terrace

  • Deck(s)

  • Steps on Deck and or Building Entrance

  • Window Wells

  • Fences and Gates

​

EXTERIOR AND STRUCTURE

  • Base Building Information

  • Wall Structure

  • Foundation

  • Columns

  • Exterior Wall Covering

  • Exterior Doors

  • Exterior Windows

  • Trim

  • Downspouts

  • Eaves and Soffits

  • Gas Meter / Piping

  • Exterior Receptacles / Electrical

  • Chimney’s

​

ROOF​

  • Roof Covering

  • Leaks

  • Exposed Flashing

  • Skylights

  • Gutters and Downspouts

​

PLUMBING

  • Water Service

  • Water Entrance

  • Waste

  • Pipes

  • Vent Pipes

  • Drains

  • Fuel Service

  • Water Heater

  • Fixtures

​

ELECTRICAL

  • Outlets, Fixtures and Switches

  • Service Line Entrance

  • Service Entrance Cable

  • Main Panel

  • Sub Panel

  • Circuits and Conductors

  • Smoke Detectors / CO Detectors

  • Grounding

​

ATTIC

  • Ceiling Frame

  • Moisture and Mildew

  • Sheathing

  • Access

  • Roof Frame

  • Insulation

  • Ventilation

  • Vapour Barrier

  • Pipes and Flashing

  • Leaks

​

INTERIORS

  • Floors

  • Ceilings

  • Moisture and Mildew

  • Walls

  • Fireplace

  • Stairs / Railings

  • Interior Doors

  • Interior Windows

  • Interior Information

  • Skylights

  • Other Entry Doors​

KITCHEN

  • Counters

  • Flooring

  • Ventilation

  • Sink

  • Moisture and Mildew

  • See also plumbing and electrical

  • In Some Cases Appliances Are Tested

​

BASEMENT / CRAWLSPACE

  • Description

  • Columns

  • Foundation

  • Sub Flooring

  • Ceiling

  • Floor Joists

  • Walls

  • Floor Drain

  • Floor

  • Ventilation

  • Vapor Barrier

  • Insulation

  • Moisture and Mildew

  • Sewage Ejector

  • Sump Pump

  • Stairs / Railings

​

HEATING

  • System Type

  • Venting

  • Heat Exchanger

  • Combustion Air

  • Distribution

  • Fuel Filter

  • Humidifier

  • Supplemental Heat

​

COOLING

  • Electrical Disconnect

  • Air Conditioning Type

  • Unit Condition

  • Air Distribution

​

GARAGE

  • Description

  • Flooring

  • Separation Wall

  • Walls

  • Windows Ceiling

  • Receptacles

  • Garage Door(s)

  • Door Opener(s)

  • Door to Living Space

  • Moisture and Mildew

  • Ventilation

​

THERMAL IMAGING

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Interior Walls and Ceilings

bottom of page