Why you need a checklist for inspecting a house or apartment

Whether you’re moving into your first house or have rented multiple homes, a house or apartment inspection checklist will keep your priorities at the top of mind and help you focus on what to look for when inspecting a house. A checklist for inspecting a house gives you a good idea of all those things you might not remember to ask the real estate about when you’re busy thinking about where to fit the couch.

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Ask for help with your apartment building inspection

Keep in mind that while this final house inspection checklist can certainly help you weed out many of the weaker places for rent or homes on the market, it may pay to hire a professional house inspector, especially if you’re looking to make a significant financial commitment or sign off on a long contract at an apartment. These experts often know the local area well and can hone in on potential issues dependent on the property, such as whether it’s an apartment building, an older home, a house on a hill, and so on.

Don’t be afraid to corner the real estate agent at the viewing and get answers to all of your questions. If you need a little bit of moral support,  consider taking a close family member or friend to the viewing for a second opinion.

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The final inspection checklist

• Check if the dishwasher works
• Drive past the property late in the evening to see if the area is noisy
• Look for chew marks or droppings that might indicate pests
• Bring a phone charger and check if all the plugs work
• Open and close all windows and doors to make sure they function properly
• Flush all toilets to check for issues
• Check if the water runs through sinks easily
• Check for leaks below sinks
• Switch on all oven burners (don’t forget to turn these off again!)
• Test the heating/cooling systems
• Open and close any blinds as older sets can stick
• Sniff for musty smells in closets that can indicate mould
• Look for any cracks, stains, or sagging on walls inside and out
• Ask about what kind of insulation the property has
• Check if the exhaust fan in the kitchen works

If applicable

• Ask when the chimney was last cleaned (annually is ideal)
• Make sure the gutters are free from visible rust or cracks
• Check that the garage door opens and closes properly
• Speak to the building manager about any past or current building problems
• Look at school districts in the area if kids are on the cards any time soon
• Check for soggy/puddle areas in the backyard
• Look to see if any trees are leaning over the house or in contact with the house

If possible

• Chat with neighbours about living in the area
• Research the suburb

Finally, once you settle into your new home, don’t forget to notify the government and other organisations that you’ve moved location.

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