Use this checklist at every open home and private inspection. It covers every major area of a property and the key questions to ask. Print it, save it to your phone, and take notes as you go.
Exterior & Land
Check each item and note any concerns.
- □ Roof — condition of tiles/colorbond, gutters, downpipes
- □ Walls — cracks, damp, paint condition
- □ Foundation — visible cracking or unevenness
- □ Driveway and paths — cracking, drainage issues
- □ Garden and lawn — condition, irrigation systems
- □ Fencing — damage, termite activity
- □ Outbuildings — sheds, garages, granny flats
- □ Boundary lines — verify dimensions against the certificate of title
Kitchen
- □ Benchtops — chips, water damage
- □ Cabinetry — condition, operation, signs of moisture
- □ Appliances — test all (oven, hob, rangehood, dishwasher)
- □ Sink — run water, check drainage speed and under-sink pipes
- □ Taps — water pressure and hot water response time
Bathrooms & Laundry
- □ Tiles — cracks, grout condition, mould
- □ Shower — run water, check for leaks around screen
- □ Bath — chip/crack check, plug seals
- □ Toilet — flush test, base for moisture
- □ Exhaust fan — test operation
- □ Laundry taps and trough — check water pressure and drainage
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- □ Ceilings — stains, cracks, sag
- □ Walls — damp, mould, cracks
- □ Floors — soft spots, squeaking, levelness
- □ Windows — open/close freely, glass condition, seals
- □ Doors — alignment, latches, locks
- □ Power points — test with a small device or charger
- □ Light switches — test all
- □ Air conditioning — test heating and cooling
Roof Space & Subfloor (if accessible)
- □ Insulation — present and in good condition
- □ Roof framing — no cracks, no termite damage
- □ Ventilation — adequate ventilation in roof and subfloor
- □ Evidence of previous leaks — water staining on framing or ceiling
Services & Systems
- □ Hot water system — age, condition, type (gas/electric/solar)
- □ Electrical switchboard — age, condition, residual current devices (RCDs) present
- □ Gas meter and connections — check for corrosion
- □ Reticulation system — test if present
- □ Solar panels — age, battery storage, inverter condition
Always Follow Up with a Professional Inspection
This checklist helps you shortlist properties — but a licensed building and pest inspector is essential before you sign. Our agents can recommend trusted inspectors in your area.
