Agreement to the offer’s terms, properly communicated as required by the contract process. A signed offer with subjects can still be binding.

An offer the seller has agreed to. It may still contain subject clauses and other obligations.

Design intended to make spaces easier to use for people with disabilities. Specific features should be checked against the user's needs.

An additional document that becomes part of an agreement and adds or changes its terms.

The date used to apportion shared expenses such as property taxes and strata fees between buyer and seller.

Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection designed to detect certain electrical arcing conditions and interrupt power. It addresses a different hazard from GFCI protection.

A legal relationship in which a real estate professional represents a client and owes duties such as loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure.

A system of materials and sealed connections that limits air leakage through a building. It contributes to comfort, efficiency, and moisture control.

Equipment that cools indoor air and typically removes some moisture. Its capacity and maintenance affect performance.

Closing unintended gaps through which air leaks. Appropriate ventilation remains important after a home is made more airtight.

A heat pump that exchanges heat with outdoor air. Capacity and efficiency vary with outdoor temperature and equipment design.

How well a building limits unintended air leakage. It works alongside planned ventilation to support comfort and moisture management.

Aluminum wiring used in some older homes’ circuits; a qualified electrician can assess its condition and connections.

A written change to an existing agreement that the required parties accept.

The estimated time to repay a mortgage in full if payments continue as scheduled.

A fastener connecting a component, such as a sill plate, to concrete or masonry. These connections help transfer structural forces.

A professional opinion of a property’s value at a given date, often requested by a lender.

A material that contains asbestos; testing may be needed to confirm its presence before disturbing it.

The price a seller advertises for a property; the eventual sale price may differ.

A common roof covering made with asphalt and a reinforcing base. Condition, installation, and exposure affect replacement timing.

BC Assessment’s value for property taxation purposes; it can differ from today’s market value.

Air movement through an attic that helps manage heat and moisture.

Devices or arrangements intended to prevent water flowing backward into a supply. Requirements depend on the plumbing application.

An offer intended to take effect if an earlier accepted transaction does not proceed, according to its terms.

A valve intended to reduce the risk of sewage backing up through a drainage line. Correct placement and maintenance matter.

A storey partly or fully below ground. Finished appearance alone does not establish permitted living space or moisture performance.

A structural member that carries loads across an opening or between supports. Removing or modifying one requires appropriate design advice.

A test using a fan and pressure measurements to assess a home's air leakage. It can help identify opportunities for air sealing.

A finish using boards with narrow strips over joints or as a decorative pattern. It can be used inside or as exterior cladding.

Equipment that heats water for space heating or other uses. It may supply radiators or in-floor heating rather than warm-air ducts.

A failure to perform an obligation required by an agreement.

An outer layer of brick attached to a supporting wall. It typically provides the exterior finish rather than the home's main structural support.

A claim that may be registered against land by someone seeking payment for qualifying work or materials.

The roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation elements that separate indoors from outdoors.

Local authorization for work that requires a permit. A permit alone does not prove all work was completed or received final approval.

A generally single-storey house, sometimes with a basement or partly finished roof space. Listing usage can overlap with rancher.

An agreement describing the services, terms, and possible compensation when a brokerage represents a buyer.

A real estate professional who represents the buyer’s interests in a transaction.

A term often used for a detached secondary dwelling, sometimes above a garage. Its legal status depends on approvals and local rules.

A collection point that receives surface water into a drainage system. Debris removal helps maintain its function.

A high ceiling with sloping sides that generally follow the roof shape. It is a particular form of vaulted ceiling.

A land title filing that alerts others to a claimed interest and can temporarily affect registration.

Wood roof pieces, usually thicker and more textured than wood shingles. Their condition and maintenance needs should be assessed.

A notice registered on title that signals a lawsuit claiming an interest in the land.

A registered interest such as a mortgage, easement, or covenant that may affect the property.

Movable personal items, such as furniture or appliances, that are included only if the contract says so.

A protective device designed to interrupt a circuit when specified electrical conditions occur.

The outer covering of exterior walls, such as siding, stucco, or brick. It works with underlying layers to manage weather exposure.

