Property Survey Check List
The purpose of our “How to Survey A Property Checklist” is to assist both sellers and buyers of properties to identify defects that the building surveyor will be looking for. If you have the skills and experience it may also save you the cost of a building survey.
This guide will help you get a good idea of what should be checked when you are buying or selling a property. You can do this checklist yourself but it is better to engage the correct professionals and get an in-depth inspection carried out.
We suggest you use the services of a qualified Property Surveyor, Electrician, and Plumber.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does cover most of the problems that can be found in properties. We hope you find it useful and helps you become more informed.
If these defects can be identified and repaired before the house is placed on the market for sale, it should prevent renegotiation taking place at a very late stage in the sale process, which would likely adversely affect the sale of your property, including the purchase of the home you are looking to buy.
- Grounds
- Outside Sheds / Garages
- Septic Tanks / Secondary Treatment Systems
- Private Water Wells
- Exterior Finishes and Components
- Roof Coverings
- Attic Space
- Structure
- Fireplaces
- Bathrooms / Ensuites
- Kitchen
- Utility Room
- Livingrooms
- Hallway
- Kitchen
- Bedrooms
- Electrical
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Insulation
- Window Defects
- Door Defects
- Notes
How to Survey a House Checklist
Making the decision to sell or buy a home is a huge step for most people. For sellers, once the decision is made to sell, then making your home Marketable should be your number one goal, especially if you want to stand out against all the other homes in the area that are also for sale!
House prices in most parts of the country are continuing to fall. Gone are the days of listing your house and its sells quickly. With the changed market, buyers are increasingly more sensitive to property condition and using building surveyors reports to hammer the vendor down on their price.
Our Survey a Property check list makes available to both buyers and sellers of homes exactly what a Building Surveyor will be looking for when he comes to survey a property. The how to survey a property guide educates both parties on the condition of the property which will be or has been placed on the market, and lets them know what minor and major issues and potential expenses that will come to light when their property is surveyed. By following our Property Health Check guide a seller can decide early on what to do in order to improve the condition of their property.
The check list allows the seller to anticipate any potential problems in the structure, attic, roof, grounds, walls, House prices can fluctuate depending on market conditions. As a result, properties can sell very quickly if demand is high or sales can slow down significantly when markets are unstable. With changing markets buyers are increasingly more sensitive to property conditions and may use building surveyors’ reports to hammer the vendor down on their price. Our How to Survey a Property checklist makes available to both buyers and sellers of homes exactly what a Building Surveyor will be looking for when he comes to survey a property. The How to Survey a Property Guide educates both parties on the condition of the property which will be or has been placed on the market. This can let them know what minor/major issues and potential expenses that will come to light when their property is surveyed. By following our Property Health Check guide, a seller can decide early on what to do in order to improve the condition of their property. The checklist allows the seller to anticipate any potential problems in the structure, attic, roof, grounds, walls, floors, and services such as heating, electrics, and plumbing. This can potentially head off most “deal-breaker” issues. Following this guide will put you in a much better position and will reduce the likelihood of your potential buyer coming back to you trying to reduce the price after their building survey is carried out. By following this guide will put you in a much better position and will reduce the likelihood of your potential buyer coming back to you trying to reduce the price after their building survey is carried out.
There are enormous benefits to carrying out your own building survey before putting your property on the market. If you suspect that you my be selling or buying a house with pyrite it is advisable to get professional advice from a surveyor experienced with pyrite identification and pyrite testing.
By implementing our checklist your property could sell faster and for more money without any renegotiation’s, because defects that would have been raised by the buyers building surveyor will have been put right ahead of time
Benefits of the How to Survey a Property Checklist
Identify defects and make repairs ahead of time. By identifying possible defects early on, the seller is in a position to handle repairs prior to placing their house on the market, making the house more attractive and more saleable. This may mean more money to the seller and a faster sale. Making repairs ahead of time will limit objections over defects during the negotiations. Some defects may be regarded as minor concerns in the eyes of a prospective buyer, but when numerous small defects are added together they can often become deal breakers, especially is a more serious defect comes to light during a building survey.
