Homebuyer Checklist
No home is perfect, not even a brand-new construction. To avoid choosing a property with issues, look for major items when previewing properties with your agent. This ensures the investment is worthwhile.
A homebuyer checklist is a valuable tool for examining and documenting certain home features when previewing. It is not a report and should not replace a professional home inspection. Instead, it documents the features and issues of the home you’re considering, helping you compare properties more effectively.
Here are a few examples of items to include in a homebuyer checklist to use when previewing potential homes:
THE BIG PICTURE
Take the time to check out the homes in the neighborhood that were constructed around the same time as the home you’re previewing. This will give you a general idea of the condition of your house. Pay attention to big-ticket items like the roof, siding, and foundation. The severity of major issues that can be seen are items that can be deal-breakers.
ROOF
A simple visual evaluation of the roof should be good but pay attention to:
- Any noticeable damage such as broken tiles or missing shingles.
- Evident or obvious roof patches/repairs?
- Are you able to observe the chimney and flashing? Can you tell if there are missing and damaged bricks, siding or do you notice cracked joints?
- Check the gutters and downspouts? Are they attached securely to the home and damaged in any way? Are there any signs of bending or sagging?
- Check for noticeable wood rot or other roof penetrations.
SIDING
There is a lot of siding on a home, and we recommend taking a pen and pad of paper with you to log any damage you may see as well at its location.
Depending on the type of siding, you could be looking for wood rot, and nail pops, cracks, open joints, bricks falling away from the side, peeling paint, loose boards, or panels. Anything that doesn’t look correct needs to be noted.
FOUNDATION
Does the foundation appear to be in good condition? Are there damaged bricks? Masonry or cracks in the concrete or blocks? Do you notice any flaking components?
Check for noticeable foundation and supporting wall issues. Is there evidence of bowing, bulging, or other irregularities?
For wooden components, are there signs or indications of damage from insect or termite infestation or rot?
Are there large trees growing near the property’s foundation?
FLOORS
What flooring materials are used? Carpet, hardwood, tile. Stone?
Are there stains or signs of damage?
Will the floor need to be repaired, restored, or replaced?
WALLS
Check the interior and exterior walls. Are they bowed, sagged, bulging, or leaning?
Are there cracks? Note that gaps in the wall may be caused by several factors, from shoddy construction to inevitable movement over time.
Is there any flaking or mismatched paint?
What is the condition of the wall covering?
For brick walls, check for any loose brick, cracks in mortar or spaces.
CEILINGS
Are the ceilings smooth and intact?
Are there stains or signs of previous water damage?
Will any of the ceilings need repainting? Repair?
Note any significant cracks.
WINDOWS and DOORS
Check out the condition of the windows and doors? Do they operate and latch?
Do the window and door frames appear square?
Are the frame joints caulked and well painted? or Chipping paint?
Are there any cracks, rot, or decay?
Do the locks work?
Do the windows and doors have weather-stripping? Are they in good condition?
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
Are the plumbing fixtures or faucets loose?
Are there cracks on the fixtures? Is it broken down caulking?
Is there adequate water flow and water pressure at all fixtures?
Do the sinks, tubs, and showers drain properly?
Note the condition of the tubs and shower tiles.
Are the commodes loose on the floor?
Note any leaking, rust, unusual noises when running the water or draining, or any other signs of neglect.
ELECTRICAL
When testing electrical elements, make sure that all necessary safety measures are taken.
Are there indications of exposed wiring?
Are cables secured and protected?
Can you tell if the fuses or breakers are overheating?
Test electrical receptacles and switches for functionality.
When was the last time the heating and cooling (HVAC) system was inspected and or Serviced?
Have upgrades been done?
No home is complete without appliances. Check that all devices are working properly.
HVAC SYSTEM
Inspect and determine if the system has been serviced lately. Look for upkeep by the owner, is there dust, dirt around the system, are air vents dusty/dirty.
WATER HEATER
The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home and often taken for granted. When looking at the water heater, is there evidence of rust, any leaking at the top or the bottom of the water heater? Cracks? Does it make noises? Do you notice smelly water or discolored water? For many good reasons, a homebuyer checklist can be a valuable tool to help preview many properties more organized, so you know what features and issues went with which home. This information may later help decide which home to choose to make an offer on, which will likely prevent stress.
