Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. A professional home inspection can help you avoid costly surprises and provide peace of mind about the condition of your future home. But one of the biggest questions that comes up is: how much does a home inspection cost in Canada? And importantly, how does that cost vary depending on where you live?

At Hipwex, we understand the Canadian real estate market and the nuances that impact inspection pricing from province to province. This detailed guide will break down home inspection costs across Canada and help you understand where you’re likely to pay the most — and why.

Table of Contents

1. What is a home inspection?
   
   

2. What affects the cost of a home inspection?
   
   

3. Typical home inspection cost range across Canada
   
   

4. Home inspection costs by province
   
   

• British Columbia
  
  

• Alberta
  
  

• Ontario
  
  

• Quebec
  
  

• Atlantic Provinces
  
  

• Prairies
  
  

• Northern Territories
  
  

Provinces and regions with the highest inspection costs

Tips to get the best value on your home inspection

Why choose Hipwex for your home inspection needs?

Conclusion

1. What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough, visual examination of a property’s main components and systems. This typically includes the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling, insulation, and more. The inspection is non-invasive, meaning no walls or floors are torn apart — it relies on expert knowledge and tools to detect any visible or near-surface problems.

The purpose of an inspection is to give homebuyers a clear idea of a property’s condition, helping them make informed decisions, negotiate repairs, or prepare for future maintenance.

2. What Affects the Cost of a Home Inspection?

Several factors influence the price of a home inspection, including:

• Size of the home: Larger homes require more time to inspect, increasing costs.
  
  

• Type of property: Condos and townhouses often cost less than detached homes because they have fewer systems to inspect.
  
  

• Age and condition: Older homes or homes with visible issues often require more time and expertise.
  
  

• Location: Urban centers with higher living costs usually have higher inspection fees; remote or rural areas may include travel fees.
  
  

• Inspector’s credentials: Certified and experienced inspectors generally charge more but provide more thorough reports.
  
  

• Additional testing: Services like radon testing, mold inspection, or sewer camera inspections add to the price.
  
  

3. Typical Home Inspection Cost Range Across Canada

On average, home inspections in Canada typically cost between CAD $300 and $700 for a standard-sized detached home. Smaller properties like condos or townhouses usually fall into the lower end of that range, around CAD $250 to $400.

More complex homes, such as heritage properties, larger estates, or those requiring specialized testing, can exceed CAD $700 to $1,000.

4. Home Inspection Costs by Province

Let’s take a closer look at how home inspection costs vary by province across Canada.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, especially in major cities like Vancouver and Victoria, home inspection costs tend to be on the higher end. Expect to pay between CAD $400 and $700 for a standard detached home inspection. The higher costs reflect the demand in the real estate market, cost of living, and the complexity of some properties, especially older homes with unique features.

Smaller homes or condos in BC may cost less, generally around CAD $300 to $500. Add-ons like mold or sewer inspections will increase your total cost.

Alberta

In Alberta, home inspection prices are usually somewhat lower than in BC but can vary widely. In cities like Calgary and Edmonton, expect to pay between CAD $250 and $600 for a standard home inspection. Rural properties or older homes that need more thorough checks may cost more due to additional time or travel requirements.

Condominiums and smaller homes will often be inspected for fees at the lower end of that scale.

Ontario

Ontario has a very large and diverse real estate market, and home inspection prices reflect that. In urban centers like Toronto and Ottawa, standard home inspections typically range from CAD $400 to $700, with prices tending to be higher in Toronto and its suburbs due to demand and complexity.

Outside of big cities, prices may be a bit lower but rarely dip below CAD $300 for a full home inspection. Older homes and larger properties will generally cost more to inspect.

Quebec

Quebec home inspection costs typically fall between CAD $400 and $600 for a standard home. Condo inspections tend to be less expensive, while historic or older homes may command higher fees due to their unique conditions and potential complexities.

Atlantic Provinces

In the Atlantic provinces — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — home inspection costs tend to be more affordable compared to larger provinces. Expect to pay between CAD $300 and $600 for standard inspections, with some variation depending on the specific location and size of the property.

Prairies (Saskatchewan and Manitoba)

In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the typical home inspection costs range from CAD $300 to $600 for a standard detached home. Larger or older homes can push prices higher, especially if additional inspections are required.

Northern Territories

Home inspections in the Northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) generally cost more due to travel challenges, fewer available inspectors, and harsher environmental conditions. Inspections in cities like Yellowknife typically start around CAD $650 and can go higher.

5. Provinces and Regions with the Highest Inspection Costs

Based on the above breakdown, the provinces and areas where home inspections tend to be the most expensive are:

• British Columbia (especially Vancouver and the Lower Mainland): Due to the high cost of living and real estate demand.
  
  

• Ontario (particularly Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area): High volume and complexity of homes drive up prices.
  
  

• Northern Territories: Remoteness and travel expenses increase inspection costs.
  
  

In contrast, Atlantic provinces and some prairie regions typically offer more affordable inspection services for comparable properties.

6. Tips to Get the Best Value on Your Home Inspection

Here are some smart tips from Hipwex to help you get quality inspection services without overspending:

• Shop around: Request quotes from several certified inspectors in your area to compare pricing and services.
  
  

• Understand what’s included: Ask for a detailed list of what the inspection covers and any potential extra charges.
  
  

• Evaluate add-ons carefully: Only opt for additional tests like radon, mold, or sewer inspections if your property’s history or location indicates a need.
  
  

• Choose local experts: Inspectors familiar with your region will better understand common local issues and provide more accurate assessments.
  
  

• Be present during the inspection: Attend the inspection to ask questions and understand the inspector’s findings firsthand. This can save money later by avoiding unnecessary follow-ups.
  
  

• Schedule inspections in favorable conditions: Weather can impact inspection thoroughness; aim for milder seasons when possible.
  
  

7. Why Choose Hipwex for Your Home Inspection Needs?

At Hipwex, we are committed to helping Canadian homeowners, buyers, and sellers get reliable, transparent, and affordable home inspection services tailored to their province and property type.

• Certified and Experienced Inspectors: Our inspectors are trained and certified according to Canadian standards, ensuring comprehensive and accurate reports.
  
  

• Clear and Transparent Pricing: We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees. You know exactly what you’re paying for.
  
  

• Customized Inspections: Whether you’re buying a condo in Toronto or a detached home in Vancouver, our inspections are tailored to the property’s size, age, and location.
  
  

• Detailed Reporting: You receive a thorough report with clear descriptions and photos, helping you understand the condition of your home.
  
  

• Knowledge of Regional Nuances: Our team understands local building codes, climate impacts, and regional risks that may affect your home.
  
  

8. Conclusion

A home inspection is a small but essential investment in your Canadian home purchase journey. While the cost varies widely across provinces—from around CAD $250 to $700 or more—it is money well spent for peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses.

The highest inspection costs are generally found in British Columbia’s urban centres, Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area, and the Northern territories, while Atlantic provinces and some prairie regions tend to offer more affordable options.

By understanding the factors that affect inspection pricing and working with trusted professionals like Hipwex, you can get a thorough, high-quality inspection at a fair price—helping you make confident, informed decisions about your home.

If you’re ready to schedule a home inspection or want a personalized quote tailored to your property and location, contact Hipwex today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.