What to Look For When Buying a Home in Saskatoon

The Short Answer

When you view a home, look at its overall condition, signs of moisture, the exterior and grading, the basement, the age and upkeep of major systems like the furnace and water heater, and the location around it. Write down anything you can't answer yourself and ask about it.

What matters most depends on the type of home and what you need from it. The free tool below asks a few quick questions and builds a checklist for you, with an "Ask about this" list of questions for the seller or your REALTOR®. A showing helps you spot questions; a qualified home inspector gives you the detailed assessment.

What Should I Look For When Viewing a Home?

Start with the big picture, then work through the home room by room. On every showing, pay attention to:

• Overall condition: how well the home has been kept up, and whether anything looks recently patched or painted in just one spot.
• Signs of moisture: musty smells, water stains on ceilings and walls, and marks at the bottom of basement walls.
• The exterior: the roof, siding, windows, decks and how the ground slopes around the house.
• Major systems: the age and service history of the furnace, water heater and air conditioner.
• Layout and space: whether your furniture fits, where the bedrooms are and how much storage there is.
• Location: traffic, noise, parks, schools and your commute.

What Should I Check Outside a House?

Walk all the way around the home. Look at the roof from the ground for curled or missing shingles, check that eavestroughs and downspouts drain away from the house, and notice whether the ground slopes away from the foundation. Look at the siding, decks, stairs, railings, driveway and window frames for damage or wear. Ask when the roof was last replaced and whether any grading or drainage work has been done.

What Should I Check in a Kitchen and Bathroom?

Kitchens and bathrooms are where water and wear show up first. Run the taps to check water pressure and how quickly hot water arrives, look under sinks and vanities for stains or swelling, and check caulking around tubs and showers. Turn on the range hood and bathroom fans, flush toilets, and look at the flooring around the sink, dishwasher, toilet and tub. Ask which appliances are included and how old they are.

What Should I Check in a Basement?

In Saskatoon and area homes, the basement deserves extra attention. Notice any musty or damp smells, look at visible foundation walls for cracks or staining, and check the floor and the bottom of walls for water marks. Look at basement windows, ceiling height, the quality of any finished areas, and the laundry and storage space.

No single crack or stain tells you whether there's a problem. If you notice something concerning, ask the seller or your REALTOR® about it and consider having it professionally inspected. Good questions to ask: Has the basement ever had water? Is there a sump pump or backwater valve? Were permits taken out for the basement development?

What Questions Should I Ask When Buying a House?

Some things can't be seen during a showing, so ask:

• How old are the furnace, water heater and roof, and have they been serviced? Are there records?
• What updates or repairs have been done, and were permits taken out?
• Has the basement ever had water or moisture issues?
• What are the average utility costs and the annual property taxes?
• Has the home been tested for radon?
• For condos: what does the condo fee include, are the condo documents available, and are any special assessments planned?
• For basement suites: is the suite approved by the city or municipality, and is it currently rented?

The tool above builds a list of these questions for the specific type of home you're looking at.

What Should Saskatoon Buyers Look For?

Not every home has these issues, but they're worth investigating when you buy in Saskatoon and the surrounding area:

• Winter showings: snow can hide the roof, grading, decks and driveway. Ask your inspector what they couldn't see and plan for it.
• Basement water and grading: ask how the basement has done after heavy rain and spring melt, and whether there's a sump pump or backwater valve. Our tips on sump pumps and grading explain why they matter.
• Foundation history: ask whether any foundation repair, levelling or underpinning has been done, and whether there are records or warranties.
• Older homes: in established neighbourhoods like Nutana, City Park and Caswell Hill, a sewer line camera inspection is worth considering, along with questions about the age of the wiring, plumbing and heating.
• Radon: radon can be found in homes across Saskatchewan, and testing is the only way to know a home's level.
• Infill and lanes: notice nearby lots that could be redeveloped, and whether the home has rear lane access.
• Condos: review the condo documents during your condition period. Here's what's in Schedule C condo documents.
• Basement suites: confirm the suite's status with the City of Saskatoon or your local municipality.

Should I Get a Home Inspection?

Yes, in most cases. A showing is your chance to spot questions, not to perform a professional inspection. A qualified home inspector looks at the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and more, and can point out things that are hard to see in a short visit. In Saskatoon, buyers usually make their offer conditional on a satisfactory home inspection, then hire the inspector during the condition period. See the steps in our Saskatoon Home Buyer's Guide.

More Tools for Saskatoon Home Buyers

Search All MLS® Listings · Find Your Home Match Quiz · Neighbourhood Match Quiz · Compare Neighbourhoods · School & Property Matcher · Mortgage Calculator · Home Buyer's Guide · Needs vs. Wants Guide · Condo Inspection Red Flags

Home Viewing Checklist FAQ

Is the home viewing checklist free?

Yes. The checklist is free and you don't need to sign up. Your checklist appears as soon as you answer the questions.

Can I save or print my checklist?

Yes. Your answers, checkmarks and notes are saved in your browser on the device you're using, so you can come back to them. Tap "Print / Save My Checklist" to print it or save it as a PDF.

Can I use the checklist for more than one home?

Yes. Tap "Start a new home" to begin a fresh checklist for each property you view, then switch between them to compare your notes.

Does checking every item mean a home has no problems?

No. The checklist helps you notice things and know what to ask. Some issues can't be identified during a normal showing, so use a qualified home inspector and other professionals before you make your purchase firm.

Can a REALTOR® help me know what to look for?

Yes. Clayton McNally and Jessica Hamel of Trusted Realty, Powered by RE/MAX Saskatoon, can walk through homes with you, help you ask the right questions and guide you through your conditions and inspection.

Want Help Knowing What to Look For?

Clayton McNally and Jessica Hamel can help you navigate the home-buying process and the questions you should be asking along the way. Call Clayton at 306.341.4401, send us a message below or start your search at HousesInSaskatoon.com.