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Home Inspection Checklist

Contractor

The inside-outside visual inspection will detail many areas of the home – for buyers the checklist will outline what needs to be done and when. For  sellers - some key points that will want to addressed before anyone shows up with a clipboard.


Exterior

Foundation: Are there cracks? Does the grade around the foundation have the water draining toward the home or away from it?

Roof & Gutters: Is the roof is more than 10 years old? A new roof is likely in order. Are gutters and downspouts are securely attached and free of debris?

Siding: Does it need to be painted? Is it secure?

Windows: Are windows more than 20 years old? They’ll likely need to be replaced. Are window frames in good shape? Do they seal properly? Do the cranks leak? Is the area properly caulked?


Interior

Electrical: Is the electrical box newer or outdated? Can it handle today’s electrical demands? Is the wiring up to code?

Heating & Air: How old are the furnace and A/C?  If a heating or cooling unit is nearing or past 15 years old, its efficiency is likely to be poor.

Attic: Is the attic adequately sealed, insulated and ventilated? Attic insulation matters as poor insulation can also damage the roof.

Water Heater: How old is it? If it’s reached or more than 15 years old, it’s time to replace it.

Smoke & CO Alarms: Do they all work? Put in fresh batteries.

Cosmetic: Does it need painting or does the carpet need replacing? These are minor as long as the home is structurally sound

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Iron Fence Installation

Title Insurance

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When Title insurance was first introduced in Canada it seemed to cover a property from “sidewalk to fence.” It’s still an important consideration, but before you purchase, compare policies to find out what’s covered and be aware of possible exclusions, which may include:
- Known title defects (that were revealed before the property was purchased);
- Environmental hazards (e.g. soil contamination);
- Problems that would only be discovered by a new survey or inspection of your property (e.g. the lot size is smaller than originally thought);
- Matters that are not listed in public records (e.g. unrecorded liens and encroachments); and
- Zoning bylaw violations from changes, renovations or additions to the property.

Understanding a Condominium Lien

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A Condominium Lien is a legal interest or right that the Condo Corporation has against a unit of the condominium complex. It enables the Condo Corporation be paid from the proceeds of sale of the unit, to cover Common Expense debts and interest that may be owed and outstanding to the Corporation.

If the Condominium Corporation doesn’t effectively enforce lien rights, every Owner could end up bearing the costs if any one Unit Owner fails to pay.

Boston
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