The foundation of a home is the basis of the entire structure. Just like a strong foundation can make a happy relationship, a strong foundation beneath your home will keep it standing strong for many years.

When you're buying a new home, the last thing you need is to inherit someone else's problems. Even if you've done a walkthrough and taken a close look at plumbing fixtures, paint and ceilings, the potential for disaster might be lurking just beneath the surface – literally.

Many homeowners look after their property with great care, staying up to date on maintenance and completing any repairs needed to keep their home in tip-top shape.

However, not everyone is so thorough, so when buying a home, it pays to keep your eyes open for any maintenance red flags that could indicate potentially expensive problems.

Whether old or new, a home is an investment worth protecting.

"The difference between a house the owner has paid attention to and one they have not can be amazing," said Mike Becker, a home inspector for Calgary and surrounding areas with Pillar to Post Home Inspectors.

Homeowners can maintain the value of their investment by monitoring these areas of the home: