Navigating Your Home Inspection

You’ve placed a bid and it’s been accepted—so what comes next? The home inspection, of course. Most home purchases are conditional on a successful inspection, giving you the chance to bring in a professional who can examine all aspects of the property and alert you to any issues they discover.

A typical home inspection takes about 2–3 hours, though the exact time can vary depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. You can expect to pay between $400 and $600 for this service. While it may seem like a significant cost, a home is often the largest investment you’ll ever make, so understanding what you’re buying before you fully commit is essential. Be cautious of discount inspections—lower prices may come with lower standards.

Hiring a qualified home inspector can feel like a gamble, depending on the province. Outside of British Columbia and Alberta, home inspectors are not regulated, meaning anyone can call themselves an inspector, even without training, insurance, or accountability if something goes wrong down the road.

That’s where a franchise system like Canadian Residential Inspection Services (CRIS) stands apart. All of our inspectors are trained to the same professional standard, no matter where they are located so you can be confident that your inspector has the proper training, credentials, and insurance—and that they’ll be easy to find in the future if you need support.

Once you’ve chosen your inspector, ask if you can attend the inspection. We always encourage buyers to be present, but try to avoid bringing a crowd so your inspector can stay focused. Attending the inspection is a valuable learning experience: your inspector will explain how the home’s systems work, how to maintain them, and how to address minor issues with simple, cost-effective DIY solutions. If more significant problems are identified, they’ll advise you on what type of professional you’ll need to consult.

At the end of every inspection, our CRIS inspectors provide a one-on-one consultation to walk you through the findings and answer any questions you may have. And because we know time is critical in real estate transactions, your full inspection report will be delivered to you electronically before you even leave the property.

See also “What Happens During the Home Inspection”