Finding a home that suits your needs can be a challenging task, whether it’s a brand-new house from a builder or a resale property. To ensure you make an informed decision, it’s essential to be aware of certain aspects when evaluating potential homes. While hiring a qualified home inspector is advisable, you can initially assess a house’s overall quality before committing to an inspection.

Here are key areas to watch for when determining a house’s quality:

Structure: Examine the walls for straightness and evenness. Check for bowed walls or gaps between walls and floors, as well as squeaky or sagging floors, which may indicate inadequate joists or deteriorating support beams.

Basement: Pay attention to the basement, as problems there can affect the entire home. Look for cracks in the cement, especially if they are wider than 0.5 cm or continue developing over time. Watch for signs of water damage, such as visible water, discolored or damaged flooring, mold growth, and rust on metal items. Ensure any sump pumps are in good working order.

Roofing: Inspect the roof type and its condition. Common roof types in the area include asphalt shingles, pine or cedar shakes, and concrete tile or slate. Missing or damaged roofing materials can lead to moisture penetration and subsequent damage.

Siding: Assess the siding material, such as stucco, wood shakes, aluminum, vinyl, asbestos/cement shingles, brick, or lumber. Look for warping and deterioration caused by exposure to the elements.

Electrical: Check the number and locations of receptacles, as well as the main circuit breaker rating (at least “100 amps”). Verify that all outlets are functioning correctly, as faulty wiring can be a concern, especially in homes with aluminum wiring built before 1980.
Plumbing: Evaluate the water heater (gas or electric), and ensure that water supply pipes from the hot water tank to fixtures are copper. Check the quality and functionality of sinks, tubs, and toilets, and verify sufficient water pressure.

Heating and Cooling: Determine the type and location of the furnace, boiler, or heater, and ensure all rooms are adequately heated. Assess the air conditioning system if present.

Insulation: Effective insulation systems are vital for managing heat transfer and moisture movement. Look for signs of insulation issues, such as cold walls in winter, high heating costs, or uncomfortably hot air in summer.

Windows & Skylights: Inspect windows and skylights for condensation, which could indicate broken seals or insufficient insulation.

Landscaping: Check that the ground slopes away from the house to prevent excess moisture along foundation walls. Be cautious of large trees, especially Poplar trees, which may damage foundation walls or plumbing lines if too close to the house.

Finishing Details: Pay attention to the quality of workmanship in moldings, tile work, hardware, and paint.

By thoroughly examining these aspects, you can gather valuable insights about the overall quality of a potential home before making a formal offer.