Electrical
- How old is the electrical panel, and what brand is it?
- Is there any knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring?
- What's the service size, 60, 100, or 200 amp?
Plumbing & water
- What are the water pipes made of, copper, PEX, poly-B, or galvanized?
- How old is the water heater, and is it owned or rented?
- Is the service line lead?
Roof, heating & structure
- How old is the roof, and has it ever leaked?
- How old is the furnace, and is there an oil tank?
- Any known foundation movement or basement water?
The one that ties it together
Ask: has anyone had trouble insuring this home? Coverage problems point straight at the costly issues, see uninsurable homes. First purchase? The first-time home buyer guide covers the costs and checks people miss. Once the answers come back, the offer adjustment calculator puts a Canadian range against each problem so the number you bring to the table came from somewhere real.
For what buyers actually find when they do inspect, and how often it changes the price, see the home inspection statistics.