Don’t Skip These 5 Things When Viewing a Home in Edmonton
Don’t Skip These 5 Things When Viewing a Home in Edmonton
An Edmonton home viewing checklist for 2025: mechanicals, foundation, windows/doors, roof/siding, and neighbourhood due diligence
It’s easy to fall in love at first glance. But in Edmonton’s market, what you miss during a showing can cost you later. Here are the 5 checks I always do with buyers — simple, fast, and focused on the biggest risks.
On this page
1) The Furnace, Water Tank, and Electrical Panel
Age matters. Snap the data stickers and note serial numbers. A tidy, labeled panel and clean mechanical room = good sign.
- Furnace typical life: roughly 15–20 years (varies by make/maintenance)
- Water heater typical life: roughly 8–12 years
- Panel: look for labeling, unused capacity, and neat wiring
2) Basement Walls and Foundation
Look past fresh paint. Check for horizontal cracks, patched lines, efflorescence (white mineral stains), or musty odours.
- Scan baseboards and corners for swelling or waviness
- Ask about sump pump, backflow valve, and grading around the home
- Utility room floors: look for old water lines/stains
3) Windows and Doors
Operate them. Sticky or uneven movement can hint at settling or humidity control issues.
- Fogging between panes = failed seals
- Check caulking, trim, and sills for softness or gaps
- Exterior doors: weatherstripping and threshold wear
4) Roof and Exterior Siding
From the sidewalk: watch shingle lines and valleys. Curling or scalloping suggests age; dips can signal sheathing issues.
- Siding: impact cracks, loose panels, rot at bottom edges
- Gutters: debris and downspout extensions away from foundation
- Attic access during inspection helps assess ventilation/insulation
5) The Neighbourhood (Not Just the House)
Walk the block. Look at general upkeep, noise, traffic, and nearby construction.
- Proximity to parks, schools, major roads, and future development
- Drive the route at your real commute time
- Ask about zoning/permits if you plan suites or additions
What to Bring to an Edmonton Showing
Simple kit
- Phone for photos + notes
- Tape measure for key spaces
- Small flashlight (mechanical rooms)
- Clean shoes or booties (winter)
Photo shot list
- Panel label + furnace/water tank stickers
- Roof lines from front & back
- Any cracks, stains, or soft finishes
- Street/amenities within a 2–3 minute walk
Always respect seller privacy and follow showing rules.
Quick Red Flags by System
Mechanical
- Rust lines or scorch marks
- Unlabeled or wildly overfilled panel
- No service history on major equipment
Structure/Envelope
- Horizontal cracks; repeated patch lines
- Poor grading toward foundation
- Rot at trim/siding bases
Interior
- Persistent musty odours
- Doors out of square in multiple rooms
- Fresh paint only on lower walls or patches
Final Counsel: Be smart, not swept away. I’ll help you catch what most buyers miss, line up a thorough inspection, and structure conditions that protect you without killing your leverage.
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Written by Ibrahim AlGendy — “The Counselor” • Edmonton REALTOR® & former commercial lawyer • This article is general information, not legal advice. Always consult licensed professionals.