Expenses beyond the purchase price, potentially including legal fees, property transfer tax, inspections, and adjustments.

A ceiling divided into recessed panels by beams or trim. These elements may be decorative rather than structural.

Equipment that burns fuel, such as a gas furnace or wood stove. Venting and an adequate air supply are important assessment points.

Compensation paid to a brokerage for real estate services, as agreed in the applicable service agreement. It is negotiable.

Parts of a strata development owned collectively by the strata lot owners through the strata corporation.

An estimate of a property’s likely market position based on relevant comparable listings and sales; it is not a formal appraisal.

The date the purchase funds and documents are exchanged and ownership is registered or transferred.

Water droplets forming when moist air meets a sufficiently cold surface. Causes can involve humidity, ventilation, or cold surfaces.

A common listing term for a strata-owned unit, often an apartment. In BC, strata ownership can also apply to other building forms.

A broad description for design reflecting current preferences, often with clean lines and open spaces. It does not specify construction quality or age.

Strata money set aside for expenses that occur less often than annually or are not usually covered by the operating budget.

The written agreement setting out the buyer’s and seller’s obligations, price, dates, and conditions.

The legal work of transferring property ownership and registering related documents.

A change mainly affecting appearance, such as paint or finishes. It does not necessarily address underlying systems or structure.

A response that changes an offer’s terms and proposes a new agreement.

An architectural style associated with features such as porches, substantial trim, and visible wood detailing. Listings may use the term loosely.

A low area beneath part of a home where structural, plumbing, or mechanical components may be located.

Land owned by the provincial or federal government.

A treatment intended to resist soil moisture through below-ground walls. It generally provides less protection against water pressure than waterproofing.

The number of days a listing has been advertised on a listing system, calculated under that system’s rules.

A lender’s measure comparing specified housing or total debt payments with a borrower’s income.

An electrical circuit intended to serve a particular appliance or load. Some equipment requires one under applicable installation rules.

Routine upkeep or repairs that have been postponed. Several small issues can add up to meaningful future costs.

Money paid as a sign of good faith under the contract, generally credited toward the purchase price on completion. Its release if a deal fails depends on the circumstances.

A planning report estimating the condition, renewal timing, and future costs of major shared components.

The brokerage designates a specific licensee to represent you in a transaction.

A home that does not share its main building walls with another dwelling. This describes the building form rather than guaranteeing a particular ownership type.

Uneven foundation movement that affects one area more than another. It may cause cracking or distortion needing specialist assessment.

A roof projection that commonly contains a window and adds headroom. Its junctions introduce additional flashing details.

A window unit with two panes separated by a sealed space. Its performance also depends on coatings, frames, spacers, and installation.

The portion of the purchase price a buyer pays from their own funds rather than a mortgage.

A pipe carrying water from a gutter toward an appropriate drainage outlet. Where it discharges matters to foundation moisture.

A fitting or pipe that directs roof runoff farther from a building. The discharge location must suit the property's drainage arrangement.

The area where treated septic effluent is dispersed into the soil; also called a dispersal field.

The plumbing network that carries wastewater away and vents drainage pipes. Venting helps drainage work properly and supports water seals in traps.

Panels used to finish interior walls and ceilings, also called gypsum board. Visible staining or cracking may prompt further questions about their cause.

A system with an outdoor unit connected to indoor units without a whole-home duct network. Many models provide both heating and cooling.

The network of passages carrying air through a heating, cooling, or ventilation system. Leaks and poor sizing can affect comfort.

A building containing two dwelling units. It may have one owner or separate ownership arrangements.

A legal right allowing someone to use another person’s land for a specific purpose, such as access or utilities.

The edges of a roof that extend beyond exterior walls. They can help shelter walls from rain.

A typically whitish mineral deposit left when moisture moves through and evaporates from masonry or concrete. It can indicate moisture movement but does not identify the cause alone.

Wall-mounted heaters that use electrical resistance to warm individual rooms. Separate room controls can help manage comfort and energy use.

An assessment of expected electrical demand against service or equipment capacity. It may be needed before adding major equipment.

The enclosure containing breakers or fuses that distribute electricity to circuits.

Authorization for regulated electrical work from the authority responsible for that location.

