Before you buy a home in Canada, you’ll want to know that the property has been well maintained so you can avoid hidden problems and costs down the road. To find out how well the previous owners took care of their home, check out the following at the open house:
Fire safety: There are working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Roofing: Find out what the roof is made of (wood, asphalt, tar and gravel, steel, etc.). The type of material used can mean a lot in the life of a roof. A ten-year-old steel roof has about 40 years of life left; an asphalt roof may be halfway through its life.
Windows: The windows are well sealed, and preferably double paned.
Foundation: There are no cracks in the exterior foundation.
Wiring and plumbing: Ask whether the home has knob and tube aluminum wiring. This type of wiring can be expensive to replace, and some insurance companies won’t insure a home that has it. Make sure plumbing is not leaking and that water pressure is adequate.
Exterior: The yard(s) is in good condition. There’s no rotten wood siding, decaying stucco, or cracked vinyl.
Bathrooms: The area around the tub or shower has no signs of water damage or mould.
Appliances: Major appliances like the fridge and stove are well maintained and in good working order.