How much does a home inspection cost in Ontario?
How much will a home inspection really cost in Georgetown, ON? Read this before you list — the numbers will surprise you.
Quick answer: What a home inspection costs in Georgetown, ON
In Georgetown, Ontario, expect a standard single-family home inspection to cost between CAD $350 and $650. Condos and small townhomes often land in the CAD $250–$450 range. Bigger or older houses, multi-unit properties, and inspections with specialized tests can push the price to CAD $700–$1,200.
This is a range. The exact price depends on three things: size, age, and the add-ons you choose.
Why this matters for sellers in Georgetown
You’re selling a home in Georgetown. The market is competitive. Buyers want certainty. A pre-listing inspection puts you in control: you price right, fix the real problems, and avoid lowball offers driven by fear.
Paying CAD $350–$650 now can save you thousands at closing. That’s simple math. No drama.
What inspectors do — and what appraisers do (they are not the same)
- Home inspection: Visual, non-invasive check of the property’s major systems — roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and visible structure. Inspector gives a detailed report with photos and prioritizes issues.
- Appraisal: Valuation performed by a licensed appraiser. Lender-ordered appraisals confirm the home’s market value for mortgage approval.
Both matter. Inspection reveals condition. Appraisal confirms value. As a seller, you can order a pre-listing inspection and request a market analysis (CMA) from your real estate agent to anticipate appraisal outcomes.
Typical price breakdown — plain and practical
- Condo (under 1,000 sq ft): CAD $250–$400
- Townhouse / Semi-detached: CAD $300–$500
- Standard detached home (1,200–2,500 sq ft): CAD $350–$650
- Large homes (2,500+ sq ft) or older properties: CAD $600–$1,200+
- Multi-unit buildings: CAD $700–$1,500 depending on units
- Add-ons: Thermal imaging CAD $50–$150, Sewer camera CAD $150–$300, Radon test CAD $150–$300 (multi-day)
- Same-day or emergency inspections: +10–30%
What drives the price up or down
- Size and square footage. More space = more time = higher cost.
- Age of home. Older homes need deeper checks.
- Region and travel time. Georgetown is in Halton Hills — inspectors may charge slightly more for longer travel from the GTA service center.
- Certifications and reputation. Certified inspectors from CAHPI or OAHI typically charge more but deliver higher-quality reports.
- Add-ons. Specialized testing adds costs but reduces risk.
Georgetown specifics every seller should know
- Typical housing mix: older character homes, 1970–1990 bungalows, newer infill townhomes. Older homes often carry roof, plumbing, and electrical quirks.
- Seasonal issues: Georgetown gets freeze-thaw cycles. Look for freeze cracks, eavestrough and drainage problems, and basement moisture in spring.
- Commuter draw: Buyers from the GTA expect move-in readiness. Small visible defects can kill buyer confidence.
- Local trades: Georgetown has reliable contractors but lead times can vary. If your inspection flags repairs, act fast with local trades booking.
How a pre-listing inspection changes the game (for sellers)
- You price with confidence. No surprise red flags hit during buyer’s inspection.
- You target repairs that bring the biggest lift in buyer perception and appraisal value.
- You reduce conditions in offers. Buyers are less likely to demand wide repair credits.
- You speed up closing. Less back-and-forth after an offer.
Action plan: order a pre-listing inspection 4–6 weeks before listing. Fix high-impact items. Disclose smaller issues in writing with your report.
How to pick the right inspector in Georgetown
- Look for CAHPI, OAHI, or other recognized provincial credentials.
- Ask for a sample report. Good reports are clear, prioritized, and include photos.
- Confirm insurance: Errors & Omissions (E&O) and General Liability.
- Read reviews and ask for references from other Georgetown sellers.
- Verify availability. Good inspectors book fast, especially in busy seasons.
Appraisal cost and timing in Georgetown
- Typical appraisal cost: CAD $350–$600 for a single-family property.
- Turnaround: 3–10 business days depending on lender and local demand.
- Tip for sellers: Provide the appraiser with the most recent pre-listing inspection report, recent comparable sales, and a clean access path during the appraisal.
