Home Buying Checklist

Outside

  • Location - how close is it to the school, bus stops, shops, work, neighbours, etc?
  • Is there adequate street lighting?
  • Is road noise likely to be a problem?
  • Check the survey pegs. If you can’t find them, pace the boundaries and check the measurements against those given in the title.
  • Does the property get enough sun in the right places? Check at different times of the day. How much sun will you get in winter?
  • There should be no gaps or cracks in the weatherboards or cladding to let in rain.
  • Surface drainage. Is the ground landscaped and/or are there proper drains?
  • Is the property likely to flood in heavy rain? Is it near a river?
  • Are retaining walls sound? Are there any bare banks that should have retaining walls?
  • Is the soil reasonable for gardening?
  • Is there a car-port, garage, parking? What is access like to the house?
  • Are there lots of steps to the house?
  • Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house.
  • Be sure that water does not pool in low areas. To check, water the areas with a hose if possible.
  • Are there signs of erosion?
  • Shrubbery should be placed at least 0.5 to 1 meter from the foundation.
  • Gutters, down spouts and splash blocks should drain away from the house.
  • Windows and doors should be sealed and protected by weather stripping.
  • Trim and filling should be tight without cracks.
  • Paint should cover the surfaces and trim smoothly.
  • Are the fences in good condition?

Inside

  • Is there a lobby between the front door and the main living area? If not, you’ll lose heat every time the door is opened.
  • Is there sufficient natural light?
  • Are there enough rooms of the right size?
  • Check the room layout and orientation to the sun.
  • Is the use of space efficient?
  • Is there adequate privacy.
  • Is noise control within the house adequate?
  • Is the kitchen suitable? Is there a pantry?
  • Is there adequate storage?
  • Is the house insulated?
  • Check that the hot water cylinder and header tank are securely fastened.
  • All fans and rangehoods should vent to the outside.
  • Check the water pressure and plumbing by turning on several taps at once.
  • Ensure that all cook tops (electric or gas) are working properly by turning them all on and making sure the flame is strong and high.
  • Check inside cupboards. Any deordrants hiding smell of leaking gas or mildew
  • Any leaks, water stains, or suspicious new paint on the ceilings?
  • Any cracks or bulges on the walls? This could be due to subsidence, moisture or condensation?
  • Check wardrobes and cupboards for mould.
  • Are toilets and cisterns in good condition?
  • Check that window and doorframes are in good condition.
  • Make sure the windows don’t stick.
  • Do the doors close properly?
  • Are there enough power outlets?
  • How about for fast or dial-up internet?
  • Is there a burglar alarm?
  • Turn on the shower. Make sure it has good pressure and is hot.
  • Are all doors and windows sealed and do they open and close easily?
  • Are any glass panes loose or cracked?
  • Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways?
  • Is the carpet tight and do the seams match?
  • Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or flooring?
  • Do the floors squeak?
  • If wooden floors, are they properly finished?
  • Do the major appliances operate properly?
  • Are the appliances the right color and model?
  • Check all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to be sure they operate properly.
  • Turn on the heating, cooling and water heating units to be sure they operate properly.
  • Check for nicks, scratches, cracks or bumps on any surfaces, including cabinets and counter tops.
  • Ring the doorbell and test the intercom, garage door opener and other like items.
  • Check for indications of dampness or leaks, when possible.
  • Are there any obvious defects in exposed components (such as floor joists, I-beam, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.)