Finding Your Perfect Guelph Home: What Homebuyers Should Assess During Property Tour?

For years, you have put in some serious sweat equity to make the transition from tenant to homeowner. Your efforts have finally paid off and now, you have enough money to buy a property in Guelph that you can call your own. Congrats on that!

Apart from the exciting part of the home-buying process, remember that finding the perfect property among the countless houses for sale in Guelph is going to be a bit of backbreaking work. This is because you need to make sure the home you are buying is worth your hard-earned money.

To help you in this house-hunting process, we have listed below six important things that you should look for when buying a house. Following this list will help you in finding a property that will work for you and your family today and tomorrow. Let’s begin!

Factors to Look for While Touring Houses for Sale in Guelph

1. House Foundation

The foundation is what holds a house together. It acts as the base, literally holding the entire weight of the house, including walls, roof, furniture, and occupants.

By transferring the weight of the house to the ground, the foundation ensures the house remains stable and prevents it from sinking or settling unevenly. So, if the property’s foundation is not in good shape, that’s not going to be good for a homeowner.

Here are some signs of a damaged foundation that you must look for during the home tour -

• Cracks in the interior or exterior walls.

• Sloping or uneven floors.

• Sticking doors and windows.

• Gaps between the foundation and the siding, floor and baseboards, or walls and ceilings.

2. Roof

Apart from being one of the most important parts of a home, the roof is an expensive feature to repair or replace. A roof repair can cost you $1,500 or higher and a replacement can cost you $4-$6 per square foot.

However, unlike other home features, it would be impossible for you to gauge the roof condition of homes for sale in Guelph without actually getting on the roof and inspecting it. This is why ask the home seller about the roof condition during the property tour. Later on, if you move ahead with the home, you can get an inspection to confirm if what the home seller said about the roof is true or not.

Here are some questions to ask a home seller about the property’s roof -

• The age of the roof to get a general idea of its remaining lifespan and potential needs for future repairs or replacements.

• The roofing material used in the house for sale in Guelph as different materials have different lifespans and maintenance requirements.

• Any roof warranties or guarantees of the property that will be transferred to you after closing the deal.

• Recent roof inspection reports if any, to know about leaks or other issues.

3. Basement

The biggest problem homeowners have with basements is water damage that can soon turn into a mould problem. So, if you don’t want to be a frustrated homeowner with annoying water damage and mould issues in the future, check the basement before making a property yours.

Here are some tips for effectively checking the basement of houses for sale in Guelph for water damage -

• Look for standing water, puddles, or damp spots on the basement floor or walls.

• Inspect for water damage stains behind stairs or discolouration on concrete walls and floors.

• Check for cracks in the foundation walls, floors, or around doors and windows.

• Look for signs of mould or mildew like dark, fuzzy patches on walls, ceilings, or around pipes.

4. HVAC System

Unless you are okay wearing a mountain of jackets inside your new home during winter, you need to make sure the HVAC system of the home for sale in Guelph is functioning properly. Ask about the type of HVAC system the property has and how old it is.

Generally, HVAC units last between 10 to 25 years. Enquire if the system has been serviced regularly, and ask for a report if it has been looked at by a professional recently.

5. Plumbing

Here are four major plumbing issues you must look for in your would-be home -

• Leaks - Visible leaks are the most obvious plumbing problem in homes. To check for leaks, look for water stains on ceilings, walls, and around pipes. Inspect for dampness under sinks, behind toilets, or near the water heater. Even a small leak can be a sign of bigger water issues in the house for sale in Guelph.

• Low water pressure - Notice if the water flow from faucets and showers seems weak or inconsistent. If yes, this could mean a clogged pipe(s), a failing pressure regulator, or problems with the main water line.

• Drainage issues - Slow drains in sinks, tubs, or showers can be a sign of clogged pipes or a failing septic system.

• Rusty or outdated pipes - Galvanized steel pipes, commonly used in older homes can rust and deteriorate over time, leading to leaks and potential bursts. This is why look for any exposed pipes with signs of rust or corrosion.

• Water heater functionality: Check the age and condition of the water heater. Ask the home seller about the maintenance history of the water heater and enquire if there are reports of the maintenance.

6. Neighbourhood Compatibility

You may find a home for sale in Guelph that is perfect for you. But if the property is located in a neighbourhood that doesn’t sync with your lifestyle, you will be unhappy living in that perfect home in the long run.

Here are some aspects to consider in the neighbourhood while property touring to check if it fits your needs and preferences -

• Noise levels: Is the property located in a quiet, peaceful area or one with constant traffic, construction, or loud neighbours?

• Ambience and aesthetics: Does the neighbourhood have a vibe that resonates with you and your family? Is it urban, suburban, rural, or something in between?

• Amenities: Are there nearby schools, parks, libraries, grocery stores, or other amenities you will require in your day-to-day life?

• Safety: How safe is the area in which your perfect house for sale in Guelph is located? Research crime rates and get a general idea of the area’s safety.

• Community: Do the people in the neighbourhood seem friendly and welcoming? Is there a sense of community spirit that you found appealing or annoying?

Read More:

• Quality of Life Rankings: Where Does Your City Stand? A Look at Canada's Best Cities

• How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood in Brampton for Your Lifestyle

Before You Ink the Deal, Double-Check Your Future Home with an Expert

It doesn’t matter if you have looked at your future home with a fine-toothed comb during the property tour. But in case you are not a professional home inspector, it is quite possible that you may have missed some flaws and issues in the property.

This is why always ensure the home for sale in Guelph is inspected by a professional before making it yours. A licensed home inspector is professionally trained to identify issues in a property that buyers may miss during a walkthrough. With this thorough inspection, you can finally heave a sigh of relief knowing that you are not buying a house with hidden problems that could turn into major headaches and expenses later.