Viewing a home can be both exciting and overwhelming for potential buyers. The thrill of possibly finding your dream property often competes with the pressure of making such a significant decision. It can be challenging to take in everything about a space, especially during a short visit like an open house or private showing. Many buyers later discover issues they wish they had noticed earlier.
Don’t be a buyer with regrets! Identify potential problems that may arise after purchase. Being thorough during viewings can save you thousands in unexpected repairs and ensure you’re making a sound investment.
This blog will outline some key things to look out for during your initial visit, helping you determine if a professional home inspection may be necessary.
What to Look For Inside the Home
Structural Elements
The structural components form the foundation of your home—quite literally. The roof, walls, foundation, and other skeletal elements are the bones that keep your property standing strong. Ensuring these are in good condition will save you from the financial burden of replacing big-ticket items within a few years of purchase.
When viewing a home, pay special attention to these areas and don’t hesitate to ask the seller’s realtor specific questions:
- Roof Condition: When was the roof last replaced, and what is its expected lifespan based on its material? Asphalt shingles typically last 15-25 years, while metal roofs can last 50+ years. Look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or water stains on ceilings that might indicate roof problems.
- Foundation Integrity: Is the foundation original to the home, or has it been modified? Have there been any issues with the foundation in the past? Understanding what it’s made of (poured concrete, concrete block, etc.) can help you assess potential concerns. Watch for cracks, water damage, or uneven floors that might signal foundation problems.
- Wall Structure: Examine walls for cracks, especially around windows and doors. Diagonal cracks can indicate movement that may require professional assessment.
Make the above components your priority during house showings. Unlike cosmetic features that can be easily modified, structural issues typically demand substantial investment to fix.
Other Key Elements
Beyond the main structural components, there are several other fundamentals that deserve your attention when viewing a home.
Begin with the windows and doors, and ask when they were last replaced. Check for proper operation, signs of drafts, condensation between panes (failed seals), or rotting frames. Energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly impact your heating and cooling costs.
Inquire about the type of insulation used and whether it’s throughout the home. Proper insulation is crucial for energy efficiency, especially in Canada’s climate.
Check for basement or home flooding history during your inspection. Water damage leaves telltale signs—stains, musty odours, and white mineral deposits (efflorescence) on basement walls. If left unaddressed, these moisture problems can trigger mold growth and compromise the foundation’s integrity.
Components
The mechanical systems of a home are often overlooked during viewings, but can be expensive to repair or replace. Pay close attention to:
- HVAC System: Check the age and condition of the furnace, air conditioner, and ventilation system. Ask about maintenance history and when components were last replaced. In Canada, an efficient heating system is particularly important given our cold winters.
- Plumbing: Run taps to check water pressure and drainage. Look under sinks for leaks or water damage. Ask about the age and material of pipes, as older materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene can be prone to issues.
- Electrical Panel, Wiring, and Outlets: Verify the amperage of the electrical panel (100 amps is minimum for modern homes, 200 amps is better). Look for outdated wiring like knob-and-tube or aluminum, which can be safety hazards and may affect insurance rates. Check that there are enough outlets for your needs and that they’re properly grounded.
These are important things to look for when considering a house. They affect both safety and comfort. Professional home inspectors can provide detailed assessments of these systems, but your initial viewing is a great first opportunity to identify potential red flags.
Other Property Issues to Look For
Examine ceilings and walls for stains, bubbling paint, or warped materials that might indicate water damage from roof leaks or plumbing problems.
Watch for signs of pest issues such as mice, raccoons, or insect infestations. Droppings, chewed materials, or small holes often reveal unwanted visitors.
Be alert to general signs of poor build quality or previous damage. Uneven floors, doors that don’t close properly, or amateur repair work might suggest underlying issues that could be costly to fix.
What to Look For Outside the Home
The exterior condition of a property can reveal just as much as the interior. A quick walk around the property can help you notice important signs of potential problems.
Exterior, Yard, and Drainage
- Property Grading: The land should slope away from the house to prevent water from pooling toward the foundation. Poor grading can lead to water infiltration and foundation damage.
- Eavestroughs, Downspouts, and Drainage: Take a glance at the home’s eavestroughs and downspouts. Do they appear intact, and diverting water correctly away from the foundation? Clogged or damaged systems can cause water problems.
- Exterior Cladding: Examine siding, brick, or other exterior materials for damage, rot, or deterioration.
Property Features
- Driveway and Parking: Assess the condition of the driveway and determine if street parking is available. Consider whether the parking situation meets your needs.
- Garage or Carport: Is there an attached garage, detached garage, or carport? Check the condition, size, and functionality of any garage doors and openers.
Neighbourhood Considerations
- Traffic Noise: Visit at different times of day if possible, to assess traffic patterns and noise levels.
- Neighbourhood Quality: Look at neighbouring properties for signs of good maintenance, which often indicates a stable or improving neighbourhood.
- Proximity to Amenities: Consider distance to schools, shopping, parks, and public transportation.
When preparing your home-viewing checklist, including these additional considerations gives you a complete picture of the property. Property assessments consider these external factors when determining a home’s value.
Additional Questions to Ask When Viewing a Home
Beyond what you can observe, there are several questions to ask when viewing a home that can provide valuable insights:
- How old are the major systems, and when were they last serviced?
- Have there been any insurance claims on the property?
- Why are the current owners selling?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- Are there any known issues with the property that haven’t been addressed?
These questions can help you gather information that might not be immediately visible during
your viewing. Working with an experienced realtor can help ensure you ask all the right questions.
Summary
Viewing a home thoroughly is a crucial step in the homebuying process. By knowing what to look for and what questions to ask, you can make a more informed decision and potentially avoid costly surprises down the road. While we’ve covered many important aspects, it’s not exhaustive—each property is unique and may present different considerations.
Voortman Realty can help you determine exactly what to look for when viewing a home. Our experienced realtors know what to look for and can spot potential issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. Where there may be hidden problems, we’re ready to connect you with home inspection professionals to ensure a potential home meets your standards.
Our team is dedicated to simplifying your homebuying journey. We guide you through every step—from property viewings to final negotiations—ensuring you feel completely confident when you receive the keys to your dream home.
Have questions or ready to get started? Contact us today to connect with our team – we’d be happy to chat with you!