Top 7 Things to Look for When Buying Calgary Homes

If you’re looking at Calgary homes and thinking of purchasing one, there are a number of factors you must consider to ensure that you make the right choice.  The neighborhood, the size of the yard, and the overall condition of the home are some of the things you have to think about while you are viewing listings and visiting homes in person.  Review this list of the top 5 things to look for when buying Calgary homes to get your house hunt off to a good start. 

1. Good Schools

It’s very important to investigate the quality of the schools in the neighborhood where you’re planning to buy, whether you have kids or not.  Having great schools nearby increases the resale value of Calgary homes.  Many homebuyers consider good schools a top priority when purchasing a home because, understandably, they want the best for their children.

2. Location

Consider all aspects of a neighborhood when you’re looking at Calgary homes.  You can change virtually anything about the house you purchase, except for its location.  Things you’ll want to look for in a neighborhood include safety, parks, shopping, access to public transportation, a low level of noise pollution, ease of access, and overall charm.  Also, you’ll want to select a neighborhood that’s not too far from your workplace.  Drive around in the potential neighborhood on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends to get a good feel for what it is like at different times of the day and week. 

3. Storage Space

When viewing Calgary homes, determine if they have sufficient closets and storage space where you can store all of your belongings.  Newer Calgary homes tend to have a lot of storage space, whereas older homes tend to have very little.    Although it’s possible to add storage space later on, bear in mind that it will cut into the living space. 

4. Water Control

Calgary homes with land that slopes away from the property are the best choice because excess water is carried away from the house when it rains.  In addition, there should be plenty of pipes, gutters, and downspouts that carry water away and prevent it from leaking into the basement.  Another way to determine how efficiently a property controls rainwater is through inspecting the home for water damage.  To have a home evaluated for water damage, consider hiring a qualified home inspector. 

5. Insulation

Check out the insulation of various Calgary homes.  Good insulation will save you a lot of money in the long run in heating and cooling bills.  You can evaluate a home’s insulation by accessing the roof’s manhole.  Calgary homes need an insulation thickness of R-38 in their attics, which equates to approximately 12 inches of fiberglass.  

6. Hot Water System

Fixing a broken hot water system can be very pricey, so make sure to verify the condition of hot water systems when you view Calgary homes.  Beware of old age, leaks, and rust.  Also, make sure that a hot water system is big enough to meet your family’s needs.  If the hot water system runs on gas, find out when it was last serviced.

7. Structure

While viewing Calgary homes, keep an eye out for major structural problems because they can be very costly and difficult to repair.  The best way to judge whether a house has structural problems is by viewing it from a distance to see if it leans or has cracks.  While indoors, check for uneven floors, cracks in the floor, and doors and windows that stick.