A home inspector gives you an independent, professional read on the condition of a property before you commit — examining the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing and major systems, then documenting what they find in a written report. A good inspection turns an emotional decision into an informed one, and often becomes a negotiation tool. Payotte lists a single verified home inspector per sector across Canada, selected on objective public criteria, so you start from a vetted name instead of an unscreened directory.
What a home inspector does
A home inspector’s job is to observe, document and explain:
- Inspects structure, roof, exterior, and visible foundation
- Tests electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems
- Flags safety issues, deferred maintenance and likely near-term costs
- Delivers a written report, usually with photos, within a day or two
- Explains findings so you can decide, renegotiate, or walk away
How to choose a home inspector
Inspection quality varies widely, so the credential and the report both matter. Before booking, confirm:
- Membership or certification with a recognized body (for example AIBQ in Quebec, OAHI in Ontario, CAHPI elsewhere)
- A sample report you can review for depth and clarity
- Errors-and-omissions / professional liability insurance
- A clear scope — what is and is not included in the inspection
- Independence from the buyer’s or seller’s agent
Provincial regulators
A genuine home inspector holds an active licence with the regulator in their province. Confirm any licence on the regulator’s public register before you commit.
| Province | Regulator |
|---|---|
| Quebec | AIBQ |
| Ontario | OAHI |
| Alberta | local |
| British Columbia | CAHPI-BC |
| Manitoba | local |
| Nova Scotia | local |
| Saskatchewan | local |
| New Brunswick | — |
How Payotte scores every home inspector
Payotte ranks each home inspector out of 100 on five objective, verifiable criteria — never on advertising spend. Only the single highest-scoring verified professional is published per sector.
- 35 pts — Google reviews — rating and review volume
- 30 pts — Experience in years
- 15 pts — Active provincial licence
- 15 pts — Local presence in the sector
- 5 pts — Bonus — media, awards, video
Green (75+) is published normally, yellow (50–74) is published with an explanation, and below 50 the sector is left empty rather than recommend an unverified profile.
Home Inspectors verified on Payotte
Payotte currently lists 95 verified home inspectors across 95 sectors in 29 cities — 73 rated green and 22 yellow. Coverage expands as new sectors are verified.
Find your verified home inspector by city
Quebec
Ontario
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Saskatchewan
New Brunswick
Frequently asked questions
What does a home inspection cover?
A standard inspection covers the visible and accessible condition of the structure, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems, plus safety issues and deferred maintenance. It is a visual assessment, not a guarantee or a code compliance audit.
Is home inspection regulated in my province?
It varies. Some provinces have formal oversight or recognized associations (for example AIBQ in Quebec, OAHI in Ontario, CAHPI provincial bodies elsewhere). Where licensing is limited, association membership and insurance are the key signals.
How does Payotte select the best home inspector per sector?
Payotte scores inspectors out of 100 on Google reviews, experience, credentials/licence, local presence and a bonus, and publishes the single highest-scoring verified inspector per sector. No paid placement.
Should the inspector be independent from my agent?
Yes. An inspector recommended and paid to keep a deal together has a conflict of interest. Independence — and a report you can read yourself — protects you.
Is Payotte free for buyers?
Yes, Payotte is free, ad-free and commission-free, and inspectors cannot pay to be listed or to rank higher.