Calgary Real Estate News
and Information
Homebuyers Guide to Inspecting a Home
(part 2)
So you are about to buy a home in Calgary, the remaining objective
can be a difficult task when viewing an open house. It is easy
to fall in love with a home's appearance, blind to problems
that may make it unsuitable.
Doors and windows:
Check that doors and windows fit snugly in their jambs and operate
smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. If the wood
around windows and doors is not protected from moisture, it
can rot away. Feel for drafts in these areas too.
Poor drainage:
On a wet day walk around the yard and look for areas where
water collects. This can be an especially bad sign if there
are soggy areas near the home's foundation.
Grout and caulking:
If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles
is loose and crumbly, there is a good chance that water is finding
its way into the wall or under the floor.
Structural:
Although this is definitely an area where you want the services
of a qualified home inspector, you can get an idea about possible
structural problems if you see deep cracks in the foundations
or loose mortar and bricks.
Miscellaneous concerns:
Naturally, one the most important factors will be determining
if the house suits your family's needs. If you do not want to
replace all of your furniture, make sure it will fit into the
rooms of the new house. This is difficult to do by eye, so be
sure to bring a measuring tape.
Also, take note of storage space. If you are moving from a
home with large closets and a shed, make sure your new house
is able to store an equivalent amount of belongings.
