Heritage home / observation before assessmentOldHouses.ca archive
Stop condition. If you encounter exposed conductors, a fuel smell, or apparent structural movement, end the walkthrough and contact the utility, your provincial safety authority, or a licensed professional before going further.
This page helps you record observations and decide who to ask; it does not assess a property. Do not disturb suspect materials or open electrical equipment. Health Canada advises having suspect materials assessed by a qualified person rather than judged by appearance.
Where to investigate: a system map
Eight areas worth covering in an older Canadian home, each with what you might observe, the question it raises, and who can answer it. Select a marker or a list item to read the entry.
Educational illustration. Original drawing commissioned for OldHouses.ca showing a generic older house in section. It is not a drawing of any real property and is never diagnostic evidence. Marker positions are indicative only.
Areas to cover
1. Site and drainage
What you might observe
Ground slope toward or away from the wall, downspout discharge points, window wells, and buried drainage lines.
The question it raises
Where does surface and roof water actually go, and has that changed since the house was built?
Who can answer it
Drainage or landscaping contractor; a plumber or drain contractor for buried lines.
Start by setting the scope, not by walking the house. Decide which systems must be examined, who is qualified to examine each one, and which records you will request. Then track every item as not checked, observed visually, or confirmed by a professional or an authoritative record. Age alone confirms nothing.
Inspection scope builder
Build the scope before anyone attends
Record what you want examined and, as you go, whether each item is still unchecked, only observed visually, or confirmed by a qualified professional or an authoritative record. Everything is entered by you and stays in your browser; nothing here diagnoses a property.
0 confirmed · 0 observed only · 9 not checked yet · 0 not applicable
Swipe sideways to compare columns
Editable inspection scope with evidence state per item
System
What to examine
Evidence state
Who can establish it
Notes
Remove
Questions for the specialist
•Which parts of this system did you actually see, and which were concealed?
•Is what you are telling me an observation, or a conclusion you can put in writing?
•What further testing or record would change your opinion?
•Was this work done under permit, and can that be verified with the authority?
•Which items are safety questions, and which are planning questions?
•What should I ask my insurer or lender about before removing conditions?
Documents and permits to request
•Building, electrical, plumbing, gas and structural permits with final inspection dates
•Service invoices for the heating appliance, water heater and any chimney work
•Roof, window, foundation or waterproofing warranties and installer names
•Previous inspection reports and any engineer's letters
•Utility locate or oil-tank removal documentation where applicable
•Insurance history questions: prior claims and any conditions imposed on coverage
Permit records come from the municipality or the provincial authority — see the provincial source directory.
Enhanced Pre-Inspection Checklist
This comprehensive checklist addresses the unique characteristics of Canadian pre-1970 construction, including regional materials, climate considerations, and era-specific systems.
Structural Elements
Foundation type (stone, brick, concrete block) and condition
Presence of weeping tile/perimeter drainage systems
Framing type (balloon vs platform) and fire safety implications
Sagging floors, bouncy areas, or uneven surfaces
Cracks in walls, especially around windows and doors
Roof line straightness and chimney condition
Load-bearing beam condition and unauthorized modifications
Electrical Systems
Service capacity (60-amp often insufficient for modern needs)
Wiring type (knob-and-tube, aluminum, copper) and safety
Electrical panel condition, capacity, and breaker labeling
GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors
Outlet and switch functionality throughout house
Proper grounding and bonding systems
Evidence of DIY electrical work or code violations
Plumbing Systems
Pipe materials and age (galvanized steel, cast iron, lead, copper)
Water pressure and flow in all fixtures
Water heater age, condition, venting, and efficiency
Drainage speed and any backup signs
Lead content testing in pipes and solder joints
Shut-off valve locations and functionality
Sewer line condition and potential tree root intrusion
HVAC & Heating Systems
Heating system type and efficiency (octopus furnaces, boilers)
Ductwork condition, size adequacy, and insulation
Oil tank condition and insurance implications
Asbestos insulation around heating components
Chimney and flue condition for combustion appliances
Ventilation adequacy throughout the home
Carbon monoxide detector presence and functionality
Building Envelope
Siding material and condition (wood, brick, asbestos-cement)
Roof condition and material (slate, asphalt, wood shingles)
Window type (single-pane) and thermal performance
Insulation presence, type, and R-value adequacy
Air sealing around penetrations and joints
Storm window condition and seasonal functionality
Weather stripping and caulking effectiveness
Hazardous Materials Assessment
Asbestos in insulation, flooring, and textured ceilings
Canada (federal guidance); permits, licensing and inspection requirements are set provincially and municipally
Applies to
Buyers, owners and sellers planning an inspection of a Canadian house built roughly 1900–1999
Last reviewed
2026-08 (source links checked 2026-08-31)
Limitations
This page helps you scope and record an inspection. It is not an inspection, it produces no findings, and it contains no cost estimates.
What you should verify
Have each item established by a professional licensed for that trade in your province, and request permit history from the authority having jurisdiction.
