Due diligence checklist

Calgary luxury property due-diligence checklist

A printable working checklist for a Calgary luxury purchase. Not legal or engineering advice — a way to make sure important items are considered in sequence.

Title and legal

  • Current title search, including easements and encumbrances
  • Registered restrictive covenants and any homeowners' association bylaws
  • Real Property Report (RPR) and municipal compliance stamp
  • Recent municipal tax assessment and any local improvement charges

Permits and construction

  • Original building permit and occupancy documentation, if available
  • Permits for additions, structural alterations and major renovations
  • Basement development, secondary suites and mechanical upgrades
  • Any outstanding orders, deficiencies or open permits

Envelope and structure

  • Roof age, materials and warranty
  • Window and door age, specification and any warranty
  • Cladding condition, flashing and detailing
  • Foundation, structural cracks and drainage
  • Grading, weeping tile, sump pump and window wells

Mechanical and electrical

  • Heating (forced-air, hydronic), age and service history
  • Air conditioning, humidification and heat recovery ventilator
  • Plumbing supply and drain materials, hot water systems
  • Electrical service capacity, panels and any aluminium wiring
  • Home automation, lighting control, security and any warranties

Environmental and hazards

  • Radon test where indicated
  • Asbestos, lead paint or vermiculite in older homes
  • Prior water intrusion, mould or dampness
  • Slope, floodplain and drainage patterns

Acreage-specific items

  • Well: depth, flow rate, water quality (potability + minerals)
  • Septic: system type, size, age, service records
  • Outbuildings: permits, insurability, condition
  • Access roads, easements and shared infrastructure
  • Fencing, cross-fencing and any leased land

Condominium-specific items

  • Two years of board meeting minutes
  • Reserve fund study and financial statements
  • Bylaws, rules, pet and rental restrictions
  • Estoppel / information certificate
  • Insurance certificate and deductible schedule
  • Current or pending special assessments

Insurance and financing

  • Insurability review (rebuild cost, wildfire zone, water/sewer backup)
  • Financing pre-approval and any appraisal considerations
  • Property tax and utility budget planning

Closing coordination

  • Legal review of purchase contract and any assignment of warranties
  • Insurance binding effective possession date
  • Utility, alarm and property-management transfers
  • Final walk-through prior to closing