Common Home Issues by Age: What Ottawa Homebuyers Should Know

When you’re shopping for a home in Ottawa, age matters—a lot.

Different construction eras come with their own strengths, quirks, and potential issues. As a certified home inspector serving the Ottawa region, I see patterns in homes built during specific decades. Understanding these age-related tendencies can help buyers set realistic expectations, budget for future repairs, and feel more confident during the inspection process.

Here's a breakdown of possible issues based on the age of Ottawa homes.

Pre-1950's Homes

Ottawa has some beautiful Century homes, but older homes have a wider range of potential issues. There was a mix of construction quality, and perhaps more importantly, the way a home has been maintained over almost 100 years will have a big impact on its current condition.

Possible Issues

• Remnants of old knob and tube wiring, older electrical

There are still a few homes in Ottawa with active knob and tube wiring. This is outdated and uninsurable and will need to be replaced. The home may have undergone several iterations of electrical upgrades.

• Galvanized plumbing and/or cast iron drain stacks

Galvanized plumbing deteriorates over time and is prone to leaks. Cast iron drain stacks of this age are more likely to fail due to corrosion. Many have already been replaced, but it's common to still see older plumbing.

• Stone foundations and moisture

Damp basements are common in older homes, as there is no real waterproofing of these foundations or drainage systems around the perimeter.

• Uninsulated walls

Insulation materials didn't really exist at this time. It's highly likely that the walls will have little to no insulation. Attic insulation may have been added, but it is often minimal. It's expensive to heat and cool an older home.

• Old or abandoned oil tanks

Thankfully, these are rare. It's more common to find asbestos-containing materials on ductwork or floor tiles. Still, older homes can be full of surprises.

Homes Built in the 1950s–60s

Many of Ottawa’s post-war neighbourhoods—such as Carlingwood, Elmvale Acres, Parkwood Hills, and parts of Alta Vista—feature solidly built homes from this era.

Possible Issues

• 60-amp service or older two-wire electrical systems

Many homes of this age still have ungrounded 2-wire circuits. While not inherently unsafe, they limit the use of modern electronics and may require upgrading. Some may have aluminum wiring, which is considered a fire hazard if the connections aren't properly terminated.

• Cast iron drain pipes

These can be near the end of their service life. Corrosion, scaling, and leaks may start to appear.

• Older insulation materials (asbestos)

Asbestos was used in home construction due to its fire resistance and insulating benefits. Vermiculite (sometimes containing asbestos) or asbestos-wrapped duct boots may be present.

• Minimal insulation

Wall insulation and basement insulation in particular, are likely to be minimal compared to newer homes.

Homes Built in the 1970s-80's

Neighbourhoods like Beaverbrook, Orleans, and portions of Barrhaven include many 1970s and 80s homes.

Possible Issues

• Crowded electrical panels

Homeowners may have done their own wiring to add new appliances or circuits. The condition of the panel and potential overloading should be carefully reviewed.

• Masonry chimney deterioration

Chimneys in Ottawa take a beating due to extreme weather fluctuations and moisture penetration. Older chimneys often need repointing or brick repair.

• Attic moisture issues

Poor ventilation in attics can lead to ice damming and mold and moisture issues over time. Warm, moist air accumulates in the attic space and the ventilation was generally under-designed to accommodate for this.

• Foundation settlement

Homes from the 70s and 80s often show foundation settlement cracks due to a mix of Ottawa’s clay soils, older drainage standards, and the natural movement that happens over 40–50 years.

Homes Built in the 1990s–Early 2000s

Rapid growth in Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans produced many homes with modern layouts but mixed construction quality.

Possible Issues

• Polybutylene (PB) plumbing

  Some homes from this era used PB supply lines, which have a history of failures. It's becoming increasingly difficult to obtain insurance on homes with PB plumbing due to the higher likelihood of leaks.

• Exterior envelope wear and builder-grade materials

Flashing and trim may be showing signs of deterioration or rot. Original windows are more likely to have seal failures.

• Basement moisture concerns

This era can show early signs of moisture penetration due to poor site grading, soil settlement and older window wells and waterproofing systems.

• Ventilation limitations

Soffit vents blocked by insulation and complex roof designs popular in this era complicate the issue. Ventilation requirements were better "on paper", but in practice, airflow is often choked off.

Homes Built since 2005

Newer subdivisions in Kanata/Stittsville, Riverside South, Orleans and Barrhaven as well as new infill homes, are attractive for many buyers.

Possible Issues

• Aging original systems

The roof, windows, HVAC system and water heater may now be reaching end-of-life or may not have been properly maintained.

• Grading and water management

Shrinkage cracks in foundation walls are likely to happen in the first year. Some newer homes can show early signs of moisture penetration due to poor site grading and soil settlement. New homes may not be outfitted with eavestroughs/gutters to help to move water away from the foundation. All of these systems should be assessed for deficiencies in a newer home.

• Exterior finishing details and decks

Flashing details can be missing or installed incorrectly, leading to water intrusion. Decks may be deteriorating and need to be correctly detailed to prevent water intrusion into the home if they're attached to the foundation.

• Garage doors/openers

Garage doors and openers are under constant stress and can become damaged or warped over time. The springs in the opening mechanism can become loose, posing a safety hazard.

• Roof damage from wind & hail

High wind storms in Ottawa over the past 5 years have resulted in loose or missing shingles, even on newer homes.

Final Thoughts: Why a Certified Ottawa Home Inspector Matters

While certain issues are more common in specific eras of Ottawa homes, that doesn’t mean every house will have them—or that they’ll appear in the same way. Each property has its own history, maintenance level, and construction details. That’s why a thorough assessment by a certified Ottawa home inspector is so important.

A professional inspection helps identify whether any of these age-related concerns are present, how serious they are, and what steps may be needed to address them. Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, a thorough Ottawa home inspector can give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

If you’d like to better understand the condition of a home—of any age—I’d be happy to help.