Exterior Inspection
Structure:
- [ ] Foundation - cracks, settling, water damage
- [ ] Walls - cracks, bowing, stains
- [ ] Roof - missing tiles, sagging, moss/algae
- [ ] Gutters - attached, no blockages
- [ ] Drainage - away from foundation
Surroundings:
- [ ] Driveway condition
- [ ] Garden/landscape health
- [ ] Boundary walls/fences
- [ ] Neighboring structures
- [ ] Road access and drainage
Signs of Issues:
- Efflorescence (white stains) = water issues
- Diagonal cracks = settlement
- Fresh paint = covering up problems
Pro Tips
- Visit after rain to check for drainage issues
- Look at neighboring properties too
Interior - Structural
Walls:
- [ ] Cracks in walls (note size and direction)
- [ ] Damp patches or water stains
- [ ] Paint bubbling or peeling
- [ ] Doors and windows fit properly
Floors:
- [ ] Level (use a ball/marble)
- [ ] Tiles cracked or hollow
- [ ] Wooden floors for rot
- [ ] Squeaking when walking
Ceilings:
- [ ] Water stains
- [ ] Sagging
- [ ] Cracks
- [ ] Height adequate
What to Bring:
- Flashlight
- Marble or small ball
- Camera/phone
- Notebook
- Measuring tape
Important
- Cracks wider than 3mm indicate structural issues
- Musty smells suggest hidden damp
Plumbing
Water Supply:
- [ ] Water pressure in all taps
- [ ] Hot water working
- [ ] No leaks under sinks
- [ ] Toilet flush properly
- [ ] Water tank condition
- [ ] Municipal or well water?
Drainage:
- [ ] All sinks drain properly
- [ ] No bad odors
- [ ] Septic tank or sewer?
- [ ] Grease trap condition
Tests to Do:
Questions to Ask:
- Age of pipes (galvanized pipes corrode)
- Any recent plumbing work?
- Water bills (indicates consumption)
Pro Tips
- Old galvanized pipes may need replacement
- Low water pressure upstairs indicates supply issues
Electrical
Safety Check:
- [ ] Main switch board condition
- [ ] Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)
- [ ] Wiring type (old cloth/rubber is dangerous)
- [ ] All outlets working
- [ ] Light switches functioning
Capacity Check:
- [ ] Number of circuits adequate
- [ ] Main supply capacity (30A? 60A?)
- [ ] Three-phase supply (for AC, etc.)
What to Look For:
- Exposed wiring
- Burn marks on outlets
- Flickering lights
- Warm switches
- Outdated fuse box
Professional Inspection:
Important
- Old wiring can be a fire hazard
- Rewiring a house costs Rs 300,000-1,000,000
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Kitchen:
- [ ] Exhaust fan working
- [ ] Cabinets condition
- [ ] Countertop condition
- [ ] Sink and drainage
- [ ] Gas line (if applicable)
- [ ] Ventilation
Bathrooms:
- [ ] Toilet flushing and sealing
- [ ] Shower/bath condition
- [ ] Tiles - cracked or loose?
- [ ] Grout condition
- [ ] Ventilation/exhaust
- [ ] Water pressure
- [ ] Floor drainage
Common Issues:
- Mold in corners
- Caulk deterioration
- Tile grout cracking
- Poor ventilation
- Water damage under cabinets
Pro Tips
- Bathroom renovations are expensive - factor into price
- Check behind toilets and under sinks carefully
Environment & Surroundings
Neighborhood:
- [ ] Noise levels (visit at different times)
- [ ] Traffic
- [ ] Nearby businesses/industry
- [ ] Construction projects
- [ ] General cleanliness
Access & Amenities:
- [ ] Public transport
- [ ] Schools nearby
- [ ] Medical facilities
- [ ] Shopping
- [ ] Religious places
Safety:
- [ ] Street lighting
- [ ] Neighborhood security
- [ ] History of flooding
- [ ] Crime rates
Environmental:
- [ ] Air quality
- [ ] Mosquito/pest issues
- [ ] Garbage collection
- [ ] Water quality
Pro Tips
- Talk to neighbors about the area
- Visit at night and weekends for true picture
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