Some things I’ve learned about home inspections in Kingston, ON
**This blog post is a work in progress; check back for updates! And please get in touch for info on your specific neighborhood***
Kingston is amazing when it comes to homes and architectural styles. I’ve inspected homes estimated to be about 200 years old and I’ve inspected new homes all within a 10-minute drive of each other! Here are some general things to look out for in the neighborhoods of Kingston, Ontario
Downtown Kingston: How incredible is downtown Kingston? I challenge you to find a more vibrant core in a city of our size. Kingston is known as the Limestone City and a short walk through downtown is all you need to sum this up. Most of the homes here are heritage homes and some are officially designated as historic sites. If you’re purchasing a home designated as a historic site, be aware that you will be limited to what you can change on the property. When I inspect these heritage homes, I always remind my clients that I am not a code inspector. These homes are often constructed with whole log support posts and beams. They didn’t exactly construct footings and foundations the same back then but I do look for signs of structural problems. If I think you have problems, I would likely recommend consulting a structural engineer. I’ll check electrical (is the old knob and tube replaced?), insulation (vermiculite which could contain asbestos may be present or there may just be horse hair, straw, or no insulation at all!)
Strathcona Park: One of my favorite neighborhoods. My next home might just be there! Many homes here built in the 50’s and will have some things we want to look for. Electrical systems were often underground in this period and while there’s nothing wrong with a few ungrounded outlets in the bedrooms, but standards have changed for a reason, I’ll always recommend GFCI protected, grounded outlets in any areas where you could be exposed to water (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and exterior). There’s a good chance you have building materials that COULD contain asbestos. Insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles are common items but don’t panic. A test is required to confirm asbestos and you never know until you check. Depending on the type, professional abatement can be done quickly & easily.
A quick note on plumbing systems from pre-1970:
Most DWV systems were only designed with a 50-year lifespan. If you have or are thinking about purchasing a home built before 1970, consider having a sewer inspection done. Collapsed pipes, root infiltration and general deterioration are not uncommon and replacing your sewer will easily cost several thousand dollars to fix.
Bayridge: My home neighborhood! Many of these homes built in the 70’s and 80’s and constructed with block foundations (CMU’s – Concrete Masonry Units). Block walls aren’t perfect and will typically show some cracks but that doesn’t mean they’re failing. I’ll check cracks and the general structure for evidence of structural issues before we call in the engineers. Aluminum wiring: Yeah, in the 70’s they thought the stuff was great but we’ve learned otherwise. Aluminum wiring doesn’t have to be a deal killer. It just requires a little more attention then a copper wired home.