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INSPECTION, CHECKLIST
WHEN LOOKING AT A HOUSE YOU ARE
THINKING OF BUYING,
PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
CAREFULLY!
EXTERIOR
PORCHES:
Do they sag? Are the boards rotten or warped? Does the roof
leak? Is the paint peeling? Are the supports strong? Look
underneath porches - is the wood soft or mildewed? If concrete
or brick, are they cracked or broken? Is there a stair rail?
ROOF:
Is it cracked or smooth? If asbestos shingles, is the mineral
covering worn off? Is there a written guarantee? (New roof 10
years). Brown spots on ceilings indicate leaks.
BRICK:
Is the mortar crumbling? Is paint peeling? Are there gaps
between bricks?
GUTTERS &
DOWNSPOUT:
Are any missing? Are rust spots appearing on the bottoms? Are
they firmly attached? Do they carry water away from the
foundation?
SIDING:
(Clapboards,shingles,etc.): Look missing pieces, lifting or
warping, for loose or missing pieces, lifting or warping.
FOUNDATION:
Check for holes, cracks, and unevenness.
INTERIOR
BASEMENT:
Is the floor wet? Is the foundation crumbling or cracking?
Are the beams (joists) damaged or patched in any way? Is there
enough lighting?
FURNACE/
HEAT:
Is it oil or gas? Any signs of oil leaks or smell of gas? Has
it been serviced each year? (Look for service tag on it). What
was last year’s heating bill? (You can call the fuel supplier
for this figure). Where is the thermostat? Are there radiators
(steam or hot water) or air vent?
PLUMBING:
Test all faucets and flush the toilet at the same time to see
if the water pressure is good. Do any drains not drain properly
or do they leak? (Especially under the sink) check the pipes to
see if they are galvanized (silver) or copper (brown) are they
corroded? Do they leak? Are there shut off valves to the water
heater and stove (if gas) and the toilets.
ELECTRIC:
Are there at least two baseboard outlets in each room? (No
extension cords) does every room have any overhead light fixture
operated by a wall switch (no pull chains)? Is the electrical
wiring anywhere in the house exposed, untidy, or in bad
condition? Remember: Bad wiring can cause fire. Is the service
100 AMP? Circuit breakers or fuses? Turn on light switches and
lights that are permanently attached to walls.
HOT WATER
HEATER:
Check for signs of leaking or rusting. What is the capacity
or recovery rate"? (Should be a minimum of 30 gallons for
family or 4; more for larger families). How old is it? Is there
a shut off valve?
FLOORS:
Do they sag? Are there soft spots? Are there metal or other
patches? Wall to wall carpeting can hide bad floors.
WALLS:
Are walls and ceilings soft and/or cracked? Do they bulge?
Are they stained? Are paint and wallpaper peeling or loose? New
wallpaper often hide bad walls. Check behind the dropped
ceiling.
WINDOWS:
Is the paint cracking? Is there putty to hold the glass in?
Do they open and close easily? Do they close tightly? Are the
sills rotting? Are there storm windows?
DOORS:
Do they close properly? Are they good locks?
KITCHEN:
What appliances are included (stove, refrigerator,
dishwasher, and garbage disposal)? Check for age workability.
Are there enough electrical outlets? Are there leaks under sink?
BATHROOMS:
Are there enough for your family? Check for cracks in tiles;
signs of leaks; how long it to get hot water; proper ventilation
(window fan)?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything! Remember no house is
perfect - many city houses may need some work, but be sure you can afford
to maintain a house and that it is safe and comfortable for your family.
If the seller has to do repairs to the house as a requirement for your
getting the loan, be sure that you inspect before settlement.
Always reinspect the property 24 - 36 hours before settlement.
Department of Housing and Community Development
Daniel P. Henson, III, Commissioner
HomeOwnership Institute
417 East Fayette Street, Suite 1125
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
For More Information Call:
(410) 396-3124
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