17 essential things to check before buying a home
Buying a home is a big project that requires careful preparation and due diligence to avoid unpleasant surprises. Before buying a home, it's essential to check all aspects that could affect your comfort and investment.
To help you make an informed choice, this guide presents a checklist of essential things to verify when buying a home. With these 17 key points, you'll be able to analyze the property with an informed eye and ask the right questions so you can buy with confidence.
The general condition of the house and the land
Before committing to buying a home, it's essential to check its general condition to anticipate any costly renovations.
1. The structure and the foundations
Structural problems can lead to huge repair costs and compromise the safety of the home. Check for cracks, ground settling, or signs of moisture and mold.
2. The roof
Find out the age of the siding and check the condition of the shingles or membranes. This will give you an idea of when you'll need to replace the roof.
3. The attic
Attic insulation plays a key role in the home's energy efficiency. Inspect the insulation materials and look for signs of water infiltration or mold.
4. The exterior facades
Check the condition of the exterior cladding (brick, vinyl, wood, plaster, etc.) and check for cracks, peeling, or damage. A facade in poor condition or poorly maintained can be a sign of short- or long-term problems.
5. The land
The layout and size of the front and back yard are important points to check, depending on your needs. You should also check the quality of the soil and the drainage of the land, for example, to assess the risk of water accumulation.
6. The insulation
A well-insulated home improves your comfort in both summer and winter while reducing your electricity bill. Check the insulation of the walls, attic, basement, doors, and windows.
Also, make sure the insulation complies with current standards.
7. The doors and windows
In addition to testing the energy efficiency of doors and windows, examine their general condition: condensation between the panes, cracks, tightness, ease of opening and closing, etc. If they need replacing, it's a significant expense to consider if you're buying the house.
The interior of the house
The interior of the house is easier to assess, but just as important. With a careful inspection, you'll be able to spot less obvious defects and properly assess whether the space meets your needs.
8. The floors, walls, and ceilings
Look for cracks, moisture, warping, signs of shoddy renovations, creaky or sagging floors, etc.
9. Room layout and size
Evaluate whether the rooms layout meets your current and future needs. Also consider the potential for renovations if you're less satisfied with certain aspects.
10. Storage spaces
A lack of storage is often a major pain point. Don't underestimate it: examine closets, pantrie, and all storage spaces.
11. Sun exposure
Check the home's orientation in relation to the sun and the position of the windows. This has an impact on the home's brightness and energy consumption.
Essential Systems
Each system plays a key role in ensuring the comfort and safety of the home's occupants.
12. The electrical system
Check the type of electrical panel (fuses or circuit breakers) and its capacity. For example, an outdated system with fuses may require costly upgrades.
13. The plumbing system
Inspect the condition of the pipes and check the water pressure by turning on several faucets. Look for signs of leaks under sinks and around toilets.
14. The heating and the air conditioning
Identify the type of heating (electric, gas, oil) and the type of air conditioner (central, wall-mounted). Check its age and condition. Costs can vary depending on the type of system and its condition. For example, an efficient heat pump can reduce energy costs.
15. The security system
Make sure the house has working smoke detectors. An alarm system can also be a great asset.
16. The septic tank
If the house is not connected to the municipal sewer system, it should be equipped with a septic tank and a leach field. Inquire about its capacity to determine if it is suitable for the number of occupants and its maintenance.
Another important point: location and environment
17. The neighbourhood and the amenities
You're not just buying a house; you're also buying a neighbourhood. Find out about the proximity of schools, shops, public transportation, and other essential services. Walk around the neighbourhood at different times of the day to assess the atmosphere and noise level.
How to inspect all these points?
The verifications required to successfully purchase your home can seem tedious. You certainly won't be able to detect everything with the naked eye or in a single visit. You'll therefore need to prepare in advance and do your research.
We recommend the two best practices below.
Include the pre-purchase inspection
A building inspection is essential. The inspector assesses the general condition of the home and its systems, and produces a detailed report of their observations.
If you submit a promise to purchase on a home you're interested in, you should include the inspection in the conditions so that you can adjust your plans if the inspector's report reveals problems that weren't raised during the visit.
Work with a real estate broker
A real estate broker is a valuable asset in helping you navigate all the verifications required for buying a home. He accompanies you during visits to advise you, help you identify areas to watch for, and can ask the seller the right questions. With his access to a bunch of information about the property and the market, he can help you navigate the process to determine whether the house is a good deal or not, or if there is room for negotiation.