Common inspection findings in Georgetown homes (and what to do)
- Basement moisture and grading issues: Fix exterior drainage and downspouts first.
- Aging roofs and shingles: If roof life is under 5 years, consider repair or disclosure plus a seller credit.
- Old electrical panels: If panel needs upgrading, get an electrician estimate and disclose.
- HVAC age and maintenance: Provide service records. Consider a service tune-up before listing.
- Windows and insulation: Improve curb perception with a few window repairs and attic insulation where cost-effective.
Fix the big, obvious things. Don’t over-fix cosmetic items that don’t affect function or value.
Negotiating repairs vs credits — a seller’s playbook
- If the inspection finds safety or structural issues, fix them. Buyers and appraisers care.
- For mid-range items, offer a credit or price adjustment. This keeps control and speeds closing.
- For minor cosmetic problems, disclose them and adjust listing price slightly if needed.
Always get contractor estimates before negotiating. Numbers beat emotion.
How to keep costs low without cutting corners
- Bundle services: Some inspectors offer discounted packages for inspections plus radon or sewer scans.
- Compare 3 quotes, not 1.
- Schedule inspections off-peak (midweek) to avoid rush fees.
- Don’t skip insurance checks; a cheaper inspector without E&O could cost you more later.
Case study — real example (composite)
A 1960s detached home in Georgetown (1,800 sq ft) booked a pre-listing inspection for CAD $525. Report showed a 15-year-old roof, minor basement seepage, and an old furnace needing service. Seller fixed the drainage, got a furnace tune-up (CAD $300), and disclosed the roof condition with a $3,000 credit option. The house sold at list price within 10 days with clean financing. The upfront inspection and targeted fixes avoided a lowball offer and a delayed closing.
Final checklist for sellers in Georgetown, ON
- Order a pre-listing inspection 4–6 weeks before listing.
- Get 3 inspector quotes and review sample reports.
- Add thermal imaging or sewer camera if house is older or has drain complaints.
- Collect contractor estimates for any major repairs.
- Provide inspection report and comparable sales to potential buyers and the appraiser.
Call to action — simple, direct, no fluff
If you’re selling in Georgetown and want a clean sale, don’t guess. Get a pre-listing inspection. It costs a few hundred dollars. It protects your sale and increases your leverage.
Get expert local guidance and a trusted inspection referral: contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Want a quick market read and what to fix first? Visit https://www.sousasells.ca and ask for a tailored plan.
FAQ — Home inspections and appraisals in Georgetown, ON
Q: How long does a standard home inspection take?
A: Usually 2–3 hours for a typical detached house. Larger homes can take 4+ hours.
Q: Do I need a pre-listing inspection?
A: No, it’s not required. But it’s the smartest move for sellers who want control, fewer surprises, and faster closings.
Q: Will a buyer’s inspection differ from my pre-listing inspection?
A: Different inspectors may emphasize different items, but a quality pre-listing inspection reduces the chance of major new findings.
Q: How much does an appraisal cost in Georgetown?
A: Plan on CAD $350–$600. Lender turnarounds vary, so plan 3–10 business days.
Q: Are radon tests common in Georgetown?
A: Radon testing is not mandatory, but recommended for older homes and basements. Expect CAD $150–$300 for a multi-day test.
Q: What if the inspection finds major problems?
A: Prioritize safety and structural issues. Get contractor quotes, fix critical items, and disclose everything. Use credits for less-critical repairs.
Q: Can inspection costs be added to closing costs?
A: Usually, inspection fees are paid upfront by the buyer or seller who orders them. They are not standard closing costs but can be negotiated into the sale.
Q: What credentials should an inspector have in Ontario?
A: Look for CAHPI, OAHI, or membership in recognized provincial bodies. Also check for Errors & Omissions insurance.
Q: How do inspections affect appraisal value?
A: Inspections don’t set value, but they affect buyer confidence and may impact negotiations. An appraisal focuses on comparable sales, but a well-maintained, documented home usually appraises better.
Need local help? Talk with a Georgetown real estate pro who works the market every day. Contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for a free home prep checklist and inspection referrals.
Post-ready. Local focus. Practical next steps.
