HOMEBUYER'S CHECKLIST

This checklist is only intended to act as a guide. It is by no means a complete inspection manual for every house. Each house is different. For a complete and thorough inspection we recommend that you hire a qualified professional building inspector.

FRONT DOOR

Check - PLUMBNESS of the door
- WEATHERSTRIPPING and threshold stop
- DOOR HARDWARE (change locks)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTS
- SECURITY aspects
- RING doorbell
- STAIRS safety of treads and handrail

LIVING ROOM

Check - SIZE is it the same as reported- will you furniture fit
- LIGHTING- natural and electrical
- OUTLETS- number and location
- FLOOR FINISH- walk about to check for squeaks and general condition
- WALLS- check for water stains, irregularities and cracks
- WINDOWS- open all windows, check hardware, security aspects, double or single pane and, water stains which reveal condensation problems, tap the panes, do the rattle?
- HEAT REGISTERS- are they for even distribution? Will your. furniture layout cover them?
-THERMOSTAT- where is it located? Remember this is where it will be the desired temperature
- FIREPLACE- check around for dark stains of improper venting or back drafting insert? If so, is it certified? When was the chimney last cleaned? Where is wood stored? How are ashes disposed of? Check the doors

KITCHENS

Check - APPLIANCES check the operation of all of the features of
Each one, check the energuide ratings. Are they well positioned?
- LIGHTING- natural or electric
- CUPBOARDS- condition and quality. Is there enough?
- DRAWERS- do they slide easily?
- SINK- how long do you have to wait for hot water? How fast does it drain? Check the pipes underneath and smell for mould and mildew. Are the shut offs easy to turn? Does the faucet drip?
- STOVE VENTING- does the fan move air or just make noise? Will air come into the house when the wind blows?
- OUTLETS- number and location
- WALLS- same inspection as the living room, but are they easy to wash?
- FLOORING- condition

BATHROOMS

Check - DOOR- check locking mechanism
- WINDOWS- open all windows, check hardware, security aspects, double or single pane, and water stains which reveal condensation problems, tap the panes, do they rattle?
- LIGHTING- natural and electrical
- SINKS- use sinks, tub &toilet all at once to check the water pressure. Turn taps on and off quickly to check for water hammer.
- VENTING- does the fan move air or just make noise? Will air come into the house when the wind blows?
- CUPBOARDS- condition and quantity. Check under sink
- LAUNDRY HAMPER
- TOILET- does it rock. Check plumbing component inside tank
- TUB- check faucets for quality, leaks. Is there a shower? Condition of the tiles.
- Registers- under door or towel rack
- ODOURS
- FLOORING- tile, linoleum, carpeting

BEDROOMS

Check - FLOOR- check condition, type eg. Carpet, wood
- WALLS- finish, material
- CEILINGS- stains
- HEATING- location of registers
- WINDOWS- open all windows, check hardware, security aspects, double or single pane and, water stains which reveal condensation problems, tap the panes, do they rattle?
- DOORS- swings
- CLOSETS- check space and for signs of mustiness
- ELECRICAL- outlets, on/off switches

HALLWAYS

Check - RETURN AIR GRILLE- if forced air furnace
- FLOOR- squeaks
- LIGHTING- natural and electrical
- WALLS- check for water stains, irregularities, cracks

BASEMENT

Check - WALLS- for telltale signs of water leakage
- STAIRS- head clearance, handrails
- HEAD- clearance eg. Ceiling, under plumbing and heating ducts
- LIGHTING- natural and electrical
- SMELL- musty
- WALLS- concrete, block, wooden foundation
- FLOOR DRAIN- location. Does it work?
- ELECTRICAL- switches, and receptacles
- SUMP & PUMP- sewage back flow prevention

CRAWL SPACE

Check - PLUMBING
- INSULATION
- VENTING
- ODOURS- musty smell?
- INSECTS- wood boring
- FLOOR- finish

ELECTRICAL BOX

Check - ACCESS
- MAIN ELECTRICAL SWITCH- number of amps
- FUSES- marked?
- BREAKER SWITCH- toggle or screw?
- EXTRA BREAKER OPENINGS
- FUSE BOX- rust?
- ELECTRICAL GROUND- usually to water line and the outside ground spike
- ELECTRICAL GROUND FAULT- interrupter switch
- WIRING- condition, new copper and/or aluminium

FURNACE

Check - TYPE- hot water, forced air, natural gas, oil
-LOCATION- of furnace
- AGE
- THERMOSTAT- location
- NOISE- turn thermostat to 80 and listen for noise
- REGISTERS- go through house and check for heat (equiv. duct lengths)
- FILTERS- type, disposable, washable, electric
- DUCTS- tap to see how well they are anchored
- SERVICE- check stickers
- MAKE UP air
- RETURN air
- AIR CIRCULATION
- SIZE x BTUs for a…… size house (may be a bit technical)
- LOOK for combustible materials

CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICES

Check - HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR
- VENTILATING FAN- for attics
- HUMIDIFIER
-DEHUMIDIFIER
-ELECTRONIC AIR CLEANER
- PHOTO VOLTAIC and SOLAR PANELS

HOT WATER HEATER

Check - TYPE- gas/electric
- AGE
- CAPACITY
- CONDITION- rust?
- PIPES- insulated
- SAFETY RELIEF VALVE
- TANK- has it been drained?
- VALVES- on/odd

CHIMNEY

Check - CORROSION
-LINING?
- TYPE- masonry, concrete, factory built
-RAIN CAP
- ASH DUMP

MAIN WATER SERVICE & PLUMBING

Check - SHUT OFF VALVE
- PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE
- PIPE- condensation
- PIPE- size and type, copper, plastic, galvanized
- PLUMBING- traps, cleanouts, supply lines, shut off valves, sewage waste lines

ATTIC

Check - ACESS- location, attic hatch
- INSULATION
- FRAMING TYPE- 2" x 4", 2" x 6", 2" x 8", bracing, ridge board
- WIRING- exposed? If so, it's a good indication of the quality of the overall wiring
- PLUMBING VENTS
- VENTILATION
- CHIMNEY- type
- LEAKS- look for signs
- CEILING JOISTS

OUTSIDE FOUNDATION

Check - FOOTINGS- type: stone, block, poured concrete, slab
- WATER PENETRATION
- CRACKS- check
- CONCRETE- scratch with a nail to check condition
- DRAIN SLOPES
- DOWNPIPES- do they go into the ground or do the stop at the surface
- PESTS- insects, rodents
- HIGH WATER TABLE

ROOF

Check - TYPE- asphalt, tar gravel, cedar shake, shingles
- PITCH- steep or shall roof
- AGE
- SOFFITS- fascia boards, gutters and downspouts
- ROOF- sags or depressions

OUTSIDE WALLS

Check - EXTERIOR FINISH- brick, vinyl, aluminium, wood, masonry, stucco
- DOORS, WINDOWS- types: wood, metal
- CHECK SECURITY

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