Home Inspection Checklist: Do You Have Everything Ticked Off?
A home inspection checklist may sound daunting but when you are viewing a home with an intention to purchase, it is easy to get carried away in the excitement. Even after you fall in love with the feel of the home, its location and you know the price is in your range, there are a few essentials that you really should look into.
What should be on a home inspection checklist?
As a guide, any good property inspection checklist will cover all aspects of the home, both inside and out, that you should keep in mind when viewing it. Remember your role is simply to be aware. Ensure you hire in the experts to get your official building reports prepared. Let’s look at some of the most important questions to ask yourself.
Aspects within the home to look at
When you walk around the home, look around, look up, and look down. Open doors, windows and cupboards. You are looking for things that indicate that there may be an underlying issue. A door that does not close correctly may simply require adjustment, however could indicate a more costly issue such as subsidence. Some items to consider are:
In the kitchen
• Are there any signs of moisture damage around the bench top near the sink?
• Are there leaks from the taps or pipes?
• Does the stove top and oven work?
In the Bathroom & Laundry
• Is there an exhaust fan and access to air flow via a window?
• What is the condition of the bath/shower?
• Does the ceiling or walls show signs of moisture or mold?
• Flush the toilet and turn on the taps – does everything work as expected?
• Are there any loud noises through the pipes?
In the Living Area
• What is the condition of the carpets/ tiles/floor boards?
• Do the floors move, creak or sound hollow as you move around?
• Can you detect uneven floor surfaces?
• Take a look at the ceiling? Are there signs of water damage or cracking?
• Are the walls straight? Are there any major cracks?
• Are the skirting boards showing stains, which could indicate rising damp or water leaks?
Aspects outside of the home to look at
• Driveway: Is there any cracking on the driveway, which could indicate underground root issues. Are there any large trees near the home?
• Fences: Walk around the perimeter of the property. Are fences solid and in good condition?
• House walls: Check for any cracks in brickwork or movement in the home near windows and doors.
• Paint: If the house is painted, is it chipping and deteriorating?
• Decking: Is there a verandah or deck? Does it feel structurally sound or bouncy as you walk around?
• Hot Water Unit: Does it appear old? Are there signs of water leaking or rust?
Don’t be afraid to ask the Agent questions and contact the local council if necessary to get a clear understanding of whether the home is in a flood prone area and whether there are any plans for future construction in the surrounding suburbs.
A detailed building and pest inspection are essential too and must be undertaken by the experts. Whilst the aspects covered here in the home inspection checklist are relatively basic, they will give you some indication as to the condition of the home. Happy house hunting.
Contact Action Property Inspections for more information.