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• Check the existing condition of all systems and equipment
• Look for unusual features that may increase or decrease appeal of the home
• Examine the general quality and condition of the structure
• Inspect routine repair and maintenance items
• Bring a powerful flashlight to use in basements and crawl spaces
• Bring a stepladder to check attic, underside of the roof, and light fixtures

Doors, Stairs, and Walkways

• Make sure that all doorways, stairs, and walkways are free of obstructions
• All stepping stones should be firm
• Railings should be steady
• Check external doors for good weather-stripping and thresholds
• Make sure doors are level, easy to open and close, with good hardware

Drainage

• Make sure that spouts drain away from house
• Yard should slope away from the house to draw water away
• Earth should be at least 6-8 inches below top of concrete foundation
• Make sure gutters are well-attached and in good condition
• Look for a wet basement or crawl space

Fireplace

• Check for crumbling mortar around brickwork
• Look at stability of chimney
• Check for obstructions
• Make sure flue is lined with terra cotta (brick is in violation of most codes)
• Check to see if there is a working damper in the fireplace

Floors

• Check for water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures
• Test for soft spots in floor
• Check under house for water-damaged floorboards and supports
• Check the condition of the floors or carpet
• Check for moisture damage to parquet floors

Foundation

• Check for cracks, shifting or settling
• See if house is bolted to foundation (earthquake safety)
• Make sure mudsill is in good condition and dry
• Check if foundation has been retrofitted
• Look for structural problems like cracks in the basement floor

Heating & Cooling

• Make sure furnace thermostat is operational
• Check the furnace venting
• Find out the ages of the heating and cooling equipment
• Ask about any problems the occupants may have had with the systems
• Run both the furnace and air conditioning to check output
• Check for attic insulation -- walls probably will be insulated too

Improvements

• Find out if the owners have remodeled or made improvements to the house
• Inquire about the competence of the company who provided the service
• Check the licensure and credentials of the builder, owner, or technician

Miscellaneous

• Check that kitchen appliances and faucet are operational
• Check for asbestos, radon gas, and lead
• Check for cracking or peeling paint
• Check for attic ventilation (1 sq. ft. for each 150 sq. ft. of floor space)

Pests

• Look for termite and beetle holes in wooden supports and under house
• Check attic vents for hornet or wasp nests
• Check for rodent droppings in cupboards and under house
• Look for chew holes in roof, eaves, and wiring from squirrels

Plumbing

• Check for leaks around pipes and fixtures
• Test water pressure (turn on more than one faucet at once)
• Test hot water pressure (same method)
• Check walls around shower and for water damage
• Look for rust or leaking around hot water heater
• Make sure water heater is up to code
• Check the water pressure and see if there is enough hot water
• Find out the age of the water heater
• Ask whether the hot water system has been updated in any way

Roof

• Check for leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks
• Make sure no trees touching or overhanging the roof
• Look for dry rot or other problems around overhangs
• Check condition of shingles
• Find out the age of the existing roof

Swimming Pool

• Make sure cleaning and filtering system works properly
• Test thermostat
• Check for leaks or cracks

Walls & Ceilings

• check the condition of drywall walls and ceilings
• pay particular attention to the condition of taped joints
• look for waves or cracks in the walls or ceilings
• look for water spots from leaks in the roof
• look for settlement cracks in walls

Windows

• Check for dry rot on panes, sills and frames
• Check for cracks in glass
• Make sure windows open properly
• Check that windows seal tightly and check caulking
• Check for moisture damage inside
• See if bedroom windows are large enough to escape through in case of fire
• Open the windows to ensure that they are not painted shut
• Check casement window to see if the hardware is working properly
• See whether double-hung windows have broken sash cords

Wiring System

• Test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly
• Check to see if system is updated -- 3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc.
• Look for GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in bathroom and kitchen
• Look for broken or loose outlets
• Test light fixtures
• Check blown fuses, overloaded circuits, broken outlets, or flickering lights