Is a home inspection a condition of sale in Alberta?
A home inspection is optional in Alberta. It becomes part of the deal only if you write it into your offer. Here is how inspection conditions work and what happens if issues come up.
· 4 min read
Service
Pre-purchase home inspection
A full look at the home before your conditions come off.
Who it’s for
Anyone buying a house, townhouse or duplex in Edmonton or nearby, especially when the offer includes a home inspection condition.
What's included
We inspect
- RoofCoverings, flashing, gutters, downspouts and visible signs of leaks.
- StructureFoundation, framing and visible signs of movement or settling.
- ExteriorSiding, windows, doors, decks, walkways and grading around the house.
- PlumbingSupply and drain lines, fixtures, the water heater and visible leaks.
- ElectricalService panel, wiring type, outlets, and GFCI and AFCI protection.
- Heating and coolingFurnace or boiler, venting, and air conditioning when the weather allows.
- Insulation and ventilationAttic insulation, airflow, bathroom and kitchen exhaust.
- InteriorWalls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings and built-in appliances.
Not included
- Opening walls or moving furnitureThe inspection is visual and non-invasive.
- Mould, radon or asbestos testingSpecialists can test for these if the report suggests it.
- Sewer line camera scopeRecommended for older homes; done by a plumbing specialist.
- Building code complianceThat is the role of the municipality and its permits.
- Cosmetic itemsPaint, finishes and other matters of taste.
How it works
Step 1: Send your details
Tell us about the property, your timing and any condition deadline.
Step 2: We confirm
We reply to confirm the date, the price and what the inspection covers.
Step 3: Inspection day
We go through the home system by system. Join us for the walkthrough.
Step 4: Your report
A clear report with photos and next steps, and answers to your questions.
Pre-purchase home inspection: common questions
What does a home inspection include?
A visual, non-invasive look at the home's major systems: roof, structure, exterior, plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation and ventilation, and interior. You get a written report with photos explaining what was found and what to do next.
How long does a home inspection take?
Plan for about two to four hours for a typical detached house, and less for most condos. Larger or older homes, and homes with a suite, take longer. Leave time at the end for the walkthrough and your questions.
Should I attend the inspection?
Yes, if you can. Walking through the home together is the easiest way to understand the findings and ask questions while you are standing in front of them.
When will I get the report?
Usually within 24 hours of the inspection, by email. If your condition deadline is very close, tell us and we will walk you through the key findings before you leave.
What if my condition deadline is soon?
Mention the deadline when you get in touch. We will tell you right away whether we can fit the inspection in before it.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. An inspection is not a pass or fail test. It describes the condition of the home on the day so you can decide what matters to you, what to ask the seller about and what to plan for.
Should I get a sewer line scope?
It is worth considering for older homes and homes with large trees near the line. A sewer scope is a camera inspection done by a plumbing or drain specialist, and it is not part of a standard home inspection.
Related reading
What are the red flags in older Edmonton homes?
Poly-B, knob-and-tube, vermiculite, galvanized pipes and more: what each looks like, why insurers ask about it, and which specialist to call next.
· 5 min read
What can a winter home inspection check in Edmonton?
Snow and cold limit a few parts of an inspection, but the heating system, attic and interior can be checked well. Here is what a winter report covers and what to look at again in spring.
· 5 min read
Where we offer this
Edmonton and the surrounding communities.
- EdmontonCity
- St. AlbertCity · about 25 min away
- Sherwood ParkSpecialized municipality · about 25 min away
- Spruce GroveCity · about 35 min away
- Stony PlainTown · about 40 min away
- LeducCity · about 35 min away
- BeaumontCity · about 30 min away
- Fort SaskatchewanCity · about 35 min away
- MorinvilleTown · about 40 min away
- DevonTown · about 40 min away
Buying or selling a home in the Edmonton area?
Get on the priority list and we'll contact you to confirm availability and a quote.