27/08/2025
Buying an old home in Saskatchewan can be a great opportunity—many older houses have solid craftsmanship, larger lots, and character. But they can also come with hidden costs and challenges. Here are the main things to consider:
🏡 Saskatchewan Old Home Buyer’s Checklist
🔎 Exterior & Structure
👉Roof condition (missing shingles, leaks, sagging)
👉Gutters & downspouts (working, draining away from house)
👉Foundation (cracks, uneven surfaces, water stains)
👉Exterior walls/siding (rot, damage, peeling paint, asbestos siding)
👉Windows & doors (drafts, broken seals, single-pane glass)
👉Lot grading (water drains away from house)
🏠 Interior & Layout
💥Uneven or sloping floors (may indicate foundation issues)
💥Cracks in walls or ceilings (settling vs. structural)
💥Signs of water damage (stains, bubbling paint, musty smell)
💥Attic insulation and ventilation (heat loss, mold risk)
💥Basement condition (dry, no standing water, no strong odor)
⚡ Utilities & Systems
✅Electrical system (breaker panel or old fuse box? any knob-and-tube wiring?)
✅Number of outlets per room (grounded or ungrounded?)
✅Plumbing (material type—copper, PVC, galvanized steel, or lead?)
✅Water pressure & drainage (slow drains may mean old pipes/sewer issues)
✅Furnace/boiler age and type (efficient enough for -40°C winters?)
✅Hot water tank (age, size, leaks)
✅Air conditioning (if installed, age and condition)
🛡️ Health & Safety
🔥Asbestos (insulation, tiles, ceilings—ask if tested/removed)
🔥Lead paint (homes built before late 1970s may still have it)
🔥Mold/mildew signs (especially in basement, bathroom, attic)
🔥Radon mitigation system (if area is radon-prone—test kit recommended)
🔥Old oil tank (underground or above ground—expensive to remove)
📜 Legal & Financial
📍Property taxes (verify current annual cost)
📍Zoning (are basement suites or future renovations allowed?)
📍Permits for past renovations (were they properly approved?)
📍Heritage designation (could limit exterior changes)
📍Insurance eligibility (some insurers won’t cover old wiring or oil tanks)
🌳 Neighborhood & Location
♻️Proximity to schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and transit
♻️Street condition and city maintenance (snow removal, sidewalks)
♻️Age of neighborhood infrastructure (sewer, water, electrical lines)
♻️Noise, traffic, and safety in the area
♻️Future development plans (could increase or decrease property value)
📝 Final Steps
⭐️Hire a licensed home inspector (experienced with Saskatchewan homes)
⭐️Consider a sewer line scope inspection (tree roots & collapse are common)
⭐️Ask for utility bills (to check heating/electricity costs)
⭐️Get quotes for renovations or upgrades before making an offer
⭐️Review with your lawyer & insurance provider before finalizing
👉 Bottom line: An old home in Saskatchewan can be a great investment if you plan for repairs, budget renovations, and confirm it’s structurally sound.