A Checklist for a New Home

Outside

• Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?
• Be sure that water does not pond in swales. To check, water the areas with a hose if possible.
• Are there signs of erosion?
• Is shrubbery planted at least 2 to 3 feet from the foundation?
• Are basement window wells clean and graveled?
• Are shingles flat and tight?
• Is flashing securely in place?
• Do gutters, down spouts and splash blocks drain away from the house?
• Are windows and doors sealed and protected by weather stripping?
• Are trim and filling tight, and without cracks?
• Does paint should cover the surfaces and trim smoothly?

Inside

• Are all doors and windows sealed and do they open and close easily?
• Are they the same as noted in the contract?
• Are any glass panes loose or cracked?
• Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways?
• Did the painters didn't miss any spots?
• Is the carpet tight and do the seams match?
• Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or flooring?
• Do the floors squeak?
• If wooden floors, are they properly finished?
• Do the major appliances operate properly?
• Are the appliances the right color and model?
• Do all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to be sure they operate properly?
• Do heating, cooling and water heating units operate properly?
• Do the fireplace draft and damper work?
• Are there nicks, scratches, cracks or bumps on any surfaces, including cabinets and counter tops?
• Did you ring the doorbell and test the intercom, garage door opener and other like items?
• Have you seen indications of dampness or leaks?
• Are there any obvious defects in exposed components (such as floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.)?

Certificate of Occupancy

• Has your local municipality signed off on your house?

Note: A new-house inspection is often more extensive because buyers expect the property to be in near-perfect condition. Resale-home buyers, on the other hand, usually overlook minor flaws that come with an older, previously lived-in home.

Be sure to document all items that need to be corrected before closing. If you have a professional home inspection, also make sure you do a final walk-through before closing to confirm that all items on the inspector's report have been corrected.