The Homeowner's Guide To Everything

Common concerns such as proper plumbing and water pressure are things that you would definitely want to look into when inspecting your bathroom. But there is a more subtle issue that (literally) slips through the cracks with a full bath – bathroom mould. Even the toughest of walls will, over time, slowly build up mould with the absence of proper ventilation. Ensure your bathroom has top-notch ventilation or a window to get rid of the humidity that builds up during hot showers and warm baths. Your untiled bathroom walls will thank you in the long run.

Ventilation gets a very necessary repeat mention when it comes to your kitchen. It’s a place for you to unveil your inner chef and whip up savoury meals. But improper ventilation can be the main cause for sticky grease films that can start with your cooking area and slowly spread to your kitchen walls, appliances, and even your cabinets. So unless you’re prepared to scrub down your kitchen daily, make sure ventilation is a high priority when it comes to maintaining and planning your kitchen.

As the lowest point in a home, the basement can be susceptible to water leaks and, in extreme cases, flooding. Aside from seeing whether a basement meets your aesthetic needs – finished versus unfinished – also check for telltale water marks or points of leakage in the ceiling and in between cracks. Once a leak gets going in a basement, trying to patch things up can prove futile and fixing the core problem can cost you a pretty penny.

Closet size may seem like the least of your concerns. But when it comes to storage, the difference between a reasonably-sized versus tiny space is huge. Where will you hang up your clothing? What about camping supplies or holiday decorations? Cleaning products, extra toiletries, the good china, extra guest chairs — they all have to go somewhere out of sight when not being used. Not having adequate space can mean you’re going to be stuck with more clutter than you bargained for.

An open balcony is a godsend for apartment dwellers. It offers fresh air from several feet above ground and often offers fine views of the streets and sights below. But it’s not uncommon for our fine feathered friends to want a slice of the high life. Some areas are more susceptible to than others, so take measures to keep unwanted nesting birds away. Common remedies include bird repellent spikes or nets.

Is your backyard all grassy lawn or laid in stone? Is there a deck and a patio? If so, do they need to be replaced any time soon? Is the yard as large as you want it to be? A lot of questions concerning the backyard have to do with aesthetics and personal preference and come with a bit more flexibility. But definitely check whether your yard is on a slope and, if so, if there is a proper drainage/sewage system available for water runoff to drain into. The last thing you want is soggy grass and eroding soil teeming with standing water.