The electrical supply and equipment bringing power from the utility to a home.

A structure or improvement that extends across a property boundary or into an area where it may not belong.

A standardized assessment of a home's energy performance through Natural Resources Canada's system. It helps compare performance and identify possible improvements.

An assessment of how a building uses energy and where improvements may help. Its scope and recommended upgrades depend on the evaluator and program.

A ventilation unit that recovers heat and transfers some moisture between incoming and outgoing air. Suitability depends on the home's climate and moisture needs.

A certification identifying products or homes that meet specified energy-performance requirements. Confirm whether the claim applies to a product or the home itself.

Flooring with a real wood surface over a layered core. Refinishing options depend partly on the thickness of the wood surface.

A bathroom directly connected to a bedroom. It does not specify how many fixtures it contains.

A condition such as contamination or an unsafe material that may affect use, health, cost, or value.

The value of an owner’s interest in a property after subtracting debts secured against it.

Ethics means acting honestly and respecting the work of others. This dictionary widget was created by Johnny Sugrue for www.comoxvalleyhome.ca. If you are viewing it on another website, it may have been copied without permission. Copying and presenting someone else's work as your own without permission is unethical. If you want an ethical agent, call 250-218-8323.

Wiring, capacity, or equipment intended for charging an electric vehicle. Confirm whether a listing means installed charging or only preparation.

Permission or a right for one owner to use a specified area of common property, subject to the governing documents.

A fan that removes indoor air, commonly from a bathroom or kitchen. Proper discharge outdoors helps manage moisture and odours.

A design description often combining simple forms with rustic or traditional details. It can describe decor rather than the building's original architecture.

The board or trim along the edge of a roof, often behind the gutter. Its condition can be affected by water exposure.

A form of land ownership that generally gives the owner broad rights, subject to laws and registered interests.

An exterior cladding made from cement reinforced with fibres. Installation details and maintenance of joints and coatings affect performance.

An authority's inspection near completion of permitted work. Confirm what was inspected and whether outstanding items remain.

An assembly intended to limit fire spread between spaces. Its required construction depends on the building and applicable rules.

A mortgage whose contracted interest rate stays the same during its term.

Items attached to the property that generally stay with it unless the contract excludes them.

Material installed at junctions and openings to direct water away. Poor or damaged flashing can allow water into a building.

A room marketed for multiple possible uses, such as an office or hobby space. It is not necessarily an approved bedroom.

Land that may be subject to flooding under specified conditions. Mapped designation, site conditions, and development requirements need review.

The measured area of a building or part of it. Measurement methods and whether garages or unfinished areas count can vary.

A widened support beneath a foundation wall or post that spreads weight into the ground. Its design depends on loads and soil conditions.

A system that distributes heated air through ducts. Airflow, duct condition, and equipment maintenance affect performance.

A BC strata document summarizing prescribed financial and other information about the strata corporation and the specific lot, with required attachments.

The structural components that support and transfer a building’s weight to the ground.

A break in foundation concrete or masonry. Its significance depends on location, width, movement, and water entry.

Downward movement of a foundation as supporting ground changes or compresses. The amount, pattern, and whether it is continuing matter.

The supporting framework of a building, commonly made from wood or steel. Its arrangement affects how rooms, floors, and the roof are supported.

A gravel-filled trench, often with a perforated pipe, used to collect and redirect water. Its effectiveness depends on design and the discharge location.

The length of a property's boundary facing a street or other specified feature. The definition depends on the context.

Equipment that heats air and distributes it through ducts.

An inspection recommendation to have a qualified specialist investigate an issue more closely.

Steel piping coated with zinc. Older piping can develop internal corrosion that affects flow or condition.

A term often used for a separate dwelling on the same lot as a main home. Local definitions and permitted use need confirmation.

A device intended to reduce shock risk by interrupting power when it detects an imbalance in current.

A countertop made from natural granite stone. Finish, sealing needs, and maintenance depend on the particular stone and treatment.

A heat pump that exchanges heat with the ground through a buried loop. Installation and maintenance differ from air-source systems.

An outlet connected to an equipment-grounding path. A three-prong face alone does not confirm that the outlet is properly grounded.

