8 tips to DIY a cottage inspection

Test the water pressure by turning the bathroom sink and shower on to hot at full blast. Then flush the toilet. If the flow from the taps slows or stops you might need to invest in a larger hot water heater. Also, put your hand in the flow of shower water while you flush. If the water turns ice cold, it means that you’ll want to install a pressure-balance valve to avoid a shocking shower.

Visible mould indicates a water leak. This could be a costly repair if there’s extensive water damage behind the walls and the problem requires professional remediation. Even if you don’t see any mould or any obvious water damage, use the sniff test to check for musty smells. This alone can indicate water leaks.

Look for installation date stickers on the furnace and air conditioner, and manufacturer dates on the appliances. Forced air furnaces have an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years (generally lasting on the longer side if they’ve been regularly serviced). Look for a tag or a sticker indicating when the furnace was serviced to get an idea of how well it’s been maintained. Air conditioners last about 10 to 15 years. For other appliances, check inside the door for a sticker with a manufacturing date or model number; this way you can look up their approximate age.

If the attic hatch is accessible, pop your head up there to check the condition of the insulation. Use a flashlight so you can see into the far corners. The insulation should be evenly levelled across the entire space. While you’re there, inspect the undersides of the roof deck for any signs of water damage.

Check the condition of the exterior cladding, deck, wooden stairways, and the dock for signs of rot. Small areas of damage can be replaced by a DIYer. But extensive damage could mean another costly repair—particularly with current lumber prices.

Bring a pair of binoculars with you to inspect the roof, chimney, and eavestroughs from the ground. Missing or curling shingles can indicate that it’s time to redo the roof. If the eavestroughs are pulling away from the fascia or not sloping towards the downspout you’ll need to have them replaced or rehung. Check the chimney for missing or deteriorating bricks and make sure there’s a cap on top to keep birds and other wildlife out.

Ask the owners about the age and size of the septic tank, and when it was last serviced. Check to make sure the access hatches properly seal and are accessible. Inspect the weeping tile bed. You do not want to see vibrant strips off grass growing there—this indicates tile failure—and the ground around it shouldn’t be soggy or give off any odours.

It might be worthwhile to invest in a couple of tools the average DIY wouldn’t have. Use a receptacle tester (about $15) to check if the outlets in the cottage are all properly grounded. A $50 moisture meter can tell you if structural framing of the house, deck, stairs, or dock is in poor condition. A thermal imager—the priciest item on this list, starting at about $150—can help you see drafts without opening up the walls.