What does a home inspector look for?

Scheduling a home inspection is an often crucial step in the home buying process. No matter how nice a home looks to the untrained eye, there are sometimes nasty surprises and unforeseen costs that can easily be avoided through an inspection. During the global pandemic, it became less common to hire inspectors due to sellers’ demands, social distancing and the robust “Seller’s market”. But now we’re starting to see a resurgence, and for good reason. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the significant focal points in a home inspection.

Structural

There are many kinds of damage that can happen to the structural features of a home, especially in our diverse climate. The winter’s cold can have a significant impact year over year, and the large melts and heavy rainfall can both cause water damage. Inspectors will check the roof structure and foundation for any immediate or potential concerns, as far as it’s safe for them to do so. They will check the ceilings and walls (both interior and exterior) ensuring that there are not any cracks, weak points or other hazards impacting the structural integrity.

Electrical

Home inspectors will check the electrical systems to ensure that wiring is in proper working condition and that there are no obvious hazardous issues. They are unable to check wiring hidden behind walls or ceilings, as it would be destructive to the home. Inspectors will also ensure that the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Plumbing / Water

Checking for sources of potential water damage can be an extensive process. This is because there are numerous places from which it can originate, both in and around the home.

During an inspection, inspectors will check the pipes and plumbing systems for cracks, rust, and any other current or potential sources of damage. Inspectors will look for any issues or inconsistencies with the water pressure, as they could point to other hazards throughout the home. They will also look at any cabinets, walls, floors and ceilings which surround the appliances and systems to verify that no damage has been caused over time. Inspectors will ensure that the drainage is working properly, otherwise, it could pose a potential flood hazard. They will point out any deficiencies in the type of piping, both for supply and drainage. If there is a sprinkler system installed on the property, they will likely recommend that you have someone operate them to verify that there aren’t any leaks or blockages.

Mechanical

Home inspectors will check the operation of furnaces, air conditioners (weather dependent) and other mechanical equipment to assess their condition, and potential for maintenance or repairs. Sometimes inspections of this type of equipment will result in a recommendation for further investigation by a qualified HVAC contractor.

Property

Your inspector will want to take a look at the driveway and any walkways or paths surrounding the home. They will also check any outdoor structures like porches or gazebos for damages, breaches of code or potential hazards they may pose. On the surrounding property, inspectors will likely take a close look at any standing or running water, as it could pose issues or come with maintenance responsibilities for the homeowners. 

Limitations

As with anything, there are limitations to an inspector’s responsibilities and capabilities. As previously mentioned, inspectors generally are unable to check plumbing or wiring hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors if it would be destructive to the home or property. This means that they will not always be able to identify potential hazards, such as asbestos, because it may be hidden from their line of sight. They also possess the right to refuse any unsafe work, including things like up-close roof inspections. It is not uncommon for an inspector to refer a buyer to a component-specific contractor for further detailed investigation.

Any questions?

At Royal LePage Team Realty, our agents have access to a vast network of industry professionals — such as home inspectors — to help streamline your buying process. If you have any further questions about home inspections, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Starter Tips for Getting into House Flipping

Flipping houses isn’t easy.

Flipping a house can be a great project to take on if you’re looking to generate some additional income. Not only that, but planning and executing a flip can be quite a fun experience for you and any others involved. In this blog, we’re going to guide you through some important tips, tricks and best practices to make note of along the way.

Please keep in mind that flipping a house will take time, money and effort. It’s a significant responsibility, so make sure that you carefully assess whether or not you can fully commit to the process.

Planning

In the planning phase, you’re going to want to keep an open mind as to what is available. Keep an eye out for terms like “fixer-upper”, “priced to sell” and “as-is condition”, as those are the ones that could use the most love. In fact, we would recommend looking at those first, as they are usually cheaper and can likely give you a good return on investment from your renovations. If you’re looking at different neighbourhoods, try to choose one with plans for outward expansion, as the value of your property could rise.

You’re going to want to make sure to contact the experts. Hire an inspector to give you a rundown of what needs to be done, and create a “to-do” list of sorts. Consult a qualified real estate agent and inform them of your goals so that your needs can be met at every stage of the process. Check for any energy inefficiencies that can be fixed with an upgrade.