Water beneath the ground in soil or rock. Its level and movement can affect basements, crawl spaces, and drainage.

Federal goods and services tax that may apply to newly built or substantially renovated homes; rebates or exemptions depend on eligibility.

A channel collecting roof runoff and directing it toward downspouts. Blockages or poor discharge arrangements can contribute to water problems.

A structural member spanning an opening such as a window or doorway. It transfers loads to supports at the sides.

Equipment that moves heat to warm a home and, in many systems, cool it.

A ventilation unit that exchanges indoor and outdoor air while recovering heat. It helps provide fresh air with less heat loss than ventilation without recovery.

For certain BC residential purchases, a statutory three-business-day period after acceptance when a buyer may rescind by following the rules and paying a 0.25% fee. Exemptions apply.

A visual review of accessible components by an inspector, with findings and limits described in a report.

A professional who visually assesses accessible home components and reports observations within the inspection’s scope.

A system that circulates hot water to reduce waiting at taps. Its controls and pipe insulation affect energy use.

Short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It describes systems that manage indoor temperature and air movement.

A heating system that circulates heated water through pipes to emitters such as radiators or floor tubing. It differs from electric resistance heating.

Appliances, fixtures, or other property specifically identified as part of the sale.

The condition of indoor air in relation to pollutants, moisture, and ventilation. A home's appearance alone does not establish air quality.

The inspector’s written findings, recommendations, and limits from a particular inspection.

Forms containing insulation that remain around poured concrete walls. They combine structural concrete with insulation.

Material used to slow heat transfer through parts of a home. Type, amount, coverage, and condition affect comfort and efficiency.

Temporary written confirmation of insurance coverage, subject to its terms, before a full policy is issued.

The percentage used to calculate the borrowing cost on a mortgage balance.

The time until an offer expires or may be withdrawn according to its terms and applicable law.

A horizontal structural member that supports a floor or ceiling. Its span and condition matter when assessing structural changes.

An older wiring method that may affect safety, renovations, or insurance and warrants specialist review.

Flooring with a printed decorative surface over a manufactured core. It differs from real wood flooring, and moisture resistance varies.

A defect that is not readily apparent during a reasonable inspection. Whether it meets the separate BC definition of a material latent defect requires specific assessment.

An older wall or ceiling finish made from plaster applied over a supporting base. Repairs and renovations can differ from drywall work.

A right to use land or a unit for a set period under a lease, rather than owning the underlying land outright.

The formal identifier for a parcel in land title records, distinct from its street address.

A bank, credit union, or other institution or person that provides mortgage financing.

A legal claim or registered charge against property that may secure an unpaid debt or obligation.

Common property designated for the exclusive use of one or more, but not all, strata lots.

A real estate professional who represents the seller under a listing agreement.

The contract between a seller and a brokerage setting out the listing services, terms, and compensation.

A wall that carries weight from the structure above. Removing it generally requires a designed alternative support system.

The mortgage amount divided by the property value used by the lender, expressed as a percentage.

An upper or open space within a home, or a style of apartment. Listing use varies, so check the actual layout.

The portion of a lot covered by buildings or other features counted under local rules. It can affect development options.

Glass with a coating that reduces certain radiant heat transfer. Different coatings are suited to different climates and exposures.

A roof with a relatively shallow slope, often casually called a flat roof. It still needs a suitable drainage design and roof covering.

Vinyl flooring made in plank shapes, often resembling wood. Product durability and water-related claims depend on the specific material and installation.

Replacement air provided when air is exhausted from a home. It helps balance airflow and can matter with powerful exhaust equipment.

A factory-built home constructed to an applicable manufactured-home standard. Land ownership, registration, and financing can differ from a conventional house.

A hidden defect that meets BC’s disclosure rules, such as certain serious safety or habitability issues; specific facts matter.

Roof panels or tiles made from metal. Performance depends on the material, fasteners, seams, and installation.

A design style associated with simple forms, broad glazing, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. A renovated home may use the aesthetic without dating from that period.

Manufactured woodwork such as cabinetry, doors, and trim. Materials and craftsmanship affect appearance and durability.

