Starting a Property Search

Make sure to take a glance up at the roof of the home when you're going for a viewing.

In the warmer months, signs of greenery like moss can mean that there is a significant build up of moisture in and among the shingles. Plant life growing out of the gutters can mean that they haven't been cleaned in a while, or that there may be a significant block in the drainage system.

If you're there in winter, look for areas of uneven snow, ice damming, and melted patches; these can be key signs that there is either something wrong with the attic insulation or the shingles themselves.

Ask your Realtor® how old the shingles are and check Here for a blog post on the specific things to look out for.

Knowing just how old a house is can shed some light on who may have owned it previously, or if there have been massive changes to the property.

Looking at the roof can help here as well, different roof lines may indicate if an addition was added to a home at some point.

A property could be steeped in beautiful character, or be in deep need of an update. The materials that the home was originally built with could mean a larger investment when you go to remodel.

Look Here for more information on materials used in older homes.

"Canada's cold climate means that space heating accounts for a remarkable 61.6% of the energy used in the average Canadian home". 

Many homes in the Kenora area have different styles of heating systems, including forced air, in-floor heating, radiant and geothermal, just to name a few.

It’s good to know what the heat source is and how it is fuelled. 

Another note is that air conditioning isn’t always compatible with specific heating units so ask your Realtor® or local heating expert what alternatives may be available 

Visit Here to see what the Government of Canada recommends and if any regulations are surrounding the current one on the property.

Water Damage in homes can cause long-term issues, keep your eyes peeled for these important areas while looking for homes.

Check for working gutters on the roof and ask about a sump pump for the basement. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk through the home for any discolouration or efflorescence on the walls, ceilings and floors they could be signs of leaks or other issues.

Check Here for more information.

Is the Hot water tank rented, do they have an on-demand tank, Will there be an immediate investment in your future or does the current tank do the job?

Rental options are great, at low rates; if you ever have a problem you can just call the company and they come and handle any repairs or replacement. If you are planning on staying in the home for a while then purchasing might be a good option.

Do your research on what the home has already, look Here for more info on the different types available.

The windows and doors are the eyes of a house, they will tell you a lot about the construction of a home, the humidity levels and insulation within and the type of maintenance the previous owners kept up.

Condensation or loud street noise could be a hint that they weren't installed properly. Do a check around windows for signs of moisture, cracking on drywall or if you can feel cool air coming in around them.

Look Here for more information on what to look out for with windows and doors.

If the home you're looking at has a basement or not, you still need to have a good look at the foundation. Any signs of cracks or separation could mean something much more severe for the overall structural integrity of a home.

Take a look inside and out for any signs, and while you're in the basement have a good sniff around for dampness. Just because there may not be any visible cracks there may be an issue with the vapour barrier.

Check these links for a more in-depth explanation of what to look for:

Here and Here