Budgeting

When you’re creating a budget, you’re going to want to be very conservative with your spendings. Make sure to leave a bit of buffer room for any unforeseen expenses or repairs that may need to be done along the way. Consider taking on this task with friends, family or others who could lend a helping hand for part of the profit in return. Also consider reaching out to a contractor or developer to do most of your large-scale work, as they will sometimes give you a discount in return for a guaranteed source of revenue.

Each house is different, which is why it’s important to create a list of priorities and order of operations. Which rooms need renovating first? Are there any appliances that should be replaced before winter time? Also consider that you’ll need to furnish the house in order to sell, so remember to keep a list of anything that comes to mind along the way in terms of decor.

What to Avoid

Remember that you’re looking to buy one of the cheaper houses available. It’s crucial to avoid spending too much on a property you’re looking to flip, as that can be an easy way to lose out on significant profit. Also remember that a lot of profit can be gained or lost during the negotiation stage.

If possible, try to avoid taking your time with planning and execution. Remember to be deadline-focused and intentional with your decision making. The real estate market can shift suddenly and drastically, so you want to seal the deal before you face any potential loss in your profit margins. On the flip side, though, don’t rush with your decision making. Have patience. Don’t buy the first house that sticks out to you, and consider many offers when it’s time to sell.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about flipping houses, feel free to reach out and contact us! We have plenty of experience with the Ottawa real estate market, and a vast network of experienced professionals who can help you achieve your goals, including inspections and more!

Now that you’ve moved in, what’s next? – Congratulations on the big move! No matter if this is your first home or one of many, it takes a lot to plan and prepare for the big day. Now that you’re all settled in, what’s next? In this blog, we’ll cover some fun ideas for next steps with your new place.

Explore the area!

You’ve probably moved to a new area of town. While you’ve likely done some exploring before your move, it’s always a great idea to take a walk around your neighbourhood and the surrounding areas to familiarize yourself. Chances are there are some nearby parks and nature trails that could be a great new spot for an afternoon stroll.

Consider a fresh coat of paint!

Your new home could always use a fresh coat of paint. The previous owners likely had a very different approach to their home decor, so consider trying a colour that’s newer and more to your liking. Even if you’re not looking to change things up, you would be surprised how much a fresh coat of the same shade can brighten up the space.

Use the new space!

If you’ve upsized at all, it’s likely that your home has a lot more space to work with. If you’ve got an extra room in your new home, consider renovating it and assigning it a purpose. Consider a home gym to avoid expensive memberships, a home office to tackle nagging responsibilities or a games room to entertain guests.

Think about knocking down a wall!

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your home in the form of an upgrade, consider knocking down a wall to open up the space. This may sound extreme, but it would surprise you how much it can do to connect your living spaces to the rest of your home. Make sure to consult an expert beforehand to make sure that you won’t do any damage to the structure of your home.

Consider buying a tree!

Buying a tree can be a great way to improve the look and feel of your property. Not only that, it’s a great way to commemorate your move. Down the road, you’ll be able to look at it and reflect on the memories that have been made since. Just make sure you’re adhering to the city’s rules and regulations.

Plan out a garden renovation!

It’s likely that the previous owners had a different approach with their garden than you’d like for yours. This is the perfect time to plan out a garden renovation. Choose new flowers and plan which will go where. Purchase any garden ornaments you’ll want, like small statues or above-ground pots. Add patches of mulch to the corners of your lawn and resize others. 

Try finishing your new basement!

This may not be applicable to your home, but if your basement has not been finished, there are plenty of directions you can take your renovations and upgrades.

Enjoy the new place!

All in all, we hope you enjoy the new place. Have fun exploring your new neighbourhood!

Is a Condominium Right for You?

Sometimes, the maintenance requirements of a detached home can seem like a lot. After all, taking care of a whole property requires frequent attention, dedicated time, and effort. On the other hand, an apartment can seem cramped or urbanized for your liking.

Have you considered a condominium? It may be just what you’re looking for.

You’ll have less maintenance, and repairs to do.

With a detached home, you’ll likely have a ton of maintenance responsibilities to take care of regularly. This can be a lot of work, take a lot of time and require some tedious budgeting. — and many people find this to be tiring. 