A cooperative listing system operated by a real estate board or association that shares property information among participating professionals.

A home built in factory-made sections and assembled on its site. Construction records, approvals, and ownership arrangements still need review.

Water entering a building where it should not, potentially affecting materials and indoor conditions.

A loan secured against real property, usually repaid with regular payments.

A licensed professional who helps a borrower seek mortgage financing from lenders.

Insurance that protects the lender if a borrower defaults; often required for eligible purchases with a smaller down payment.

The registration that removes a paid or released mortgage charge from title.

A lender’s preliminary review of borrowing capacity, subject to its conditions and final approval of the borrower and property.

The process of agreeing to new mortgage terms when the current term ends, if a balance remains.

A lender qualification check using a prescribed or otherwise required qualifying rate rather than only the offered rate.

The length of the current mortgage agreement before renewal or repayment is due; it is distinct from amortization.

Fungal growth that can develop where moisture conditions allow. Addressing the source of moisture is part of managing it.

Two or more offers being considered for the same property at the same time.

Approval from a local authority for work requiring permission under its rules.

A public wastewater collection system connected to a property.

Water supplied through a local public utility or water system, subject to its service area and rules.

A home designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over a year. Actual results depend on the building, weather, and occupant use.

A wall that primarily divides spaces rather than supporting the structure above. Utilities and other requirements can still complicate its removal.

An authorization allowing occupancy where required by the relevant authority. Its meaning and process vary locally.

A buyer’s proposal to purchase a property on specified price, dates, and other terms.

A scheduled period when prospective buyers may tour a listed property.

A layout with fewer separating walls between spaces such as the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Noise and privacy may differ from enclosed rooms.

The unique number used to identify a parcel in BC land title records.

A wall shared between adjoining units or buildings. Ownership, sound transfer, and alteration responsibilities depend on the property arrangement.

Using orientation, glazing, shading, and materials to make use of sunlight for heating and comfort. Good design also considers overheating.

A marketing term often used for a compact, ground-oriented home with a patio. Storeys, accessibility, and ownership vary.

A drainage system near a foundation that collects and directs groundwater away. It is often called a foundation drain or drain tile.

Flexible cross-linked polyethylene piping used in plumbing. Installation quality and fittings matter alongside the material.

A curved pipe section holding water to help block sewer gases from entering indoors. An unused fixture's trap can dry out.

Plastic supply piping found in some older homes, sometimes called Poly-B. Its presence can affect insurance and renovation planning and merits qualified review.

A dense ceramic tile used on floors and walls. Suitability depends on the tile rating and installation.

The date and time the buyer is entitled to take possession under the contract; it may differ from completion.

A foundation using individual supports rather than continuous walls beneath all supported areas. Support condition and connections need appropriate review.

A laboratory test of selected water-quality parameters to assess whether water meets drinking-water guidelines.

A tank that helps maintain water pressure in systems such as private wells. Its condition affects pump cycling and water delivery.

A main bedroom with associated features such as an ensuite bathroom or dressing area. It is not the same as a separate dwelling suite.

The amount borrowed or the remaining loan balance before interest.

A property-specific groundwater source whose yield, equipment, and water quality may need assessment.

A seller-completed form giving answers about the property. It is one source of information, not a substitute for independent investigation.

The legal boundary of a parcel; fences and landscaping do not necessarily mark it accurately.

A closing calculation that allocates property taxes between buyer and seller for their respective ownership periods.

A BC tax generally payable when an interest in property is registered; exemptions may apply.

An engineered countertop commonly made from mineral particles and resin. Care requirements differ from natural stone.

A measure of resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value means greater resistance, although installation and the whole assembly also matter.

Heating that warms surfaces which transfer heat to people and objects. Common examples include in-floor systems.

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors; a long-term test measures exposure.

A sloping structural member supporting a roof. Rafters are part of the roof framing and differ from prefabricated trusses.

An exterior wall approach using a drainage space behind the cladding. The gap helps water drain and can support drying.

A common BC term for a home with its main living spaces on one storey. Some ranchers also have a basement or crawl space.

Replacing or changing mortgage financing, often to adjust the loan amount or terms.

