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.