Exterior

q      Are there horizontal or vertical cracks in the foundation walls?

q      Does the grading around the house direct rain water away from the foundation?

q      Are any roof shingles missing?

q      Are the gutters and downspouts connected and secured to the house?

q      Is the exterior trim in good condition?

q      Is the wood trim around doors and windows in good condition?

q     Are there any wood surfaces in direct contact with the soil?

q     Are stair and porch railings loose?

q     Does any of the siding need repair or replacement?

q     Are any of the landscape timbers rotted?

q     Do the retaining walls or fences need repair?

q     Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?

Interior

q      Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need patching?

q      Do all the windows have operable latches?

q      Can all the windows be opened and closed properly?

q      Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?

q      Do windows need caulking?

q      Are any of the windows painted shut?

q      Are stair railings loose?

q      Are moldings loose, broken, or missing?

q      Do interior doors stick, or open and close smoothly?

q      Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?

q      Can you explain the existence or repair of old water penetration stains on walls and ceilings?

q      Does the chimney damper open and close properly?

q       Does the chimney need cleaning?

q       Does the chimney mortar need pointing?

q       Is there insulation in the attic?

q       Is the attic insulation blocking attic vents?

q       Is there a distracting amount of clutter in any of the rooms that would prevent a thorough inspection?

q      Are there any signs of insect infestation?

Plumbing

q      Do the bases of any faucets leak?

q      Do the faucets shut off completely, preventing water from dripping?

q      Are the faucet and shower head screens clear, allowing full water flow?

q      Are any drains clogged?

q      Do the stopper mechanisms of sinks and bathtubs open and close properly?

q      Is there insulation on the water pipes in unheated areas of the home?

q      Is there access to the main water shutoff valve?

q      Is there access to the main gas shutoff valve?

q      Are the bathtub and shower enclosures properly caulked?

q      Are the toilets loose at the floor or at the tank?

Electrical

q      Are any receptacles, switches, or their covers broken or loose?

q      Are all receptacles “hot” and switches operable?

q      Do any light bulbs, fluorescent lights, or cosmetic lights need replacing?

q      Do the ceiling fans work properly?

q      Do the Reset buttons of GFCI receptacles pop out when the Test button is pressed? (This indicates they are functioning properly.)

q      Do the doorbell(s) work?

q      Is the main electrical service wire entering the home secured to the exterior of the house?

q      Do the electrical junction boxes have covers?

q     Do smoke alarms function when the Test button is pressed?

q      Do all of the electrical range burners and ovens work?

q      Does the built-in microwave work?

q      Does the kitchen exhaust fan work?

q     Do all other appliances that will be sold with the home work properly?