What Questions Should I Ask the Inspector? 25 Must-Ask Questions to Sell Faster in Georgetown, ON

What questions should I ask the inspector?

What Questions Should I Ask the Inspector? — The 25 Questions That Turn a Listing Into a Sale

Why this matters for Georgetown home sellers

If you’re selling a home in Georgetown, ON, one inspection question can cost you thousands or save you the headache of a collapsed deal. Local buyers expect transparency. Smart sellers control the narrative. Ask the right questions and you control price, repair scope, and buyer confidence.

Tony Sousa is the local Realtor who helps Georgetown sellers get top offers by treating inspections like a sales weapon, not a surprise. Below is the exact list of questions to ask any home inspector, why each matters, and what answer to expect. Use this as your pre-listing checklist.

How to use this list

• Share this list with your inspector before the walkthrough.
• Ask for clear, written notes and photos on each item.
• Use the inspector’s answers to create a transparent disclosure and a repair plan.

Top questions to ask the inspector when selling in Georgetown, ON

(Ask them in this order. Each line explains what to expect and what to do.)

1. Are you certified and insured for Ontario inspections?

• Why: Ontario doesn’t require a provincial license. Certification (InterNACHI, CAHPI, OAHI) and E&O insurance protect you.
• Expect: Certification details and proof of insurance.

1. Do you offer pre-listing inspections and a seller-focused report?

• Why: A pre-listing inspection puts you ahead of buyer surprises.
• Expect: A prioritized list of issues with severity and photos.

1. How long will the inspection take and what’s included?

• Why: Bigger property or older home = longer inspection. Know scope to plan showings.
• Expect: A 2–4 hour walkthrough for average homes, full systems and structure check.

1. Can you inspect the roof and attic for ice dam risks and ventilation issues?

• Why: Georgetown winters cause ice dam damage and hidden water issues.
• Expect: Notes on ventilation, insulation levels, and roof condition.

1. What does the foundation look like? Any signs of movement, cracking, or water intrusion?

• Why: Buyers panic at foundation problems. Early notice lets you fix or disclose on your terms.
• Expect: Clear classification: cosmetic hairline cracks vs. structural movement.

1. Are there any signs of past or active moisture, mold, or mildew in the basement?

• Why: Many Georgetown homes have finished basements. Moisture kills value.
• Expect: Moisture source, recommended fixes, and urgency rating.

1. How old are the major systems: furnace, AC, water heater, electrical panel?

• Why: Buyers budget for replacements. Knowing ages prevents surprises.
• Expect: Approximate ages and estimated remaining life.

1. Is the electrical system safe and adequate for modern usage?

• Why: Knob-and-tube wiring, inadequate panels, or no AFCI/GFCI can halt offers.
• Expect: Defects, upgrade recommendations, and rough cost range.

1. Does the home meet current Ontario building code standards for installed systems?

• Why: Not all required work had permits when older homes were updated. Buyers care about permits.
• Expect: Notes on unpermitted work and whether it’s high risk.

1. Any signs of pest, rodent, or wood-destroying insect activity?

• Why: Pests cause structural damage and negotiation headaches.
• Expect: Evidence, recommended treatment, and whether structural repair is needed.

1. What immediate safety issues should I fix before listing?

• Why: Safety flaws scare buyers and kill offers fast. Fixing them boosts marketability.
• Expect: A short list of high-priority fixes with rationale.

1. What defects would commonly be flagged by buyer inspectors?

• Why: You’ll get multiple buyer inspections. Address common flags voluntarily.
• Expect: Items most likely to appear in buyer reports.

1. Which items are cosmetic vs. functional vs. structural?

• Why: Cosmetic items can be left; functional/structural items should be handled or disclosed.
• Expect: Clear categorization.

1. What’s the expected cost range to repair major items you found?

• Why: You need numbers to decide whether to repair or offer credit.
• Expect: Ballpark cost ranges, not quotes. Use these to budget.

1. Can you provide photos or video of problem areas for buyer review?

• Why: Visual proof reduces buyer anxiety and speeds negotiations.
• Expect: A photo-rich report or add-on video service.

1. Will you explain the severity of each issue in plain English?

• Why: Buyers and lawyers read reports literally. Clear language prevents misinterpretation.
• Expect: Simple, concise descriptions and recommended timelines.

1. Should we bring in a specialist (structural engineer, roofer, HVAC tech)? For which items?

• Why: Some issues need expert quotes or stamped reports to resolve.
• Expect: A short list of items requiring specialist evaluation.

