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Property Inspection

Section 5 - Chapter 20

Property Inspection Checklist

Outside

___Propane Tank. See if it is securely mounted, and the line isn't where people will trip on it. If it is near the driveway, it should have posts or other safety barrier.

___Grading and Drainage. Does the lot slope towards the house, potentially causing water to enter? Are there any spots where water collects and causes problems?

___Landscaping. Are trees too close to lines or roofs? Are there any dead trees that will have to be removed for safety? What other work will the landscaping need? Are flower beds trapping water against the house?

___Building Exterior. Is the paint in good condition? Any cracked or crumbly stucco? Are there any obvious signs of rotting trim? Are gutters clogged or coming loose?

___Roof. How long before the shingles will need replacing? Are there more than two layers of shingles? Any obvious sagging in the roof? Any gaps around chimneys and pipes? Is the trim rotting? Are the soffits sagging?

___Doors. Are the doors in good shape? Are they mis-aligned (this may indicate settling of the walls or foundation)? Do the locks work?

___Windows. Are windows in good condition? Any broken glass? Any rot around the edges? Do they all have screens?

___Foundation. Are there any visible cracks in the foundation (over 1/8" or cracks that are mis-aligned are a potential warning sign)? Is the top high enough off the ground so insects can't easily reach the wood?

___Driveway. Will it need any resurfacing or repairs?

___Porches. Are the porch boards solid? Does it need paint or stain? Are the supports sufficient?

___Sheds. Are the shed doors working? Can you see light coming in anywhere when you are inside?

___Electrical. (See the electrical checklist below.)

___Fences. Are the fences in good condition? Are the bases of the fenceposts rotting?

___Other.

Garage

___Firewall. Is there a firewall (usually 5/8" taped-joint drywall) between the garage and the house?

___Floor. Is the floor level? Is it cracking badly? Is there a drain, and does it work?

___Walls. Are the walls in good condition?

___Doors. Does the garage door work? Are the other doors in good working condition?

___Other.

Living Room, Dining Room And Bedrooms

___Walls. Are there any cracks, bulges, peeling paint or wallpaper? Are there any water stains?

___Ceiling. Is there any peeling paint? Is the ceiling sagging?

___Floor. Does the floor feel level? Is the carpeting pulling lose anywhere? Are there any large stains or damaged areas?

___Lights. Test all light switches.

___Electrical outlets. Test all outlets (Get a little tester at a hardware store). Are all outlets working and anchored firmly to the walls?

___Windows. Can the windows be opened and closed easily? Are the blinds and curtains functioning?

___Other.

Kitchen

___Walls. Are there any cracks, bulges, peeling paint or wallpaper?

___Ceiling. Is there any peeling paint? Is the ceiling sagging?

___Floor. Does the floor feel level? Is there any loose or bulging linoleum? Loose flooring tiles? Are there any large stains or damaged areas?

___Lights. Test all light switches.

___Electrical outlets. Are all outlets working and anchored firmly to the walls?

___Windows. Can the windows be opened and closed easily? Are the blinds and curtains functioning?

___Appliances. Check any appliances included in the sale,to see that they are working.

___Exhaust Fans. Does the fan work?

___Faucets, Sinks and Drains. Turn on any faucets, watching the color of the water, how long it takes for hot water to get there, and whether the sink drains easily. Check under the sink for any moisture from leaky drains.

___Other.

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