The person or entity shown as owner in the land title record.

Work changing or improving an existing building. Scope, permits, and completion records are useful due-diligence questions.

A registered agreement that limits certain uses of land or imposes obligations.

A wall that holds soil at different elevations. Drainage, structural condition, and ownership can affect maintenance costs.

A contractual right to be given an opportunity to purchase before a sale proceeds to someone else. The document's exact terms matter.

A legal right allowing passage or access over land for a specified purpose.

Land beside a stream or other waterbody with ecological connections to it. Development may be subject to environmental requirements.

The steepness of a roof, expressed as a rise compared with a horizontal run. It affects roofing choices and access for maintenance.

A protective layer beneath the main roof covering. It provides additional protection as part of the roofing assembly.

The junction where two sloping roof surfaces meet and collect runoff. Its flashing and condition are important to water management.

What the inspector agreed to examine and what was excluded or inaccessible.

An additional dwelling unit within a property; legality and permitted use depend on current local and provincial rules.

Work intended to improve how an existing building performs during an earthquake. The scope should be confirmed through records and qualified assessment.

An assessment of an onsite wastewater system, with scope and testing determined by the specialist.

An on-site wastewater treatment system used where a property is not connected to a municipal sewer.

A watertight tank that receives household wastewater and allows solids to settle before further treatment or dispersal.

The rated current capacity of a home’s electrical service, often discussed as 100 or 200 amps.

The period a component is expected to remain useful. It is an estimate rather than a promise of when replacement will be needed.

The required distance between a building or other regulated feature and a specified boundary or reference point. Requirements vary with local rules.

The pipe connecting a property's wastewater plumbing to a sewer main. Ownership and repair responsibility should be confirmed locally.

A camera inspection of an accessible sewer line to identify visible blockages or damage.

Cabinetry commonly featuring doors with a recessed centre panel and simple surrounding frame. The style does not specify cabinet material or quality.

Panels attached to framing on walls, roofs, or floors. They provide a base for other materials and may contribute structural strength.

The horizontal framing member at the base of a wall, often attached to the foundation. Its condition and connections are part of structural assessment.

The shape and slope of ground around a property. It influences where rainwater flows and collects.

A window installed in the roof. Flashing, seals, and condensation are useful inspection considerations.

A concrete floor slab built at or near ground level. Insulation, moisture protection, and any embedded services are useful questions to ask.

The underside of a roof overhang. Some soffits contain openings used for attic ventilation.

Panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Roof condition, ownership, warranties, and utility arrangements are relevant purchase questions.

Flooring made from solid wood pieces. Its response to moisture and suitability vary with species and installation.

An additional amount approved under strata rules to fund a specific expense beyond regular fees.

A home with an entrance between upper and lower levels and stairs leading both ways. It is also often called a bi-level.

A home with living areas on staggered levels linked by short flights of stairs. The number and arrangement of levels vary.

Preparing and arranging a property to help buyers understand its spaces and appeal. Furniture and decor used for staging may not be included in the sale.

An official snapshot of the registered owner, legal description, and charges on a BC land title.

A registered right for a qualifying organization, often a utility or government body, to use part of a property for a specified purpose.

A system carrying rainwater and other storm runoff. It is distinct from a sanitary wastewater sewer, although some older systems combine flows.

Rules governing strata owners, tenants, and occupants, including use of strata lots and common property.

Owners elected to carry out the strata corporation’s duties and decisions within their authority.

Regular owner contributions toward the strata corporation’s operating expenses and reserve funding.

The strata corporation’s insurance for coverage it is required or chooses to obtain; an owner may also need separate coverage.

An individually owned unit in a strata development, with shared rights and obligations concerning common property.

Written records of strata meetings and decisions that may help a buyer understand current issues.

The registered plan defining strata lots and common property in a strata development.

A professional engineer who assesses or designs load-carrying structures. Their review may be recommended when structural concerns arise.

An exterior finish applied in layers over a supporting base. Cracks and junctions may warrant investigation for moisture entry.

A vertical framing member inside a wall. Studs support wall finishes and may carry loads, depending on the wall.

The structural surface beneath finished flooring. Damage or unevenness can affect the floor installed above it.

