What questions should I ask the inspector?
Want to sell fast in Milton? Ask the inspector these 15 blunt questions first.
Why this matters for Milton home sellers
Milton, ON is not a generic market. You get older downtown homes, new suburban builds, and properties near escarpments and creeks. That mix creates specific inspection risks: freeze-thaw damage, basement water issues, roof wear after heavy snow, and grading or drainage problems on sloped lots.
Ask the right questions. Get the right answers. Price it right. Sell faster.
This guide gives the exact questions to ask any home inspector — and how to use their answers to win in Milton’s market.
First 3 questions to set the tone (don’t waste time)
- Are you licensed and insured in Ontario, and can I see proof?
- Why ask: Licensing and insurance protect you from sloppy work and liability. Ontario rules vary; confirm credentials.
- How many Milton properties have you inspected in the last 12 months?
- Why ask: Local experience matters. An inspector who knows Milton’s typical issues will spot red flags faster.
- Can I attend the inspection and will you explain your findings on-site?
- Why ask: Being present lets you hear nuance. Buyers and agents respect transparency when sellers show confidence.
Structure and foundation — the deal killers
- Do you see active foundation movement or signs of past structural repairs?
- What to listen for: Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, bowing walls. If repairs were done, ask for documentation and warranties.
- Is there evidence of settling, significant differential settlement, or hydrostatic pressure in the basement?
- Why Milton: Many Milton lots have clay soil that shifts in freeze/thaw cycles. That can mean ongoing movement.
- Are there drainage problems or poor grading that could cause future water intrusion?
- How to use the answer: If drainage is poor, get quotes for regrading or extended downspouts. These are affordable fixes buyers respect when handled pre-listing.
Roof, attic, and exterior — protect your price
- What is the roof’s remaining life expectancy and do you see missing shingles, ice dam damage, or poor flashing?
- Milton-specific note: Snow and ice can accelerate wear. If the roof is 10+ years old, you’ll get price pushback unless you address it.
- Any sign of previous or current leaks in the attic, roof penetration points, or soffits?
- How to use it: Documented repairs and a recent roof certificate reduce buyer fear.
- Is exterior cladding, mortar, or siding showing failure that needs immediate attention?
- Why: Visible exterior defects lower curb appeal and open negotiation points.
Systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical — avoid surprises
- What is the age and expected lifespan of HVAC, water heater, and major systems? Any signs of poor maintenance?
- Use it: If systems are near end-of-life, consider replacing or offer a credit. Get firm quotes.
- Is the electrical service adequate for modern loads? Any unsafe wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube) or missing GFCI/AFCI protection?
- Milton note: Older Milton homes downtown may still have old wiring. That’s an immediate concern for buyers.
- Any plumbing concerns — slow drains, polybutylene pipes, lead lines, or signs of leaks behind walls?
- How to act: Fix active leaks. Disclose historic issues with documentation.
Moisture, insulation, and pests — long-term value killers
- Do you see signs of past or current moisture, mold, or poor insulation in key areas (basement, crawlspace, attic)?
- Why: Buyers hate moisture. Even small issues raise suspicion and drop offers.
- Any evidence of pests, wood-destroying insects, or vermin?
- Action: If termites or carpenter ants show up, get a certified pest company report and treatment plan.
The report, costs, and priorities — convert info into action
- Will the report include photos, prioritized repairs, and estimated repair costs or timelines?
- Why ask: A usable report should be a playbook. Prioritized fixes make it easy to decide what to repair versus disclose.
Bonus practical questions to ask during the inspection
- If you were selling this house today, what three items would you fix before listing and why?
- Are any repairs likely to need permits or specialists? (E.g., foundation underpinning, major electrical work)
- Which issues are safety items we must fix now versus cosmetic items buyers will negotiate over?
- How confident are you in your assessment — any areas that would benefit from further specialist review (structural engineer, roofer, HVAC tech)?
