1. Roofing : The primary purpose of a roof is to protect the building from rain, snow, sun and wind. No roof inspection is complete without looking at the underside.
2. Exterior : From gutters and downspouts, and lot grading, to the type of exterior finish on your home, The exterior components of a building work together to provide a weathertight skin.
3. Structural : Structures are judged by how well they are able to stand still. Successful structures do not move; unsuccessful ones do. Footings, foundations, floors, walls and roofs make up this structure.
4. Electrical : Electricity is dangerous and needs to be installed and used properly to be safe. Service size, grounding, wire
gauge, outlets, lights switches and junction boxes where possible need to be checked.
5. Heating : A well designed heating system provides adequate heat on the coldest day, is reliable, inexpensive to install and operate, is quick to respond and can heat all parts of the home equally and is safe.
6. Cooling : There are many types of air conditioning and heat pump systems. Most often inadequate air conditioning or heat
pump performance is due to inadequate ductwork rather than undersized equipment. Modern, well insulated homes may need less cooling. Older energy inefficient homes may need more.
7. Insulation : Homes in the north benefit from insulation. Poorly insulated homes are expensive to heat but there are other issues such as ventilation, and air/vapour barriers that need to be working properly to maintain a comfortable
living environment.
8. Plumbing : The purpose of a house plumbing system is twofold: The supply side which gets water for drinking, washing and cooking to the appropriate areas of the house and the waste side which gets rid of liquid and solid waste.
Type of material, low pressure and leaks are common issues on the supply side. Leaks, cracks, damage and obstructions are common issues on the waste side. Waste plumbing leaks pose a health hazard.
9. Interior : The interior of a home provides clues to structural issues and is often the area where water leakage is first noted. Interior finishes reflect the overall building quality, and their condition indicates the level of maintenance.
Each room should have an adequate heat supply and sufficient electrical outlets. Doors and windows should
operate properly. Focus is on function rather than appearance.
10. Home Maintenance Programs : Houses are dynamic and have many moving and non-moving parts. Regular maintenance extends the life of these systems and improves the comfort and safety.
When moving into a resale home, there are some things that you'll want to take care of. These relate to the house and not the administrative issues like change of address.