Picking your dream house can be a long and arduous process. When it comes to investing your hard-earned money in your dream home, you’ll need both preparation and due diligence to ensure you’re moving into a beautiful liveable space that your whole family will love. There are a number of factors to consider such as size, location, parking, and so much more. At the top of the list is the house’s condition.

Checking a prospective house’s condition doesn’t have to be complicated. As property inspection experts, here at CheckHome we’ve put together an organised, comprehensive house inspection checklist in a printable format for home buyers. This house inspection checklist will come in handy when visiting a potential new home. One should: (1) check off the items in good condition, and (2) make a note about any major or minor defects. This checklist will serve as a good record for when you’re reviewing your options before making an offer.

Please note that this checklist is for your personal use and for informational purposes only. It is not a home inspection report and cannot be relied upon to substitute a home inspection report. If you require a professional pre-purchase house inspection, contact the CheckHome Team at 0800 555 125 for qualified property inspection services.

Site and Grounds

  • Pathways and driveways undamaged and safe to walk on
  • Fences structurally sound, undamaged; no sign of rotting or termite damage
  • Proper drainage; no standing water
  • No visual pest damages
  • Landscaping and gardening in good condition
  • Veranda, balcony, and deck in good condition

Exterior Structure

  • Walls and wall cladding free of defect/damage
  • Paint/coating is well-maintained
  • Walls are free of mould or damp damage
  • Flashings, mouldings and sills for doors and windows free of defects
  • No vine growth on structure surface

Roof

  • Sheet roofing: free of corrosion
  • Roof free of bulging, sagging or movement
  • Gables free of defects/damage; paint/coatings in good condition
  • Roof gutters are free of decay or rust
  • Valleys drain effectively
  • No damage or stains on underside of roofing

Interior Space

  • Ceilings free of sagging, popping nails, cracking, and staining
  • Wall linings free of building, popping nails, cracking, dampness/staining, and vertical distortion
  • Floors free of movement, cracking, dampness/staining, and other damage
  • Windows operate freely, and are free of broken/cracked glass, damage to glazing seals, staining/corrosion
  • Door frames operate freely, are free from decay/corrosion and other damage
  • Doors and windows have security locks
  • Stairs: stringers, handrails, treads and risers sufficiently rigid

Kitchen

  • Kitchen benchtop free of lifting, delamination, water damage, and other damage
  • Kitchen cupboards free of water damage and musty odours
  • Cupboard doors and drawers operate freely, and are in good condition
  • Sinks/taps free of chips, cracks and/or water leaks
  • Water supply switch/taps operate and drain correctly

Bathrooms

  • Cisterns/pans/bidets free of cracks and leakage, are correctly installed, and flush correctly
  • Taps free of leaks, water supply operates correctly
  • Toilets operate properly
  • Floor covering in good condition and water tight
  • Shower screen free of cracks and adequately sealed at the floor/wall
  • Shower tiles free of cracking
  • Area around the shower show no signs of leaking/seepage
  • Vanity basin, cabinet, and mirrors free of damage
  • Doors/drawers operate correctly
  • Room free of condensation damage, adequately ventilated

Utilities

  • Interior and exterior lights tested and working
  • Alarm system available and working
  • Smoke alarms available
  • Plumbing generally in good condition, no evidence of leaks or stains
  • Electrical wiring generally in good condition
  • Sufficient insulation
  • Adequate ventilation

The CheckHome team consist of property inspection experts and create professional building reports for the Wellington, Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa areas. For peace of mind and to protect your largest personal investment, Contact Us at 0800 555 125 today!

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