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Free Resource for Buyers

The Buyer Hidden-Cost Checklist

41 checkpoints that protect Greater Vancouver buyers from $20,000–$100,000+ surprises after closing — built from real transactions across North Van, West Van, and the Lower Mainland.

Roof & structural warning signs Plumbing & electrical risks Zoning & illegal suite flags Pre-subject-removal questions
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Section 1 — Biggest repair bills
Structure, Envelope & Drainage

How old is the roof? What type — asphalt, cedar, torch-on, or flat membrane?

⚑ HIGH COST IF MISSED
Cedar shake replacement: $25K–$60K. Flat membrane roofs: every 15–20 years.

Any sagging, missing shingles, moss growth, or granule loss in gutters?

⚑ HIGH COST IF MISSED

Do gutters and downspouts drain away from the foundation?

Improper drainage is the #1 cause of basement flooding and foundation movement.

Check foundation for horizontal cracks or efflorescence (white staining).

⚑ HIGH COST IF MISSED

Any musty smell, staining, or dehumidifier running in the basement or crawl space?

Exterior cladding: cracks, gaps, or missing caulking around windows and corners?

Window and door frames: rot, condensation between panes, or soft wood?

Is there a sump pump? When was it last serviced?

Retaining walls on sloped lots — who maintains them, owner or strata?

Section 2 — Costly surprises
Plumbing, Electrical & Renovation Risks

What is the plumbing material? Polybutylene (grey plastic) or galvanized steel?

What panel brand? Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels are fire hazards.

Any knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring? Both are insurance risks.

Are all renovations permitted? Ask city records.

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Section 3 — Legal & long-term value
Suites, Zoning & Resale Value

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Section 4 — Final gate before you're committed
Before Subject Removal — Ask These

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Why most buyers miss these

A standard home inspection flags problems — it doesn't tell you what they cost or how urgent they are. As a licensed realtor and senior construction project manager, I built this checklist from real Greater Vancouver transactions where buyers inherited six-figure repair bills they didn't see coming.

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All 4 sections, every checkpoint — delivered to your inbox in under a minute.

  • Roof, envelope & drainage (10 checks)
  • Plumbing, electrical & reno risks (12 checks)
  • Zoning, suites & resale value (10 checks)
  • Before subject removal (10 checks)
  • ⚑ flags for highest-cost items
  • Notes with real repair cost ranges

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Construction background

Licensed realtor + senior construction PM. We can estimate repair costs on the spot at any showing — not just flag issues for "further review."

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Built from real transactions

Every item on this checklist came from an actual Greater Vancouver purchase where a buyer was surprised after closing. None of it is theoretical.

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No pressure, ever

Getting the checklist doesn't obligate you to anything. Use it with any realtor. If you ever want a second opinion on a property, we're a message away.