Winnipeg home buyers are often faced with the dilemma of seasons. How will they know that the comfortable home they purchased during the spring, summer or fall will be just as attractive and cozy during the cold winter months?
Fortunately, by taking a few precautions and spending the time to look carefully at the property, buyers can reassure themselves before the purchase. There are advantages to buying during the warm weather.
The obvious advantage is that buyers can do a complete exterior inspection without having to brave the cold or wonder what lies underneath several inches of ice or snow.
The first item to check is the heating system. Is it up to date and efficient? Try the thermostat - the furnace should come on as soon set amount exceeds the ambient room temperature in the house. It should shut off as soon as the thermostat is turned back.
Ask your real estate representative for the annual heating cost of the home and how that figure compares to the average in Winnipeg for a house that size.
If the home is overly hot during the summer it may indicate that additional insulation is needed.
Windows and doors should fit snugly when closed to avoid cold drafts. Check for weather-stripping. Holding something bright or shiny up to the window and counting the reflections that you see (I often use a lighter, key, ring or flashlight) will tell you how many panes of glass are in the window. Our cold Winnipeg winters require at least double pane glass and tri-panes are preferred. While you are looking at the windows make sure they have screens so that your spring, summer and fall are comfortable as well.
Take a look at the slope of the ground around the house. You want the ground to slope away from the house. We can get a couple thousand gallons of water on our roofs over the winter in the form of ice and snow. You want to make sure that when that melts, it is directed away from the house and not toward the house. I always advise my clients to do two things to make sure you have a dry basement, 1). Slope the ground away from the foundation and 2). Make sure that your eavestroughing is clean and working properly and ensure the eavestrough downspouts are at least 5 feet long and preferably 10 feet long because that will get the water away. Water cannot seep into your basement if it ain't there.
If the home is shaded by broadleaf trees you will be able to see just how much sunlight is cut off during the summer and appreciate that the house will also be brighter in the winter. If the trees are evergreen, the amount of light will not increase during the winter when days are shorter and often darker.
Buying a home is an exciting prospect at any time of the year, but the good weather makes the search even more pleasant. Just remember that the home you buy should be made for winter as well as summer so you can enjoy it throughout the year.
Happy House Hunting!
Comments(3)