If you were to live in a condominium, complexes generally hire employees to trim, prune, wash and/or clear anything that may need attention. This leaves less on your plate to remember while providing many of the same benefits as a property that’s been well cared for.

In many cases, condominiums will cover repairs for the exterior of your unit if anything stops working properly. This differs based on the complex though.

They often include additional features and amenities.

Condominiums often have additional features and amenities, including pools, hot tubs, saunas, games rooms, and social spaces. This can allow you to unwind using features and appliances that you may not otherwise be able to afford, or for which you may not have space. If you’re retired or have a young family, features like these may be incredibly appealing.

Complexes generally feature enhanced security.

You’ll find that condominium complexes are often very well-protected by security systems and hired employees. That way, you can enjoy some peace of mind knowing that you and your belongings are safe and sound.

You have a say in what happens with your complex.

Generally, each condominium complex has an association that looks over large-scale repairs, the direction of future upgrades, and much more. Each unit in the condominium has a say in the decisions made, and in some cases, you can eventually become part of the board of directors. You often won’t have a voice like this in detached suburban or urban neighborhoods.

There’s often a strong sense of community.

Because there are so many people living in such a condensed space, you’ll often find yourself running into the same people. Whether it be through the social spaces and amenities offered by the complex or just in passing on the sidewalk, you’re almost sure to discover a tightly-knit community of people with similar interests.

Any more questions?

If you have any further questions about condominiums, don’t hesitate to reach out! There’s plenty to choose from in the national capital region and we’d be happy to help you.

New Home Tips for a Growing Family

As a growing family, you’re likely going to find yourself looking for a new home. This can lead to a lot of questions about what, where and why. In this blog, we summarize some important factors that should be considered when choosing a family home.

What should you look for in a property?

Find a suitable play space for the kids.

When it comes to your home, you’re going to want to make sure that it has a suitable play space for your children. Ideally, this would be an indoor space for toys and an outdoor space to run around.

Find a home with a suitable layout.

During the hunting phase, you’re going to need to compare and contrast many home layouts. Ideally, you want your children’s rooms to be closeby to yours in case they need you at nighttime. An open-concept kitchen is also a useful feature, as it can be a great space for conversation in the mornings and evenings.

Look for high-quality flooring.

As a growing family, you’re bound to have countless unavoidable messes. This is why it’s ideal to find a home with durable flooring. Don’t let this be a be-all-end-all factor though, as carpeting can always be removed or cleaned for a price.

What should you look for in a neighbourhood?

Find a neighbourhood with nearby schools.

If you’re moving to a new neighbourhood, you should try to look for a home that’s somewhat close to a couple of schools. That way, you’re a short drive away in case your little ones need you to pick them up or drop them off in a pinch. You also wouldn’t want to create a longer than necessary bus ride for them in the mornings and evenings, as school can be quite tiring for some kids as it stands.

Living close to the school will also likely place you closer to other families with kids the same age as yours. This can be a great way for you and your children to get out and meet potentially life-long friends, opening the door to other extra-curricular activities like organized sports and summer camps.

Try to find a home with nearby parks.

Nearby parks are a useful amenity to look for in a new neighbourhood. Not only are they a great spot for family walks, picnics and other outdoor activities, but many neighbourhood parks also feature playgrounds which can pose as another great way for you and your kids to meet new people. Parks can also become an excellent outlet if your family chooses to adopt an animal with exercise needs, like a dog.

Search for homes near a variety of amenities.

A bigger family means more groceries, appointments, practices, get-togethers… you name it. This is why it’s important to have businesses, services and other amenities within somewhat close proximity, as it’ll shorten your daily drive and eventually give your kids somewhere to hang out when they’re older.

Find a safe neighbourhood.

Make sure that you choose a neighbourhood where it’s safe for your children to play, eventually unsupervised as they get older.

Which of these neighbourhoods is right for you?

Check out some of Ottawa’s amazing communities on our website to learn more about their local amenities to help narrow your search. From there, you’ll be able to view listings, average prices and more.

We hope you find a home you’ll love!

No matter the home you choose, you’re sure to make lasting memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. If you don’t know where to start, we have countless agents with extensive knowledge of the Ottawa area. Don’t hesitate to reach out!