GL InspectionsCan you do a home inspection in winter?
Yes. Most of a home can be inspected normally in an Ontario winter, and the heating system is tested under real conditions. The main limits are a snow-covered roof, deck or grading that can't be fully seen, and central air conditioning, which isn't run when it's below about 65°F (18°C) outside because that can damage the compressor.
Updated October 2026 · By Gerardo Lucero, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
Winter changes what I can see, not whether I inspect
Houses sell in the GTA all year, and a January offer still needs an inspection. Most of the work happens inside, where the weather doesn't matter. Outside, snow and cold set some real limits. Everything I couldn't see or operate goes into the report as a limitation, with the reason, so you know exactly what is still unknown.
What winter limits
Snow on the roof
Under the InterNACHI Standards of Practice, an inspector doesn't have to remove snow or ice to view the roof, and I won't walk an icy roof. I look from the ground and the eaves, check flashing and chimneys where they show, and check the attic from the inside for stains, damp sheathing or frost. If the covering is hidden, the report says so.
Central air conditioning
The standards say the cooling system doesn't have to be run when it is below 65°F (about 18°C) outside. Running it in the cold can send liquid refrigerant into the compressor and damage it. I still look at the outdoor unit, its age label if visible, and the lines, but I won't start it.
Grading, decks and walkways
Snow hides how the ground slopes near the foundation, which matters a lot for basement water in Toronto-area homes. It can also cover deck boards, stairs and the driveway.
What winter reveals
Cold weather is also a good time to inspect. The furnace or boiler is working under real load, so I can see that it runs and heats the home. And some problems only show up in the cold.
Winter red flags vs normal winter sights
| Usually normal | Worth a closer look |
|---|---|
| A little condensation at the bottom of windows on very cold mornings | Fog or moisture between the panes of a double-pane window (a failed seal) |
| Even snow cover on the roof | Bare patches on an otherwise snowy roof, which can point to heat escaping into the attic |
| Small icicles at the gutters | Thick ice dams along the eaves, or water stains on ceilings below them |
| A dry, cold attic | Frost or dark staining on the underside of the roof sheathing |
| Some white mineral deposit on an old basement wall | Active dampness or water near the base of foundation walls during a thaw |
| Furnace cycling on and off | Furnace that won't respond to the thermostat, or rooms that stay cold |
Ice dams and attic frost are covered in more depth in my guide to attic ventilation and ice dams.
How to protect yourself when snow hides things
- Read the limitations section of the report carefully.
- Ask your agent and lawyer whether anything can be added to the agreement about items that couldn't be inspected, such as the A/C.
- Ask the seller for the roof's age, receipts and any A/C service records.
- Once the snow melts, have a roofer or HVAC technician look at anything the report flagged as not visible.
General information, not legal advice; confirm contract wording with your agent and lawyer.
Buying a new build this winter? See new home and Tarion inspections. Otherwise, book your winter inspection.
Sources
More guides
Questions people ask
can you do a home inspection with snow on the roof
Yes, but the roof covering may not be fully visible. I inspect from the ground and eaves, check the attic from inside, and note the limitation in the report.
why won't inspector test ac in winter
Running central A/C below about 65°F (18°C) outside can damage the compressor, so the InterNACHI standards don't require it.
is winter a bad time for home inspection
Not really. Heating is tested under real load and problems like ice dams and attic frost are easier to spot; the trade-off is snow hiding the roof and grading.
should i get the roof checked again in spring
If snow hid the roof during the inspection, it's sensible to have a roofer look once it's clear.
does the seller have to shovel for the inspection?
There's no set rule, but you can ask the listing agent to clear walkways and the area around the foundation and A/C unit before the visit.
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