House Hunting Checklist Ontario: What to Look for When Viewing Homes

House hunting in Ontario can be exciting but also overwhelming. With so many properties to view and details to consider, it's easy to miss important things. Triple S Housing has put together this comprehensive house hunting checklist to help you evaluate every home you visit. Print it out and bring it to every showing!

Before You Start House Hunting

• Get mortgage pre-approval ✅

• Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves ✅

• Set your maximum budget including closing costs ✅

• Choose your preferred neighbourhoods ✅

• Find a trusted REALTOR® ✅

Exterior Checklist
When you arrive at a property, check:

• Condition of the roof — any missing shingles or sagging?

• Gutters and downspouts — properly attached and draining?

• Foundation — any cracks or water damage?

• Driveway and walkways — condition and drainage

• Garage — size, condition, and access

• Yard — size, privacy, and maintenance required

• Neighbourhood — noise levels, traffic, and neighbours

• Proximity to schools, transit, parks, and amenities

Interior Checklist — Main Areas

• Overall condition and cleanliness

• Natural light in each room

• Room sizes — will your furniture fit?

• Flooring condition — hardwood, laminate, carpet, tile

• Ceiling height and condition — any stains or cracks?

• Wall condition — any damage, cracks, or signs of moisture?

• Storage space — closets, pantry, basement storage

• Smell — any musty or unusual odours?

Kitchen Checklist

• Size and layout — does it work for your lifestyle?

• Condition of cabinets and countertops

• Age and condition of appliances

• Ventilation and exhaust fan

• Plumbing — water pressure and drainage

• Electrical outlets — enough for your needs?

• Natural light and window size

Bathroom Checklist

• Number of bathrooms — enough for your family?

• Condition of fixtures — toilet, sink, shower, tub

• Water pressure and hot water supply

• Ventilation — exhaust fan working?

• Signs of water damage or mold around tiles

• Storage space

Bedroom Checklist

• Number and size of bedrooms

• Closet space in each bedroom

• Natural light and window size

• Privacy from street noise

• Heating and cooling in each room

Basement Checklist

• Signs of water damage or flooding

• Condition of foundation walls

• Ceiling height — is it livable space?

• Electrical panel — age and condition

• Furnace and water heater — age and condition

• Insulation and waterproofing

• Legal basement apartment potential?

Mechanical Systems Checklist

• Age of the furnace and air conditioning

• Type of heating — gas, electric, forced air?

• Age of the water heater

• Electrical panel — is it updated?

• Plumbing — copper, PVC, or old galvanized?

• Insulation — walls, attic, and basement

Questions to Ask Your REALTOR®

• How long has the property been on the market?

• Have there been any price reductions?

• Why is the seller moving?

• What are the property taxes?

• Are there any known issues with the property?

• What is included in the sale — appliances, fixtures?

• What are the utility costs?

• Are there any easements or encumbrances on the property?

After the Viewing

• Take photos and notes for each property

• Rate the property out of 10

• Compare pros and cons with other properties viewed

• Discuss with your REALTOR® before making a decision

• Never make an offer on the same day without sleeping on it

How Triple S Housing Helps You Find the Right Home
Our experienced REALTOR® team will guide you through every showing, point out potential issues, and help you compare properties objectively. We make sure you find a home that truly fits your lifestyle and budget — Simple, Safe & Stress-Free.

📞 (647) 522-1965
✉️ a.syyed@tripleshousing.ca
🌐 www.tripleshousing.ca

📞 (647) 522-1965

📍 353 Albion Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 3P3

✉️ tripleshousing@gmail.com

🌐 www.tripleshousing.ca