Buying a home in Greater Victoria is exciting, and it is also easy to fall for staging and miss what matters. Before I was a realtor I was a licensed home inspector and a builder, and I still walk every property with the same checklist in my head. Here is what I look at first.
1. The roof and gutters. Moss, curling shingles and sagging lines tell you how soon a big expense is coming. Victoria's damp winters are hard on roofs.
2. Drainage around the foundation. Water that sits against the house causes more long-term damage than almost anything else. I look at grading, downspouts and any staining in the crawl space or basement.
3. Foundation cracks. Hairline cracks are common. Wide, stepped or uneven cracks are worth a closer look by an engineer.
4. Electrical panel and wiring. Older panels and mixed wiring can affect insurance and cost real money to replace.
5. Plumbing material. Knowing whether a home has copper, PEX or older pipes helps you price repairs and plan ahead.
6. Windows and ventilation. Condensation, soft sills and bathroom fans that vent into the attic point to moisture problems.
7. Unpermitted work. Finished basements and additions are common here. Ask for permits early, so there are no surprises at closing.
None of this replaces a proper inspection, and I will always recommend one. It does help you walk through open houses with sharper eyes and make stronger, better-informed offers.
If you are thinking about buying in Victoria, call me at (250) 592-0039 or request a free consultation on the Contact page. I will walk through the home with you and tell you what I see.
