A Printable Checklist for Viewing Older Homes
Quick answer: When you view an older East Hill home, check the roof, foundation and drainage, the electrical panel and wiring, plumbing and sewer line, heating system, windows, and signs of moisture. Ask for the home's renovation history and permits, and always follow up with a licensed home inspector.
East Hill is one of Vernon's most established neighbourhoods, with homes from the 1890s through recent decades. Older homes offer character, mature trees and solid craftsmanship, but they also come with their own quirks. Print this page, bring a pen, and use it at each viewing so you can compare homes later.
This checklist is a viewing aid, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always hire a home inspector licensed by Consumer Protection BC, and consult specialists as needed.
Outside the house
- ☐ Roof: curling, missing or mossy shingles? Sagging lines? Ask the roof's age.
- ☐ Gutters and downspouts: do they direct water well away from the foundation?
- ☐ Grading: on East Hill's slopes, does the ground slope away from the house? Any signs of water pooling or erosion?
- ☐ Foundation: visible cracks, bulges or crumbling concrete?
- ☐ Retaining walls: leaning, cracking or bulging?
- ☐ Siding and trim: rot, peeling paint, gaps?
- ☐ Windows and doors: original single-pane or updated? Soft or rotting sills?
- ☐ Trees: large trees close to the house or overhanging the roof?
- ☐ Driveway and parking: how steep is it? How will it be in winter?
Inside: structure and systems
Structure and moisture
- ☐ Musty smells, especially in the basement.
- ☐ Water stains on ceilings, walls or around windows.
- ☐ White, chalky deposits (efflorescence) on basement walls.
- ☐ Sloping or bouncy floors.
- ☐ Cracks above doors and windows, or doors that stick.
- ☐ Signs of pests in the attic, basement or crawlspace.
Electrical
- ☐ How old is the electrical panel, and what size is the service?
- ☐ Any older wiring types? Ask the seller and your inspector specifically about knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.
- ☐ Enough outlets? Lots of extension cords or power bars can be a hint.
- ☐ Ungrounded two-prong outlets?
- ☐ Have insurance-related questions ready: some insurers have requirements for older wiring.
Plumbing and sewer
- ☐ What are the supply pipes made of? Ask about galvanized steel or polybutylene piping.
- ☐ Water pressure: turn on a tap and flush a toilet at the same time.
- ☐ Age of the hot water tank.
- ☐ Has the sewer line from the house to the street been camera-inspected? Older lines can have root intrusion or damage.
- ☐ Any signs of leaks under sinks?
Heating, cooling and insulation
- ☐ Type and age of the heating system (furnace, boiler, baseboard, heat pump).
- ☐ Has the home ever been heated with oil? If so, ask whether any oil tank was removed, and get documentation.
- ☐ Is there air conditioning? Okanagan summers are hot.
- ☐ Attic insulation: can you see it? How deep is it?
- ☐ Fireplace or wood stove: when was it last inspected?
Hazardous materials
WorkSafeBC notes that asbestos was widely used in BC building materials until the early 1990s, and you can't tell whether a material contains it just by looking. If you plan to renovate an older home, budget for testing before you disturb materials like old flooring, drywall compound, ceiling textures or pipe insulation.
- ☐ Any past hazardous materials testing or abatement?
- ☐ Visible textured ceilings, old vinyl flooring or wrapped pipes?
Paperwork and questions for the seller
- ☐ Property disclosure statement: read it carefully.
- ☐ List of renovations, with dates and permits.
- ☐ Is the home on the Vernon Heritage Register?
- ☐ Is there a suite? Was it built with permits?
- ☐ Recent utility bills and property tax notice.
- ☐ Insurance: has the owner had trouble insuring the home?
- ☐ Any past claims for water damage?
Your impressions
- ☐ Natural light and views
- ☐ Noise from the street or lane
- ☐ Walk to downtown, schools, parks
- ☐ What would you change first, and what might it cost?
For more on the buying process, see our buying in East Hill page. For street-level knowledge of the neighbourhood's older homes, meet Tim Jones, a fellow agent we feature as our local East Hill expert, who lives in East Hill. When you're ready to book viewings, browse the live MLS® search for East Hill homes for sale.
FAQ
Do I still need a home inspection if I use this checklist?
Yes. This checklist helps you compare homes at viewings. A licensed home inspector, and specialists when needed, can find issues you can't see.
What's the most common surprise in older East Hill homes?
Every home is different, but older wiring, plumbing, sewer lines and drainage on sloped lots are common areas to look at closely.
Should I worry about asbestos in an older Vernon home?
It's worth planning for. WorkSafeBC notes asbestos was widely used in BC until the early 1990s. Have materials tested before renovating.
Want help viewing older homes on East Hill? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
