Finding a home you know you can live with can be difficult business. Whether buying a brand new house from a builder or a resale home there are a number of things you should look for. It’s also important to keep in mind that new homes can be just as problematic as older homes. Let's start by saying it almost always makes sense to hire a qualified home inspector and it can potentially protect you from costly surprises down the road. However, if you anticipate serious problems (that you’re not prepared to remedy) in the house, you’re better off saving the cost of a home inspection and moving on to a more suitable prospect.
Here are some things to watch for to determine a house’s overall quality before you commit to the cost of hiring a house inspector:
Structure: Look at the house from a reasonable distance. Do the walls appear to be straight and even? On the inside, are any walls bowed, are there gaps in between walls and floors? Are the floors squeaky or sagging? The floor may not have been built with adequate joists or a support beam may be deteriorating (e.g. dry rot).
Basement: Problems that begin in the basement can affect the condition of the entire home. As a new home settles, it is common for cracks to appear in the cement. If the cracks are larger than 0.5cm wide or they continue to develop years after the home was built, they may be an indication that the house is settling unevenly. Look for these signs of water damage: visible water, discolored or damaged flooring, mold growing on walls or furniture, rust on the hot water tank, washer and dryer or other metal items and signs of rot at the base of a wooden staircase. Sump pumps are a common solution in homes that are built in areas with heavy clay soil that have inadequate drainage. If the home you’re looking at has this type of water redirection system, ensure that the pump is in good working order.
Roofing: What type of roof does the home have and is it in good shape? Common roof types in Calgary include asphalt shingles, pine or cedar shakes, and concrete tile or slate. Moisture can penetrate the building envelope and cause damage when shingles, tiles or shakes are missing or damaged. Pine shake roofs have been susceptible to rot in our climate and need to be maintained more often than cedar.
Siding: Materials commonly used for siding include stucco, wood shakes and shingles, aluminum, vinyl, asbestos/cement shingles, brick and lumber. Look for warping and deterioration of siding material caused by exposure to the elements. Wood siding is particularly susceptible to moisture and sun damage. Although brick is quite durable, the mortar between the bricks can deteriorate over time.
Electrical: Are the number and locations of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house? Is the main circuit breaker marked at least "100 amps"? Are all the outlets working? If not, faulty wiring may be to blame. Aluminum wiring can also be cause for concern in homes built prior to 1980.
Plumbing: Is the water heater gas or electric (gas is much more efficient)? Water supply pipes from the hot water tank to fixtures should be copper. Are sinks, tubs and toilets quality fixtures? Do they work well and is the water pressure sufficient when you turn on the faucets and flush the toilet?
Heating: Where is the furnace, boiler or heater located and what type is it? Water supply pipes should be copper. Are any rooms not heated? Do registers look adequate for heating the spaces? Is the house air-conditioned? Insulation. Effective insulation systems slow the transfer of heat and deal with the movement of moisture at a reasonable cost. Look for signs of insulation problems. In the winter, look for walls cold to touch, cold floors, high heating costs, uneven heating levels within the home and mold growing on walls. In the summer, keep an eye out for uncomfortably hot air inside, high cooling costs and ineffective air conditioning systems.
Windows & Skylights: Do you have condensation inside double glazed windows (possibly a broken seal) or condensation on the window surface (common with single pane windows that provide little insulation)? Landscaping. Ideally, the ground should slope down from the house to prevent excess moisture along foundation walls that can result in wet basements. Keep an eye out for large trees, especially Poplar trees. The roots of large trees growing close to a home may damage foundation walls or plumbing lines.
Details: Do you see signs of quality workmanship in the finishing details such as moldings, tile work, hardware and paint? Don’t be disappointed. Taking the time to thoroughly examine your potential new home, prior to making and offer.
Of course, working with a REALTOR® will make this part a lot easier. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.