A lot of London's character housing was built before 1960: Old South, Old East, Wortley Village, Old North and much of central St. Thomas. Those homes are why people love these neighbourhoods, and they are also where a home inspection earns its fee.
Buying an Older Home?
I will point out what to have checked before you write the offer, and help you negotiate on what the inspector finds
548 490 4577How does the inspection condition work?
The condition gives you a set number of days after acceptance to have the home inspected. If the report turns up something you're not comfortable with, you can let the condition lapse and get your deposit back, or ask the seller for a repair or a price adjustment. Under the usual wording, if you don't confirm in writing that the condition is satisfied before the deadline, the agreement ends.
What do inspectors flag most in older London homes?
| Issue | Where it shows up | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Knob-and-tube wiring | Homes built before about 1950 | Many insurers won't cover it, or only while it is being replaced |
| Aluminum branch wiring | Homes built about 1965 to 1978 | Connections can overheat; insurers often ask for an electrician's report |
| Galvanized or lead water lines | Older homes and older streets | Low pressure and corrosion; lead is a health concern |
| Clay or cast-iron sewer pipe | Older neighbourhoods with mature trees | Roots and cracks cause backups, and replacement is expensive |
| Vermiculite insulation | Attics in homes built before 1990 | May contain asbestos; get it tested and leave it undisturbed |
| Grading and basement moisture | Basements across the region | Water running toward the house is behind most basement problems |
| Aging furnace or roof | Any home | Predictable replacements to budget for, not reasons to walk away |
Is a sewer scope worth it?
A standard inspection doesn't look inside the pipe that runs from the house to the city main. A camera scope does, and on a 1950s house with big maples out front it is often the most useful add-on you can buy. The homeowner is typically responsible for the portion of that pipe on private property, so a cracked or root-filled line becomes your bill the day you close.
How do I choose an inspector?
Ask for a sample report, ask whether they carry errors and omissions insurance, and ask what they don't inspect. Look for membership in a professional association such as the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. Then go to the inspection. Two hours walking the house with the inspector teaches you more than the report will.
What should I do with the report?
Sort every item into three groups: safety issues, big-ticket items with a known lifespan, and normal wear. Only the first two are worth renegotiating. Asking a seller to fix a dripping tap weakens the requests that matter. For major items, get a contractor's quote during the condition period, so any price adjustment is based on a real number.
Can I include an inspection condition in today's market?
Usually, yes. LSTAR reported 6.3 months of inventory and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 37.5% in August 2026, so most sellers are seeing fewer competing offers than in 2021 and 2022, when many buyers went in without conditions. Waiving an inspection on a house you haven't inspected is one of the few buying mistakes you can't undo after closing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a home inspection take?
Usually two to four hours for a detached house, depending on its size, age and any add-ons. Condo inspections are shorter.
Can I get an inspection before I make an offer?
Yes. A pre-offer inspection lets you write an offer without an inspection condition, which can help when there's competition. You pay for it whether or not your offer is accepted.
Does a brand-new home need an inspection?
It's still worth it. A new home has a Tarion warranty, but an independent inspector before your 30-day or first-year deadline can catch problems while the builder is still responsible for fixing them.
