Edmonton Home Viewing Checklist (2025)
A pro-level 15-minute walkthrough: mechanicals, foundation, windows/doors, roof/siding, and neighbourhood due diligence
It’s easy to get swept up by staging. This Edmonton home viewing checklist keeps you focused on the big-ticket risks and the simple clues that tell you how a property’s been cared for. Use it at every showing and deepen anything concerning with a licensed inspector.
On this page
Quick 15-Minute Checklist
Systems & structure
- Photograph furnace, water heater, and electrical panel labels
- Scan basement for cracks, patch lines, or efflorescence
- Check grading & downspouts (drain away from foundation)
- Look at roof lines from street; note curling/dips
Livability & envelope
- Operate windows & doors (sticking/drafts/fogging?)
- Sniff for musty odours (basement, closets)
- Check caulking/trim at sills & wet areas
- Walk the block: noise, upkeep, traffic
What to Bring
Simple kit
- Phone for photos + notes
- Tape measure (key furniture spots)
- Small flashlight (mechanical rooms)
- Clean shoes/booties (winter)
Shot list
Respect showing rules and seller privacy.
- Panel label + furnace/water heater stickers
- Roof lines (front & back)
- Any cracks, stains, or soft finishes
- Street/amenities within a 2–3 minute walk
Room-by-Room Checks
Exterior & lot
- Siding damage or rot at bases
- Gutters clean; long downspout extensions
- Driveway/sidewalk heaving or large cracks
Mechanical room
- Clean filter area; no scorch/rust lines
- Panel tidy and labeled; spare capacity
- Evidence of regular service?
Basement
- Horizontal cracks or repeated patches
- Efflorescence/water staining
- Sump/backflow valve presence
Main floor & kitchen
- Soft floors near sinks/dishwasher
- GFCI near water sources
- Venting (hood/fans) actually exhausts
Windows & doors
- Consistent operation, seals intact
- Caulking, trim gaps or softness
- Weatherstripping at exteriors
Garage/outbuildings
- Slab cracks, moisture, grading
- Door balance & opener safety
- Electrical (GFCI, receptacle count)
Top Red Flags (and What to Do)
| System | Red flag | Why it matters | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Horizontal cracks, patch lines | May indicate structural stress or water pressure | Inspection + grading/drainage review |
| Roof | Curling shingles, dips/valleys | Near-term replacement or sheathing issues | Inspector/roofer opinion & pricing |
| Mechanical | Scorch/rust, no service records | Deferred maintenance = surprise costs | Estimate lifespan; budget or negotiate |
| Windows | Fogging between panes | Seal failure reduces efficiency | Replace or credit |
| Moisture | Musty odours, efflorescence | Possible water intrusion, mould risk | Moisture test; fix grading/downspouts |
Photos to Capture
Snap objective, useful images:
- Data stickers on furnace & water heater + electrical panel label
- Roof lines, siding bases, downspout extensions
- Any cracks/stains; close-ups + context
- Street, nearby park/path, and noise sources
Questions to Ask the Seller (via your agent)
Maintenance & issues
- Past leaks, repairs, or insurance claims
- Age of roof, windows, furnace, water heater
- Permit history for renos/suites
Logistics
- Possession timing & inclusions
- Utility costs & average bills
- Known neighbourhood projects/associations
After the Showing: Next Steps
Same day
- Compare photos and notes to your shortlist
- Flag inspection focus (moisture, roof, etc.)
- Reality-check commute at rush hour
Before offering
- Align price with recent solds & terms
- Confirm financing and deposit readiness
- Plan conditions & timelines that protect you
Final Counsel: Use this checklist to stay objective, then go deeper with a licensed inspector. I’ll help you structure an offer that balances protection with competitiveness so the home you love is the home that closes.
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Written by Ibrahim AlGendy — “The Counselor” • Edmonton REALTOR® & former commercial lawyer • This article is general information, not legal advice.