Things to Check When Viewing a House

It's easy to get emotional and forget to look at everything when you've found a beautiful home that matches your wish list. When buying a home, an inspection by a certified Home Inspector is a must. Knowing in advance some of the items the inspector will be looking at will enable you to screen potential homes more easily during viewings.

Home Inspection Pointers

A home inspection performed by a registered inspector is strongly recommended before completing any home purchase. Once you have purchased a home, should a problem be found and you litigate, in general only latent defects (those hidden from a visual home inspection) will be considered because homes are generally sold 'as is'. There are some checks that you can do during viewings which will help you decide if a home should make it onto your short list. Mechanical and electrical system checks and other items need to be performed by professionals, but some problems which are costly to repair can also be seen by a lay person.

Condition of Roof Shingles/Shakes

Knowing the age of the home and the expected life of the type of roof material, you can estimate the remaining life of the roof. Roof shingle replacement can cost $10-15/sq. ft. so this is a major expense. Look for signs of any moss, discoloration, thinning or missing wood shakes. Check whether asphalt shingles are flat, as they should be, or lifting along the edges. The roof should be clean, without any signs of deteriorating roof material or plant material. Inquire from the seller as to whether the roof has been replaced, when it was done and if they have the paperwork. If the house is around 25 years old and has an original wood shake or asphalt shingle roof, you should plan to replace the roof in the near future, assuming there is no damage that requires immediate attention.

Condition of Foundation

Foundation problems can be cosmetic, such as cracked parging (the decorative mortar applied over concrete) or major if cracks in the actual concrete foundation are present. Parging can be repaired by the homeowner using material sold at home improvement stores. If you undertake this, realize that it is a messy procedure and experiment to match the appearance of the existing parging. Cracks in foundation walls have the potential to be very costly to repair and will likely involve water ingress into the basement and possible mold and odor issues. If you see foundation cracks, bowing of the walls, uneven floors, cracks in tiled floors or cracks in walls (often at window frames) you may want to move on, or at least ask a professional for a repair estimate if you are still interested in the property.

Condition of Basement Floor Slab

A cracked basement floor slab is another cause for concern as it can suggest poor quality of workmanship and/or poor concrete. Deep cracks in the floor slab can also allow water to penetrate and allow radon gas to enter the home to the extent that it exceeds allowable limits. If the basement is developed and the floor is covered, a musty smell could indicate that water has leaked in from cracks in the floor slab and mold is growing under the carpet.

Condition of Windows

Windows are expensive items to replace. Look for condensation in sealed double panes which show that the seal has deteriorated. Check wood frames for signs of rot. Check whether the windows operate easily and seal well, as poor window seals will lead to higher heating and cooling bills.

Condition of Exterior Wood Fence and Deck

Replacement of wood decking and fencing is another expense that can be seen during a house viewing. Look for rotten boards that have been painted over and peeling paint.

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