What should I look for when buying an older Coquitlam house?

Look at the expensive things first, in this order: roof, drainage, electrical, plumbing and the foundation. Perimeter drains have a service life and replacing them is not a small job. On the electrical side, check the panel and ask about knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring — both can affect what insurers will offer you. For plumbing, poly-B supply lines are common in BC homes built between roughly 1985 and 1998 and many insurers now treat them as a condition.

Two more that are specific to older properties here: buried oil tanks on pre-1960s lots, which are the buyer’s problem once the sale closes, and asbestos in flooring, insulation and drywall compound in anything built before the 1990s, which matters the moment you want to renovate. Also confirm that additions, decks and any suite were actually permitted. A qualified inspection during the subject period is what turns this list from guesswork into numbers.