THE BIG PICTURE
Take the time to check out the homes in the neighborhood that were constructed around the same time as the home you’re previewing. This will give you a general idea of the condition of your house. Pay attention to big-ticket items like the roof, siding, and foundation. The severity of major issues that can be seen are items that can be deal-breakers.
ROOF
A simple visual evaluation of the roof should be good but pay attention to:
- Any noticeable damage such as broken tiles or missing shingles.
- Evident or obvious roof patches/repairs?
- Are you able to observe the chimney and flashing? Can you tell if there are missing and damaged bricks, siding or do you notice cracked joints?
- Check the gutters and downspouts? Are they attached securely to the home and damaged in any way? Are there any signs of bending or sagging?
- Check for noticeable wood rot or other roof penetrations.
SIDING
There is a lot of siding on a home, and we recommend taking a pen and pad of paper with you to log any damage you may see as well at its location.
Depending on the type of siding, you could be looking for wood rot, and nail pops, cracks, open joints, bricks falling away from the side, peeling paint, loose boards, or panels. Anything that doesn’t look correct needs to be noted.
FOUNDATION
Does the foundation appear to be in good condition? Are there damaged bricks? Masonry or cracks in the concrete or blocks? Do you notice any flaking components?
Check for noticeable foundation and supporting wall issues. Is there evidence of bowing, bulging, or other irregularities?
For wooden components, are there signs or indications of damage from insect or termite infestation or rot?
Are there large trees growing near the property’s foundation?
FLOORS
What flooring materials are used? Carpet, hardwood, tile. Stone?
Are there stains or signs of damage?
Will the floor need to be repaired, restored, or replaced?
WALLS
Check the interior and exterior walls. Are they bowed, sagged, bulging, or leaning?
Are there cracks? Note that gaps in the wall may be caused by several factors, from shoddy construction to inevitable movement over time.
Is there any flaking or mismatched paint?
What is the condition of the wall covering?
For brick walls, check for any loose brick, cracks in mortar or spaces.
CEILINGS
Are the ceilings smooth and intact?
Are there stains or signs of previous water damage?
Will any of the ceilings need repainting? Repair?
Note any significant cracks.
WINDOWS and DOORS
Check out the condition of the windows and doors? Do they operate and latch?
Do the window and door frames appear square?
Are the frame joints caulked and well painted? or Chipping paint?
Are there any cracks, rot, or decay?
Do the locks work?
Do the windows and doors have weather-stripping? Are they in good condition?
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
Are the plumbing fixtures or faucets loose?
Are there cracks on the fixtures? Is it broken down caulking?
Is there adequate water flow and water pressure at all fixtures?
Do the sinks, tubs, and showers drain properly?
Note the condition of the tubs and shower tiles.
Are the commodes loose on the floor?
Note any leaking, rust, unusual noises when running the water or draining, or any other signs of neglect.
ELECTRICAL
When testing electrical elements, make sure that all necessary safety measures are taken.
Are there indications of exposed wiring?
Are cables secured and protected?
Can you tell if the fuses or breakers are overheating?
Test electrical receptacles and switches for functionality.
When was the last time the heating and cooling (HVAC) system was inspected and or Serviced?
Have upgrades been done?
No home is complete without appliances. Check that all devices are working properly.
HVAC SYSTEM
Inspect and determine if the system has been serviced lately. Look for upkeep by the owner, is there dust, dirt around the system, are air vents dusty/dirty.
WATER HEATER
The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home and often taken for granted. When looking at the water heater, is there evidence of rust, any leaking at the top or the bottom of the water heater? Cracks? Does it make noises? Do you notice smelly water or discolored water? For many good reasons, a homebuyer checklist can be a valuable tool to help preview many properties more organized, so you know what features and issues went with which home. This information may later help decide which home to choose to make an offer on, which will likely prevent stress.
Print and take one to each home your preview so you can jot down the things you find during the previewing of the house. This way, you can keep track and know which home has what features and issues.
Ensure your home’s safety with Texas Dependable Inspections Services, PLLC. Our experienced inspectors provide thorough and reliable home inspections, identifying potential issues before they become major problems. We use the latest technology and techniques to deliver detailed assessments and clear explanations.
