What should Markham buyers check in a home inspection before waiving conditions?Before waiving an inspection condition, buyers should know the age and condition of the roof, foundation and grading, heating and cooling, electrical panel and wiring, plumbing and water heater, and any signs of past water. Watch for era-specific issues common in GTA homes: aluminum wiring from the mid-1960s to late 1970s, Kitec plumbing installed from 1995 to 2007, and pre-1990 vermiculite insulation. Ontario does not license home inspectors, so check credentials. Consider specialist checks such as a sewer camera, a WETT inspection for wood stoves or a radon test where they apply.
In a competitive moment, it can feel tempting to drop the inspection condition. But a home inspection is often the only chance to find a problem before it becomes yours. If you choose to firm up without one, it helps to know exactly what you are giving up.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, walks buyers through the major systems of a home before they decide how to structure an offer.
The core checklist
| System | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Roof | Age, curling or missing shingles, attic leaks and ventilation |
| Foundation and grading | Cracks, efflorescence, ground sloping toward the house |
| Heating and cooling | Age, service records, rented or owned |
| Electrical | Panel size and age, wiring type, signs of amateur work |
| Plumbing | Pipe material, water pressure, water heater age |
| Water and moisture | Stains, musty smells, sump pump, backwater valve |
| Windows and doors | Fogged seals, drafts, rot |
| Attic and insulation | Insulation depth and type |
Era-specific red flags in GTA homes
- Aluminum wiring (mid-1960s to late 1970s): the Electrical Safety Authority notes some insurers require an inspection.
- Knob-and-tube wiring (early 1900s to 1940s): many insurers will not cover it or require replacement.
- Kitec plumbing (installed 1995 to 2007): brass fittings can corrode; insurers may decline or raise deductibles.
- Poly-B plumbing (mid-1970s to 1990s): can affect insurability.
- Vermiculite insulation made before 1990: Health Canada advises assuming it may contain asbestos and not disturbing it.
- Oil tanks: ask about any current or past tank, above or below ground.
Many Markham neighbourhoods built in the 1970s and 1990s to 2000s fall into these windows, so ask the year of construction and any upgrades.
When specialist inspections are worth it
| Specialist check | Consider it when |
|---|---|
| Sewer camera scope | Older homes, mature trees, past backups |
| WETT inspection | Wood stove or wood-burning fireplace; insurers often require it |
| Radon test | Any home; Health Canada recommends a test of at least 91 days, ideally in the heating season |
| Electrical contractor | Aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring |
| Structural engineer | Significant foundation cracks or sagging |
Health Canada’s radon guideline is 200 Bq/m³. Because a proper test takes months, it is usually something to plan after closing rather than during a condition period.
Want help deciding on an inspection condition?
Michael John Lau can help you review a home’s systems, history and disclosures before you offer.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Water and flooding in Markham
Basement water is one of the costliest issues to fix. Look for stains, efflorescence and musty smells, and ask whether the home has a backwater valve and sump pump. The City of Markham’s Private Plumbing Protection Rebate offers up to $1,750 for an indoor backwater valve, $2,000 for an outdoor one and up to $5,000 for redirecting weeping tile with a sump pump in eligible flood-prone areas, with pre-approval required. The program is extended to April 30, 2027 for permits.
Ontario inspectors are not licensed
Ontario passed the Home Inspection Act in 2017, but it has not been implemented, so there is no provincial licence. Ask inspectors about their training, professional association membership, insurance and a sample report before booking.
Reading the inspection report
A good report separates safety issues from maintenance items and cosmetic wear. Focus first on anything that affects safety, water, structure or insurability, then on items near the end of their life, such as a roof, furnace or water heater. Ask the inspector to estimate remaining life where possible. Small items, such as a loose railing or a dripping tap, are normal in any home and rarely change a decision.
If the report finds a larger issue during your condition period, you can ask for a repair, a price adjustment or a credit on closing, or decide not to proceed if your condition allows it. Get a contractor quote quickly so your request is based on real numbers. Your REALTOR® and lawyer can explain your options under the agreement.
If you are thinking of waiving
- Book a pre-offer inspection if the seller allows it.
- Ask for the seller’s inspection report, if one exists, and read it closely.
- Ask for ages of the roof, furnace, air conditioner and water heater.
- Review the property’s disclosure and permit history.
- Budget a repair cushion in case something is missed.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you firm up.
An inspection costs far less than the problem it can uncover. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I waive the home inspection condition in Markham?
It is a real risk. A pre-offer inspection is a safer alternative if you need to compete without conditions.
Are home inspectors licensed in Ontario?
No. Ontario passed the Home Inspection Act in 2017, but it has not been implemented, so check an inspector's training, memberships and insurance.
What wiring problems should Markham buyers look for?
Aluminum wiring from the mid-1960s to late 1970s and knob-and-tube wiring from older homes. Both can affect insurance.
What is Kitec plumbing?
A plumbing system installed from about 1995 to 2007 with brass fittings that can corrode. Insurers may decline coverage or raise deductibles.
Do I need a radon test?
Health Canada recommends testing any home for at least 91 days, ideally in the heating season. The guideline is 200 Bq/m³.
Does Markham offer rebates for backwater valves?
Yes. The Private Plumbing Protection Rebate offers up to $1,750 for an indoor backwater valve in eligible areas, with pre-approval.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Wiring details are from the Electrical Safety Authority. Kitec and Poly-B details are from Square One (September 14, 2026) and MyChoice (September 24, 2026). Vermiculite and radon guidance is from Health Canada (radon guide modified May 22, 2026). Rebates are from the City of Markham. Inspector licensing status is as reported by Twin Peaks Property Inspections (November 6, 2025). This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
