While it is always the best idea to have your potential new home inspected by a professional home inspector, particularly if it is a resale home and not covered by the New Home Warranty Program, there are some basic things to consider that you can do yourself.

- Check the roof to determine the type of roofing. Most types of roofing you will find on PEI real estate has a 15 to 20 year life. Check to see if the roof has raised tiles or shingles or has excess moss growing on it. These will indicate a roof that is closer to needed replaced. Also ensure that the roofline is relatively straight and there is no discernable sag. Check downspouts and gutters to see that they are attached and that they appear to be working. It is a good idea to see a home on a rainy day.

- The electrical system of the home is a major consideration. What you can do here is limited to testing the homes outlets with a small lamp or appliance and ensure that all the light switches work. Check the circuit board for obvious problems including “blown” breakers. You should ensure that the electrical service is at least 100 amps and check with the city to see that all wiring has been inspected.

- Check the plumbing. You can check for visible signs of leaking around toilets, also on walls and ceilings. Rust stains will often signify chronic leaking. You should turn on taps and flush toilets. Check water pressure.

- In the cold of a PEI real estate winter probably nothing is more important than the heating system. Most island homes are heated with oil although you will find electrical baseboard in some mini-homes. Check the age of furnace and boiler equipment. If your home is heated by oil fired hot water check the number of zones. Make sure that the oil tank is indoors and that the tag is current. Check if your hot water tank is oil or electrical fired. If the home furnace is forced air, make sure that all the vents are working.

- The second most important winter consideration is insulation. This includes the insulation in the walls and roof as well as the quality of windows. If you buy poorly here you will pay and pay every year in increased heating costs. Check around doors and windows for air leaks and to ensure that doors and windows fit properly in frames. Check that the windows are at least double-glazed and preferably vinyl. Check the attic for adequate insulation.

- Check the basement. If there are water drainage problems of consequence on the property they will show up here. Island basements can be scary to the un-initiated. They are often made of clay/sandstone rock and have a dirt floor. Due to inadequate ventilation they can also smell quite bad. This is also where you will see if the home has been supported over time with metal jack stands, and most older homes have. Don’t be alarmed by these issues. Clay basements are acceptable although after a 100 years or so the home may have begun to settle. Around $15,000 can raise the average home and pour a concrete foundation and if the clay basement “freaks you out” you may consider budgeting for this. The important thing is to check for water problems. It is not uncommon to find a sump pump in these basements.

- Finally you should check all the major appliances or special features such as burglar alarms to ensure that they work. Any deficiencies should be noted.

However do not rely entirely on your own home inspection – the cost of a professional home inspection is well worth it in peace of mind and freedom from unpleasant surprises.