Finding a home that you know you can live in might be a difficult task. There are several things to check for whether purchasing a new home from a builder or a resale home. It's also crucial to remember that new homes can be just as troublesome as older ones. To begin, let me add that hiring a trained home inspector nearly always makes sense, and it can potentially save you money in the long run.
If you expect severe flaws (that you aren't prepared to fix) in the house, you're better off skipping the home inspection and moving on to a more acceptable prospect. Before you commit to the expense of hiring a home inspection, here are some things to keep an eye out for:
Structure: Examine the house from a safe distance. Is it possible that the walls are straight and even? Are there any bowed walls or spaces between walls and floors on the inside? Do the flooring rattle or sag? The floor could have been built with insufficient joists, or a support beam could be deteriorating.
Basement: Problems that start in the basement can spread to the rest of the house. It is usual for cracks in the cement to form as a new home settles. If the cracks are larger than 0.5cm in width or continue to develop years after the house was built, it may indicate that the house is settling unevenly. Visible water, discoloured or damaged flooring, mould 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 are all signs of water damage. Sump pumps are a common solution in homes built in areas with heavy clay soil and poor drainage.If the house you're considering has this type of water redirection system, be sure the pump is in functioning order.
Roofing: What kind of roof does the house have, and how well is it maintained? Asphalt shingles, pine or cedar shakes, concrete tile, or slate are all common roof types in Calgary. When shingles, tiles, or shakes are missing or damaged, moisture can penetrate the building envelope and cause damage. Pine shake roofs are more prone to rot in our climate and require more maintenance than cedar.
Siding: Stucco, wood shakes and shingles, aluminium, vinyl, asbestos/cement shingles, brick, and lumber are all prevalent siding materials. Examine the siding material for warping and damage caused by exposure to the outdoors. Wood siding is especially vulnerable to moisture and sun damage. Although brick is very resilient, the mortar that holds the bricks together can deteriorate with time.
Electrical: Is the quantity and placement of receptacles sufficient for the demands of the house? Is the main circuit breaker labelled "100 amps" or higher? Are all of the outlets operational? If not, poor wiring could be the cause. Aluminum wiring is also a source of concern in homes built before 1980.
Plumbing: Is the water heater electric or gas (gas is significantly more efficient)? Copper water supply pipes should run from the hot water tank to the fixtures. Are sinks, tubs, and toilets of high quality? Do they function properly, and is there enough water pressure when you turn on the taps and flush the toilet?
Heating: What type of furnace, boiler, or heater is it, and where is it located? Copper should be used for water supply pipes. Are there any rooms that aren't heated? Do the registers appear to be suitable for heating the spaces? Is the house ventilated?
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: The earth should ideally slope down from the house to prevent excess moisture along foundation walls, which can lead to wet basements. Keep a watch out for huge trees, particularly Poplars. Large tree roots growing close to a house might harm foundation walls or plumbing lines.
Details: Do the finishing details, such as mouldings, tile work, hardware, and paint, show indicators of superior workmanship? Don't be let down. Prior to making an offer, thoroughly inspect your potential new house.