Buying a house is one of the most important and significant purchases you will ever make in your life. It's not just a matter of finding the perfect home, but also making sure that the home you purchase is in good condition, both structurally and aesthetically.
The last thing you want is to buy a home that has a host of problems that will end up costing you time, money, and frustration down the road. That's why it's important to have a thorough and comprehensive house buying inspection.
Before making an offer on a property, it's important to engage a qualified professional. However, you can start by conducting a preliminary inspection using this checklist. This will help you identify any significant issues before hiring a professional.
Location
Proximity to amenities
Schools
Transportation
Overall safety of the neighbourhood
Landscaping
Proper drainage? Any wet spot?
Is trees and bushes damaging the property foundation?
Foundation
Check for cracks & settling
Any cracks on the external walls?
Other signs of structural damage?
Inspect for termite damage at vulnerable areas of the house, particularly where rainwater may accumulate.
House Exterior (Create one page per wall)
Check the roof, gutters, downspouts,
Check exterior paint.
Look for signs of water damage, cracking, or missing cladding and roof tiles.
Windows and doors: Check for proper operation and seal, and inspect for any damage or leaks.
Bedrooms, corridor, attic (Create one page per room)
Check walls
Ceilings
Floors
Check electrical outlets for damage or signs of wear and tear
Remove hanging picture and other furniture and inspect wall & floor
Check any signs of leak and mould
Kitchen & Bathroom (Create one page per room)
Check and turn on the appliances
Open and close each cabinets
Check bench top for wear and tear
Check toilet, sink & basin for any cracks
Check shower or bathtub for leaks, cracks or other damage
Turn on all taps, check both hot and cold water and check the water pressure
Garage
Use the bedrooms, corridor, attic checklist
Check the garage door and opener
Check there is enough space (width and height) for your vehicles
Electrical
Check for frayed wiring
Switchboard for any missing switches
Take a photo and check with an electrician friend to check if the panel is up to code
Heating, cooling, sustainable features & home automation technologies
Turn everything on and off
Safety features
Check smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
Call or ask us a question if you want to learn more about your project.
Disclaimer: We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions. The information is for general purposes only with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness. You must engage a suitable consultant for your specific situation.