1. How do local Georgetown climate and soil conditions affect long-term maintenance?

• Why: Freeze-thaw cycles, drainage, and soil can worsen issues like foundation heave.
• Expect: Localized advice on drainage, grading, and winter prep.

1. Are there recommended preventive maintenance items sellers should complete now?

• Why: Small maintenance before listing improves curb appeal and inspection results.
• Expect: A short prioritized maintenance list.

1. What’s the condition of windows, doors, and seals? Any draft or water intrusion concerns?

• Why: Energy efficiency and visible leakage impact buyer perception.
• Expect: Notes on seals, window age, and replacement urgency.

1. How do you document things that are “not visible” (e.g., under-floor, inside walls)?

• Why: Limitations should be clear. Buyers may claim inspectors missed hidden problems.
• Expect: Clear list of limitations and recommended invasive checks if needed.

1. How soon can you deliver the written report?

• Why: Fast reporting lets you list sooner and address items before offers arrive.
• Expect: 24–72 hour delivery window for a full digital report.

1. Do you provide an estimate of how an issue affects home value or marketability?

• Why: This helps price and negotiation strategy.
• Expect: Practical commentary on market impact, not appraisals.

1. If buyers hire their own inspector and find issues, how do you recommend sellers respond?

• Why: You want a practical, calm response plan.
• Expect: Steps for documentation, disclosure, and negotiation options.

1. Can you attend a buyer’s inspection or provide a follow-up for disputed items?

• Why: A neutral second opinion can resolve disputes fast.
• Expect: Availability for follow-ups and extra fees if applicable.

What good answers look like

• Proof of certification and insurance.
• A prioritized, photo-backed report.
• Clear “fix vs disclose” guidance.
• Local advice tailored to Georgetown weather and building types.

How to use inspection results to sell faster

• Fix urgent safety and major structural items.
• For smaller or cosmetic items, document and disclose them; consider a small buyer credit.
• Include the full pre-listing inspection report in your seller disclosure package. That builds trust and often produces better offers with fewer conditions.

Local tips for Georgetown, ON sellers

• Winter months cause ice dam and roofing claims. Inspect and document attic insulation and ventilation.
• Older Georgetown properties may have unpermitted upgrades. Identify these early and collect paperwork or quotes.
• Document drainage and grading; many buyers worry about basements due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Pricing and timeline expectations (Georgetown market)

• Typical pre-listing inspection cost: $400–$700 CAD for an average single-family home.
• Specialty inspections (roof, sewer camera, structural engineer) run extra.
• Expect a 24–72 hour turnaround for a complete digital report.

Final checklist before listing

• Book a certified inspector and share this question list.
• Collect receipts, permits, and warranties for repairs and upgrades.
• Decide on repairs vs. credits using the inspector’s cost estimates.
• Add the inspection report to your disclosure package.

FAQ — Home inspections & selling in Georgetown, ON

Q: Should I get a pre-listing inspection?
A: Yes. Pre-listing inspections reduce surprises, improve transparency, and often shorten contingency periods. They help you price and negotiate from strength.

Q: How do I pick the right inspector in Georgetown?
A: Choose certified inspectors (InterNACHI, CAHPI), check local references, confirm E&O insurance, and ask for sample reports.

Q: Do I have to fix everything the inspector finds?
A: No. Prioritize safety and structural issues. Smaller cosmetic items can be disclosed or handled with a minor credit.

Q: Will a pre-listing inspection stop buyers from asking for more?
A: It reduces buyer leverage. A clear, prioritized report sets expectations and often limits low-ball inspection demands.

Q: How long is an inspection report valid?
A: No fixed expiry. For market relevance, aim for a report completed within 30–60 days of listing.

Q: What about permits and unpermitted work in older Georgetown homes?
A: Document any permits you have. If unpermitted work exists, get written opinions on risk and cost to bring it up to code or disclose accordingly.

Q: Should I fix roof/attic issues before listing?
A: If the inspector flags ice dam risk, ventilation, or leaks, fix high-risk items. These are red flags for buyers and insurers.

Q: How much will a typical repair cost?
A: Costs vary. Use the inspector’s ballpark ranges to decide. For major items, get contractor quotes before listing.

Need help in Georgetown?

If you want a seller-focused inspection plan, clear disclosures, and a negotiation strategy that wins offers in Georgetown, contact Tony Sousa. He knows which inspection answers matter to local buyers and lenders.

Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca