As a home buyer, there’s a lot to consider throughout the buying process. So much so, in fact, that you may overlook some of the problems that can arise when living in a new home. While the pre-purchase inspection reveals many hidden secrets about your future home, some problems may not become apparent until you move in. Stay with us as we take a look at three problem situations you may be likely to encounter after moving into your new home.

Air-permeable windows
Windows can allow air infiltration or exfiltration, which will increase the cost of your heating bill and considerably reduce your comfort due to draughts. In fact, Natural Resources Canada states that windows are responsible for 25% of a home’s total heat loss…

These drafts are not always detectable during inspection, depending on weather conditions. If you feel draughts around your windows, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models, or re-caulking the interior around the frames, for example.

In any case, our inspectors always recommend that new homeowners have a Rénoclimat evaluation performed on their new home shortly after moving in.

The Rénoclimat program is a Quebec government program whose main objective is to help reduce energy consumption costs over the long term, while improving indoor comfort. The program provides technical advice and financial assistance to homeowners wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings through various types of renovations, including insulation and waterproofing.

Unwanted housemates
Did you know that an opening as small as 7 mm is all it takes for a mouse to enter your home? Although the inspector pays particular attention to identifying signs of vermin during the inspection, it can happen that no trace is perceptible. After all, mice often travel inside walls and are active mainly at night, making detection sometimes difficult.

If you can identify where the mice enter, you can fill in these openings. However, if you don’t get rid of the intruder in question, the chances are good that it will manage to find another small hole to pay you a visit. Although the use of traps can sometimes be sufficient, the long-term solution is more often than not to call in a pest control specialist, an exterminator.

Poor insulation
Poor insulation is another common problem you may encounter after moving into a new home, especially if the house is older. If you experience cold spots in your home or high energy costs, poor insulation may be to blame. You can remedy this problem by improving your home’s insulation. But before you start any insulation work, find out what financial assistance programs are available!

Although the sale of a building comes with a legal warranty protecting buyers in the event of hidden defects, the road between the discovery of a problem and the resolution of a legal action can be long and arduous. If you have any doubts about your situation, contact our technical/legal experts. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action, so you can get back to enjoying your home… quickly!