Your Homebuyer Walk-through Checklist

Under a St. Louis Association Residential Sales Contract in the purchase of your home, you have the right to an ASHE Certified Building & Termite Inspection!!!

Exterior Appearance

• Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks?
• Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly?
• Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?
• Exterior Concrete Slabs: Inspect concrete for exposed steel or damage. Clean off any mud, drywall or other material that may dirty the concrete
• Stone and Masonry: Inspect stone and masonry for damage or missing mortar.
• Siding: Inspect siding for any discoloration, damage or gaps.
• Is the exterior of the home washed and clean?
• Are the windows clean?
• Exterior Stairs and Railings: Inspect surfaces for exposed steel, protruding objects or damage. Check that stairs and railings are secure. Listen for unusual popping or creaking.
• Is the driveway and street in front of the home sprayed off and clean?

Doors and Windows

• Do they open and close easily?
• Is the glass properly in place? Is any loose or cracked?
• Exterior Doors: Inspect doors for damage. Doors should open and close snugly. Locks should be operational. Inspect doorbells for proper operation.
• Slider door should open and close with ease.
• Keys and Garage Door Openers: Have all keys and garage door openers been provided and are they operational?
• Garage Doors: Inspect garage doors for damage. Operate the garage door to make sure the door stays on its track and opens and closes completely. Test safety stop feature using a box or brick.

Finishes

• Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways?
• Did the painters miss any spots?
• Are the trim and molding in place?

Floors

• Is the carpet tight? Do the seams match?
• Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum?
• Vinyl: Inspect vinyl flooring for stains, bubbles, depressions, ridges or damage.
• Are wooden floors properly finished?
• Grout: Inspect grout for discoloration or cracking.
• Are there any cracking or popping of the floor joists when walking through the home?

Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces

• Do all of the appliances operate properly?
• Are all of the appliances the model and color you ordered?
• Inspect all cabinet doors and drawers.
• Check all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to make sure they operate properly and there is no damage.
• Check all electrical fixtures and outlets. Inspect fixture surfaces, switch and plug covers for any damage
• Electric Panels: Inspect to ensure that the breakers are in panel boxes and are properly labeled.
• Lighting: Check fixtures to determine if all light bulbs are in place, fixtures are operating properly and for damage.
• Mirrors/Interior Glass/Shower Doors: Inspect for secure installation or damage. Are all mirrors clean?
• Interior Stairs and Railings: Inspect surfaces for protruding objects or other damage. Check that stairs and railings are secure. Listen for unusual popping or creaking.
• Drywall: Inspect ceilings and walls for sagging, bowing, visible nail heads or any damage.
• Closet Shelving: Inspect shelving and rods for secure installation.
• Do the heating, cooling and water heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure.
• Inspect filters and thermostats. Make sure they are securely attached.
• If the home has a fireplace, do the draft and damper work?
• Are there any nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on any surfaces, including cabinets and countertops?
• Manuals and Warranties (Range, Refrigerator, Oven, Water Heater, Ice Maker, Microwave, Air Conditioner, Irrigation System, Elevators etc.): Have all owner manuals an warranty information on new operating systems and appliances been provided?

Basement and Attic

• Are there indications of dampness or leaks?
• Is there significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls?
• Are there any obvious defects in exposed components, such as floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.?

Grading

• Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?
• Make sure the water does not puddle anywhere. To check, water the areas with a hose, if possible.
• Are there signs of erosion?
• Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation?
• Are the plants alive?
• Are the basement window wells clean and graveled?
• Are all crawl space vents and flaps clean and operable?
• Are all metal foundation ties all broken off?
• Are the property pins located?

Roofs and Gutters

• Are the shingles flat and tight?
• Is the flashing securely in place?
• Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the house?

Certificate of Occupancy

• Has your local municipality signed off on your house?

Source: http://vikinghomes.com/viking-difference/quality-control/

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