How to use the inspector’s answers to win in Milton
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Pre-listing inspection is leverage: Get the inspection before you list. Use the report to fix the highest-impact items. Buyers won’t lowball a house with clear documentation and recent receipts.
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Prioritize safety and buying friction: Fix anything labeled an immediate safety hazard. Tackle items that create buyer hesitation (roof, water in basement, major electrical issues).
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Budget smart: Replace systems close to failure only if the cost buyback is clear. Where replacement is expensive, offer a credit and show multiple contractor quotes.
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Disclose and document: Attach the inspection report, invoices, and warranties to the listing. Transparency reduces buyer anxiety and speeds closing.
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Use local market positioning: In Milton’s competitive neighborhoods, a pre-inspected and well-documented home stands out. Buyers compete for clarity.
Common Milton-specific inspection issues to watch for
- Basements with history of seepage or hydrostatic pressure, especially near escarpment edges or clay-heavy soils.
- Older downtown homes with non-updated electrical systems (aluminum, knob-and-tube) and small service panels.
- Houses on sloped lots needing proper grading and eavestrough extensions to move water away from the foundation.
- Newer builds with cosmetic defects, incomplete drywall work, or improper flashing at roof penetrations.
- Properties near conservation areas where lot drainage or tree root damage can show up later.
Knowing these local tendencies helps you ask targeted follow-ups and prepare answers for buyers.
Inspection strategies that sell
- Get a pre-listing inspection. It costs little compared to a lowered sale price.
- Fix the top 3 items that reduce buyer friction. If you can’t or won’t fix them, disclose them and offer credits backed by contractor estimates.
- Take quality photos of completed repairs and include them with the MLS. Action beats promise.
- Choose an inspector with local Milton experience. Their findings will be framed in your buyer’s expectations.
How a realtor should use the inspection to market your home (straight talk)
- Put the inspection report and receipts in the MLS documents. Real buyers read them.
- Highlight major repairs with before/after photos in the listing description and flyer.
- Price with confidence: use the report to justify your list price against comparables that had unknown conditions.
If you want this handled without stress, a local agent who coordinates pre-listing inspections, gets contractor quotes, and builds a repair timeline will make your sale faster and cleaner.
Final move: get the right inspector and act
An inspector’s answers change strategy. If they flag safety, fix it. If they flag expensive upcoming replacements, decide quickly whether to replace or credit. Remember: buyers pay more for certainty.
For sellers in Milton, ON, knowledge equals control. Control the narrative with a great inspection, clear fixes, and solid documentation.
FAQ — Home inspection questions for Milton sellers
Q: Should I get a pre-listing inspection in Milton?
A: Yes. It minimizes surprises, speeds closing, and often increases net sale price by reducing buyer negotiation leverage.
Q: How much does a pre-listing inspection cost in Milton?
A: Expect roughly $400–$700 for a standard single-family home. Prices vary with home size and add-ons (mold, sewer camera).
Q: How long does an inspection take?
A: Most inspections are 2–3 hours. Larger homes or ones with attics and basements can run longer.
Q: What if the inspector finds major problems?
A: Get contractor quotes, evaluate repair vs. credit, disclose the issue, and choose the option that preserves highest net proceeds while avoiding buyer walkaways.
Q: Do I have to fix everything the inspector lists?
A: No. Prioritize safety and high-impact items. For others, consider credits or disclose as-is.
Q: Will fixing small items increase my sale price?
A: Yes. Small visible repairs improve buyer perception and reduce low offers. Fix obvious defects and present receipts.
Q: How do I pick the right inspector for Milton?
A: Look for Ontario licensing, liability insurance, and recent Milton inspection references. Ask about local issues they commonly see.
Q: Can the inspector give me cost estimates?
A: Many provide rough costs. For firm quotes, get a contractor estimate. Use the inspector’s priority list to know which quotes to request.
If you want a hands-free, local expert to coordinate inspections, contractor quotes, and the repair plan, contact a Milton realtor who sells results: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Get the inspection done. Control the conversation. Close stronger.
