Buying Your First Home? 10 Things to Check Before You Buy
Buying your first home in Edmonton is exciting, but there’s more to consider than the kitchen, living room, and fresh finishes.
Before making an offer, take a closer look at the foundation, basement, drainage, and any signs of previous repairs. Understanding these details can help you make a more informed decision before purchasing your dream home.
A fresh coat of paint can make a room look completely different. New flooring can make a basement feel brand new. But some of the most important parts of a home are the things you may not notice during a quick showing.
If you’re buying your first home in Edmonton, here are 10 things worth checking before you buy.
What Should You Check When Buying Your First Home?
1. What Condition Is the Foundation In?
The foundation supports the home, so it deserves more than a quick glance.
Look around the basement and foundation walls for visible cracks, areas that appear repaired, signs of movement, or other conditions that catch your attention.
Not every crack means there is a serious problem. However, if something concerns you, don’t simply assume it is normal because the house is older.
Understanding the condition of the foundation before buying can help you make a more informed decision about the property.
2. Does the Basement Feel Dry?
A basement can look perfectly finished and still have a history of moisture problems.
During your visit, pay attention to:
- Musty or damp smells
- Water staining
- Discolouration on walls or floors
- Peeling materials
- Damp areas
- Condensation
- Previous repair work
If you notice signs of moisture, ask the seller what happened and whether repairs were completed.
A finished basement can hide a lot. Take the time to look beyond the finishes.
3. What Is Happening Around the Basement Floor?
Don’t forget to look down.
Check whether the basement floor appears reasonably level and whether there are noticeable cracks, uneven areas, or signs of previous work.
If you’re buying a home with plans to finish or renovate the basement later, the condition and height of the existing floor can become important.
For example, some homeowners eventually consider basement floor lowering to create more usable height. That type of project involves the foundation, footings, soil, drainage, and structural considerations, so knowing the existing condition of the basement before you buy can be valuable.
4. Is There a History of Foundation Repairs?
Ask questions about previous work.
Has the foundation ever been repaired?
Was waterproofing completed?
Was underpinning done?
Was there a previous movement or settlement?
Has the basement ever experienced water problems?
Don’t automatically assume that previous repair work is a negative sign. A properly completed repair may have addressed an earlier issue.
The important thing is to understand what was repaired, why it was repaired, and whether documentation is available.
5. How Does Water Drain Away From the Home?
When you’re buying your first home, drainage may not be the first thing on your mind.
It should still be on your checklist.
Look at the areas around the foundation. Notice how the ground slopes and where water from the roof appears to go.
Also look at:
- Downspout discharge locations
- Low areas near the foundation
- Standing water
- Grading around the house
- Signs of soil erosion
- Drainage systems around the property
Good exterior drainage can help direct water away from the foundation.
6. Does the Home Have a Sump Pump or Weeping Tile System?
If the home has a basement, find out what drainage systems are in place.
Ask whether there is a sump pump and, if there is one, whether it is currently working properly.
You can also ask about the home’s weeping tile system and whether any drainage work has been completed.
These systems can play an important role in managing groundwater around a foundation.
You don’t need to become a drainage expert before buying your first home. But you should know what systems are there and whether there is any known history of problems.
7. Are There Signs of Previous Water Damage?
Sometimes the evidence isn’t obvious.
Look carefully around basement walls, window areas, floors, utility spaces, and other areas where moisture may have appeared.
Fresh paint or new materials aren’t necessarily a problem, but if one small area looks noticeably different from everything around it, ask why.
A simple question such as “Has this area ever had a water problem?” can give you information that isn’t visible during a quick walkthrough.
8. Have Walls, Floors, or Structural Areas Been Changed?
First-time buyers often see a renovated kitchen or an open-concept living area and focus on how much they like the space.
But if walls have been removed or major changes have been made, it is worth asking whether the work was properly planned and permitted where required.
This is particularly important when structural walls, beams, basement layouts, or major openings have been changed.
If you are unsure about a significant structural modification, consider getting professional advice before proceeding with the purchase.
9. How Old Is the Home — and What Has Been Updated?
The age of a home doesn’t automatically tell you whether it is good or bad.
What matters is the home’s current condition and maintenance history.
An older Edmonton home may have had several improvements over the years. Another property of the same age may have had very little work done.
Ask about major updates and repairs, including:
- Foundation work
- Waterproofing
- Drainage
- Basement renovations
- Structural changes
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roofing
- Windows
- Heating systems
The more you understand about the home’s history, the easier it can be to understand what you’re actually buying.
10. What Does the Home Inspection Tell You?
A home inspection is an important part of the buying process, but remember that a standard home inspection and a specialized foundation or structural assessment are not necessarily the same thing.
If your inspection identifies concerns with the foundation, basement, structure, moisture, or drainage, don’t ignore them simply because the rest of the house looks great.
Ask questions.
Find out what the concern means, whether further assessment is recommended, and what information you need before making your decision.
The goal isn’t to find a perfect house.
It’s to understand the house you’re considering buying.
Buying Your First Home? Look Beyond the Finishes
When you’re buying your first home, it’s easy to fall in love with the kitchen, the flooring, the backyard, or the way the living room feels.
Those things matter.
But don’t let the finishes distract you from the parts of the home that are harder — and often more expensive — to change.
Take a closer look at the foundation.
Check the basement.
Ask about moisture and drainage.
Find out about previous repairs.
Understand major renovations.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions.
A few extra questions before you buy can give you a much clearer picture of the home you’re considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Your First Home
1. Should first-time homebuyers get a home inspection?
A home inspection can help identify visible conditions and potential concerns before purchasing. If foundation or structural issues are identified, additional assessment may be appropriate.
2. Should I be concerned about foundation cracks when buying a home?
Not necessarily. Foundation cracks can have different causes and levels of significance. If you notice a crack that concerns you, have it properly assessed rather than assuming what it means.
3. How can I tell if a basement has had water problems?
Look for staining, musty smells, damaged materials, condensation, previous repairs, or other signs of moisture. Ask the seller about any known history of basement water problems.
4. Should I ask about previous foundation repairs?
Yes. Ask what work was completed, why it was needed, when it was done, and whether documentation or engineering information is available.
5. Is an older Edmonton home automatically a risky purchase?
No. Age alone does not determine the condition of a home. Maintenance, previous repairs, construction, renovations, drainage, foundation condition, and overall upkeep all provide important context.
Before You Buy, Know What You’re Buying
Buying your first home is a major decision, and there is a lot to think about.
You don’t need to know everything about foundations, drainage, structural systems, or basements before you buy.
But you should know enough to ask the right questions.
Look beyond the paint.
Look beyond the flooring.
Look beyond the finishes.
Because the part of the home you don’t see during a five-minute walkthrough could be just as important as the part you do.
If you’re buying a first home in Edmonton and have concerns about the foundation or basement, getting the right information before you buy can help you understand the property more clearly.
Buying a Home With Foundation or Basement Concerns?
If you’ve found a home you are considering purchasing and have questions about its foundation, basement floor, drainage, waterproofing, or structural condition, Abarent can help you understand what you’re looking at.
Book a Foundation Inspection
Call 780-448-2592 or visit www.abarent.net.
Whether you’re looking at an older Edmonton home, planning a future basement renovation, or simply want to understand an existing foundation concern, a closer look can give you useful information before you move forward.
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