Home Inspector’s Guide for Families with Young Children

What Every Young Family Should Know Before Buying a Home in Ottawa

Buying your first family home—or upgrading to a bigger one now that you’ve got little ones—can be an exciting (and overwhelming) experience. Once you’ve found that dream home in Ottawa, it’s time for a crucial step: the home inspection.

As an Ottawa home inspector and mom of 2, I understand the importance of identifying safety concerns that might not be top of mind for all buyers. In this post, I’ll walk you through key things to look for during your Ottawa home inspection, especially if you’ve got young children to consider.

1. Electrical Safety: GFCI Protection

When it comes to kids, safety around water and electricity is a must.

GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are designed to prevent electrical shock, especially in areas near water like kitchens, bathrooms, and other water sources. Modern homes are required to have them, but many older homes in Ottawa still don’t.

Here’s what your home inspector should check:

• Are GFCI outlets present near sinks, tubs, and other water sources?

• Do all the GFCI outlets function properly? (This includes testing them with the right tool.)

• Are additional outlets protected by a GFCI even if they don’t have a reset/test button?

If your dream home is missing GFCI protection, especially around water, your inspector should flag this as a safety issue.

2. Stair Railings: Not Just a Style Choice

Kids love stairs—for climbing, sliding, jumping, and exploring. That’s why stair railings need special attention during your home inspection.

During a thorough Ottawa home inspection, railings should be checked for:

• Stability: Are they securely fastened with no signs of damage or prior repairs?

• Height: Older homes often have lower guardrails that may not meet current safety standards.

• Spacing: A space larger than 4 inches between balusters can pose a risk—especially if a child’s head could fit through.

And don’t forget to inspect exterior railings on decks or porches, too.

Too short by modern standards

3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ottawa has seen a troubling number of house fires in recent years, including fires caused by e-bike batteries charging in garages. That’s why working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are non-negotiable.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Ontario fire code requires hardwired combination smoke/CO detectors with battery backups on each level and in every bedroom.

• Homes built after 2015 should include strobe lights to help guide occupants to safety. Adding them to older homes is optional.

• Smoke detectors expire after 10 years—check the date on the unit.

• If upgrades are needed, hiring a licensed electrician is recommended.

For a detailed guide on placement and compliance, see: Ontario Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Guide

A hardwired unit past its expiry date

What Your Ottawa Home Inspector Should Do

It’s your decision as a homeowner whether to fix safety issues, but it’s your home inspector’s job to clearly identify them so you can make an informed choice.

During a family-focused Ottawa home inspection, you should expect:

• A clear explanation of any safety concerns

• Specific notes on items like electrical safety, stair hazards, and detector compliance

  
  

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions your family will make. Choosing a knowledgeable Ottawa home inspector who understands family safety concerns gives you peace of mind and helps you protect the ones you love.

If you’re a young family buying a home in Ottawa, I’d be happy to help ensure it’s safe, sound, and ready for years of memories.

👉 Book your Ottawa home inspection today or contact me with any questions.