Home Inspection Checklist

Fixtures

A good home inspection will examine the fixtures in the home to make sure they function properly. Because of general wear-and-tear, fixtures are usually replaced more frequently than structural or mechanical items in the home.


√ Appliances

• A refrigerator/freezer should last from 15-20 years if maintained. Check to see if the unit works properly, the light goes on when the door is open, that the condenser on the unit has been kept clean, the icemaker works, and there are no leaks.
• Check the dishwasher and disposal to see if they run properly, run quietly and to make sure there are no signs of leaks. These appliances should last from 5 to 12 years.
• The range and oven should work properly and should show no signs of any problems, past or present. A normal life for these appliances is 15 to 20 years. A home inspection will probably not involve testing the self-cleaning feature on the oven (if any) but it should be verified that this function works.
• Inspect the ventilation fan and make sure it works and vents the air to the outside.
• Are the washer and dryer working as they should? Is the dryer vented to the outside? Is the vent clean?

• Examine the railings on all stairways to make sure they don't wiggle or are loose. Look to see if all stair parts are in tact.
• Check the availability and operation of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO2) detectors. There should be a smoke detector by the furnace, in the kitchen and one for each bedroom. CO2 detectors should be in every home with an attached garage and any gas burning fixture.
• If the home has a security system, arrange a test of the system. Many security systems have smoke detectors wired into the system as well as water sensors. Check to make sure these also function as they should.

• Check for wear and operation on the sink and tub faucets in the bathroom(s), laundry and kitchen.
• If there is a whirlpool-type tub, check that it functions well and that there are no leaks.
• Steam shower units should also be inspected to make sure they work and have no leaks or show signs of extraordinary wear.
• If there are gas logs or an electric fireplace, make sure they can be turned on and off as they should.
• Central vacuum systems should be inspected at each inlet and at the main unit for proper operation.

• Do the land-line telephones work?
• Is the cable/antenna/satellite for television in working order?
• Is there a working internet connection?
• Note: Although these may not be a part of the home sale, inoperation of any of these items listed above may indicate wiring problems. A home inspection report may or may not include an evaluation of these communication fixtures.