Before You Fall in Love With the House: What to Check First

Thinking about buying a home this fall? Before you fall in love with the kitchen, take a closer look at the house itself. As a contractor turned realtor, I bring a different perspective to the home-buying process. I don’t just look at paint colours, finishes and floor plans. I look for the things that could become expensive surprises after closing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve purchased a home before, this fall home-buying checklist can help you know what to look for before making an offer.

1. Start With the Roof and Exterior

When viewing a home, don’t spend all your time inside. Walk around the exterior and look at the roof, siding, windows, foundation, eavestroughs and downspouts.

Pay attention to:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Sagging areas of the roof
• Cracks in the foundation
• Damaged siding or exterior trim
• Poor grading around the foundation
• Downspouts that aren’t directing water away from the house
• Deteriorating decks, porches or fences

Water is one of a home’s biggest enemies. Good drainage around the property can make a significant difference.

2. Don’t Skip the Basement

The basement can tell you a lot about a home’s history. Look and smell for signs of moisture, including musty odours, water stains, efflorescence, damp walls and cracks. If the home has a finished basement, don’t assume everything underneath the drywall is perfect. Ask about previous water issues, waterproofing, sump pumps and renovations. A finished basement may look great, but what’s behind the walls matters too.

3. Find Out the Age of the Major Systems

A home can look move-in ready while some of its biggest expenses are quietly approaching the end of their useful life. Ask about the age and maintenance history of:

• Furnace and HVAC equipment
• Air conditioner
• Water heater
• Roof
• Windows
• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• Major appliances

The age of these systems doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. But it can help you plan for future maintenance and replacement costs.

4. Look for Signs of Previous Repairs

Not every repair is a red flag. In fact, a well-maintained home may have plenty of repairs and upgrades. The important question is why the repair was needed and whether it was properly completed. Look for patched drywall, fresh paint in isolated areas, repaired ceilings, new flooring in only part of a room, or other areas that appear noticeably different. Ask questions and, when appropriate, have the work evaluated by a qualified professional.

5. Check the Windows and Doors

Fall is actually a great time to pay attention to windows and exterior doors. Do they open and close properly? Do you notice drafts? Is there condensation between window panes? Are there damaged frames or deteriorated seals? Small issues may be routine maintenance. A house with widespread window problems, however, could require a significant investment.

6. Think Like a Homeowner, Not Just a Buyer

When you’re walking through a property, it’s easy to imagine where your furniture will go. That’s important, but don’t stop there. Ask yourself: What will it cost me to maintain this home? Think about heating and cooling, landscaping, snow removal, maintenance, insurance, property taxes and future repairs. The purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a home.

7. Consider What Winter Will Be Like

Buying in the fall gives you an opportunity to think ahead to winter. Look at the driveway and consider snow removal. Where will snow pile up? Is the property exposed to wind? How practical is the entrance when you’re carrying groceries through snow and ice? Also pay attention to insulation, windows, heating systems and drafts. You want a home that works for you in February, not just one that looks great in September.

8. Don’t Confuse Cosmetic Problems With Expensive Problems

This is one of the biggest lessons my contracting background has taught me. An outdated kitchen may look expensive. But sometimes the ugly kitchen is the easy problem. Paint, flooring, cabinets and light fixtures can generally be changed over time. Structural, drainage, roofing and major mechanical issues can be much more expensive. When viewing a home, try to distinguish between: “I don’t like it.” and “This could cost me a lot of money.” Those are two very different things.

9. Get a Home Inspection

Even if you have construction or renovation experience, an independent home inspection can provide valuable information. A home inspection isn’t about finding a house with absolutely nothing wrong with it. Every home has maintenance requirements. It’s about understanding the home’s condition so you can make an informed decision. If something concerning comes up, you may want to bring in the appropriate specialist for a closer look.

10. Know Your Numbers Before You Make an Offer

Before getting emotionally attached to a property, make sure the numbers work.

Consider your:

• Down payment
• Mortgage payment
• Property taxes
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Maintenance budget
• Immediate repairs
• Future renovations
• Emergency fund

A home that fits your purchase budget but leaves no room for maintenance may not actually be the right home for you.

The Contractor-Turned-Realtor Advantage

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. My background in contracting gives me a practical perspective when walking through a property. I’m looking beyond the staging and asking questions about the condition, maintenance and potential costs that may not be obvious at first glance. You don’t need to buy the perfect house. You need to understand the house you’re buying.

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Fall Home Buying Checklist

Before you make an offer, ask:

• ☐ How old is the roof?
• ☐ How old are the furnace and HVAC systems?
• ☐ Are there signs of moisture in the basement?
• ☐ How is water managed around the foundation?
• ☐ What condition are the windows and doors in?
• ☐ Are there records of major repairs or renovations?
• ☐ What maintenance will the property require?
• ☐ What will winter be like at this property?
• ☐ Have I considered the cost of future repairs?
• ☐ Have I had the home professionally inspected?