A contract condition that gives a party a specified opportunity to satisfy or waive a requirement by a deadline.

The formal step of removing a subject clause after the party is satisfied with it or chooses to waive it.

A condition giving the buyer time to arrange financing on the terms stated in the contract.

A condition giving the buyer time to arrange and assess a property inspection as specified in the contract.

A condition tied to the buyer selling another property by a specified deadline.

A secondary electrical panel supplied from another panel. It distributes power to additional circuits or a separate area.

A pump that removes water collected in a sump pit. Discharge routing, maintenance, and power availability affect its usefulness.

Water flowing over the ground rather than soaking into it. Roof discharge and nearby slopes can affect runoff around a home.

Equipment intended to limit certain voltage spikes. Coverage and effectiveness depend on the devices and installation.

A drawing showing land boundaries or improvements, depending on the document. Verify whether it is current and what it actually establishes.

A shallow channel or depression designed to guide surface runoff. Landscaping changes can affect how it drains.

Equipment that heats water as it flows rather than storing a large heated tank. Output depends on its capacity and incoming water temperature.

Heat transfer through a part of an assembly that bypasses or conducts more readily than surrounding insulation. It can reduce overall insulation performance.

A control that regulates heating or cooling based on a temperature setting. Compatibility matters when replacing it or changing equipment.

Contract wording that makes stated dates and times important obligations.

The legal record of ownership and registered interests affecting a property.

Insurance that may cover certain title-related losses under the policy’s terms; it does not replace reviewing title.

A review of the land title record to identify ownership, legal description, and registered charges.

A home typically attached to neighbouring homes in a row, often with its own entrance. The ownership structure should be confirmed separately.

A window unit with three panes and insulating spaces. It can improve thermal performance, depending on the complete window design.

An engineered framework, often used to support a roof. Cutting or altering a truss can affect its strength and requires qualified advice.

A home with two principal above-ground levels. A basement is generally described separately.

A measure of heat transfer through a component such as a window. A lower value generally means less heat transfer under the rating conditions.

An offer without buyer subject clauses. Other contract terms and applicable statutory rights can still matter.

A buyer or seller who has no real estate professional representing their interests in the transaction.

Possession without occupants or tenancies, if that is what the contract requires and the seller can deliver.

A material that limits water vapour movement by diffusion through a building assembly. Its placement and suitability depend on the assembly and climate.

A mortgage whose interest rate can change during its term according to its agreement; the payment or amortization may change.

A ceiling that rises above a typical flat ceiling, sometimes with slopes or curves. The term covers several ceiling shapes.

A condition apparent from observation, sometimes called a patent defect. Its visibility does not establish how serious it is.

Panelling or trim covering the lower portion of an interior wall. It is a finish feature rather than a structural component.

A basement with a door opening directly to outdoor ground level on at least one side. This does not establish a permitted secondary suite.

Equipment that heats household water for taps and appliances. Its fuel, age, capacity, and condition can affect running and replacement costs.

The force at which water is delivered through the plumbing system.

The connection or supply arrangement that brings water to a property.

A valve used to stop water flow to a fixture or the whole home. Knowing the main valve's location is useful when moving in.

Equipment that reduces dissolved minerals responsible for hard water. It addresses hardness rather than every possible water-quality concern.

Equipment such as a filter, softener, or ultraviolet unit used to address specific water-quality concerns.

A system intended to resist water penetration through an assembly. The materials and level of protection depend on the design.

A layer behind exterior cladding intended to resist water entering the wall assembly. It works with flashing and drainage details.

An on-site water source that may require testing of water quality and supply.

The rate at which a well can provide water under test conditions; it may vary over time.

A regional design description often associated with wood, large windows, and integration with the landscape. Features vary between homes.

An inspection of a wood-burning system by a WETT-certified professional within an agreed scope. Confirm what the report covers and what an insurer requires.

Deterioration of wood caused by decay fungi in suitable moisture conditions. The extent and source of moisture need assessment.

Heating controlled separately in different areas of a home. The arrangement can improve flexibility but does not guarantee lower costs.

Local rules governing permitted land uses and development; confirm the current rules with the relevant authority.