Condo Inspection Checklist: 47 Things to Check Before Buying a Toronto Condo

During the showing — what YOU check

The unit — exterior

1. Front door — opens/closes flush, deadbolt works, hinges silent.
2. Door frame — no water staining, no separation from wall.
3. Unit number plaque secure.
4. Common-hallway carpet — condition, smell.

The unit — kitchen

5. Sink — water flows hot & cold, no leaks under, garburator works (if equipped).
6. Dishwasher — runs a full cycle if seller permits, no leak at toe-kick.
7. Fridge — cold, freezer cold, no water on floor from ice-maker line.
8. Range — all burners light, oven heats, hood fan vents (some condos vent to interior — verify).
9. Cabinet doors — close flush, hinges tight.
10. Backsplash and counter seams — no separation or water staining.

The unit — bathrooms

11. Toilet — flushes, refills, no rocking.
12. Tub / shower — water pressure, drain speed, no slow gurgle.
13. Caulking and grout — intact, no black mold lines.
14. Exhaust fan — runs, vents (place a tissue against it).
15. Tile around tub — sound when tapped (hollow = water damage behind).

The unit — living spaces

16. Floors — level (drop a marble), no soft spots, condition consistent across.
17. Windows — all open, all close, no broken seals (foggy double-pane).
18. Doors — close flush in their frames.
19. Walls and ceiling — no water staining, no recent paint that might cover one.
20. Outlets — bring a phone charger; verify a sample in each room.
21. Light switches — all work.
22. HVAC — heat and AC both run if season permits; thermostat responsive.
23. In-suite laundry — runs a short cycle, no flood.
24. Smoke / CO detectors — present, test if accessible.
25. Balcony / terrace — surface condition, railing solid, drain not blocked.

The building — common elements

26. Lobby — cleanliness, signage, concierge presence.
27. Elevators — how many, response time, certificates posted, condition.
28. Mail room — secure, package storage.
29. Garbage room — smell, chute condition.
30. Gym — functional equipment, hygiene.
31. Pool — water clarity, deck condition.
32. Parking garage — ceiling water staining, ponding water, exposed rebar (red flag).
33. Bike storage — secure, accessible.
34. Visitor parking — capacity vs. building size.
35. Roof / amenity terrace — condition, drainage.

What a paid inspector adds

A professional home inspector adds (typically $400–$700 for a Toronto condo):

36. Thermal imaging for hidden moisture and insulation gaps.
37. Moisture meter readings in wet zones.
38. Electrical panel opening — double-tapped breakers, sub-panel quality.
39. Plumbing material identification (galvanized? PEX? copper?).
40. HVAC unit age and service condition.
41. Water heater age and condition (if in-suite).
42. Window seal integrity testing.
43. Mechanical room access where permitted (rare in high-rises).

For a high-rise condo with shared mechanical systems, the inspector can't inspect what the corporation owns. Their report focuses on the in-suite envelope. That's still useful — just understand the scope.

The board / status certificate items

These come from your lawyer's status certificate review (see status certificate guide):

44. Reserve fund balance and adequacy.
45. Pending special assessments.
46. Major capital projects scheduled in next 5 years.
47. Active or threatened litigation against the corporation.

That's the 47-point list. Use it during showings and bring a pen. The patterns that emerge after touring 5–10 buildings will calibrate you faster than any guide.