- No building surveyor bringing up minor and major issues after the deal is done.
- Your home could sell faster!
- Your home could sell for more money!
- No more buyers walking away because they think there is a problem with the house.
- No 11th hour renegotiation’s based on the building surveyors report.
- No more buyers getting cold feet when they find out the home is not perfect.
- It allows you to resolve any major issues in conjunction with your estate agent and your building surveyor before you put your house on the market.
- By following our checklist it allows you to fix any problems you like or recognise the problem and reflect it in the purchase price – take it off the table as a negotiating tool against you.
- You have time to get several quotes for those items that you choose not to fix, no more high quotes for carrying out repairs from potential buyers at closing time because they know you’re up against the wall.
The guide is broken down into sections covering all the different parts of the property. The guide is not exhaustive, but covers most of the main problems found in properties.
What should Sellers and Buyers know when organizing a full building survey if defects are found.
The type of building survey that the seller / buyer is seeking to have carried out will depend on the age and condition of the property. In many cases the seller or buyer will not know enough about building surveying to be able to give clear and complete instructions at the outset. In these cases the building surveyors first task is to acquaint the client with the nature and extent of the options available and advice as to which is most suitable.
How to survey a property and when not too.
Surveyors are expected to have the professional skills and experience to carry out surveys. They should also have a good working knowledge of the law in relation to all areas of their profession. In some cases buyers or sellers may not understand the significance of a crack in a wall, if they have any doubts about their overall understanding of building structure it would be safer to engage the services of a building surveyor. If you have doubts about any defects that you have found you can fill out our survey quote form from Property Health Check.
There is no universally accepted scale of fees for surveying. At present when setting fees, surveyors generally take account of a number of factors, including the length of time they expect the work to take, the complexity of the task, having regard to the age, type, size and location of the property.
It is very important that fees and the extent of the survey should be clearly stipulated and agreed with the client at the outset.
Planning Permission Certificates and Certificates of Compliance with Building Regulations.
During your survey you should note any alterations, extensions, attic conversions, sheds, garages and any other structural changes that come to your attention.
The “how to survey a property” has a number of primary concerns which covers two particular areas,
- Do the alteration / extensions comply with building regulations
- Do these changes or extensions require planning permission or certificates of exemption from planning permission
Far to often sellers leave it to the last minute to obtain these certificates and this will almost certainly delay the sale of a property if non-compliance with planning or regulation issues are noted.
In most cases building regulation issues can be resolved by making certain changes to the building. Issues that relate to planning permission may necessitate contacting the local planning department. If there is a planning permission issue it can take at least three months to sort out. It is advisable not to ignore possible issues in the hope that they won’t be spotted.
Planning permission and building regulation issues concerning changes to all properties are going to be raised when the solicitors exchange final contracts on the property.
Closing your eyes to these questions in the hope that these issues won’t be raised is one of the main reasons that house sales fall through.
There is no quick fix in dealing with planning permission issues, therefore it is important to make sure that the property is fully complainant with planning permission and building regulations as soon as any issues come to light. Hopefully if there are any issues, they can be resolves before final contracts are to be signed.
Ignoring or waiting to deal with potential planning permission and building regulation issues until the sale is agreed will almost certainly delay the sale of the property for at least three months while planning permission issues are been sorted.
This will almost certainly see the sale of your property fall through as your potential buyer may consider looking at or buying other properties and it may also affect your purchase of another property that you may have been looking at.
Area’s to be inspected during survey, CHECKLIST
This guide is not exhaustive, but covers most of the problems found in properties.
Grounds
? Foul Drains.
Check for blockages, adequate access points, slope of drains, cracks.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Rain Water Drains.
Check for blockages, adequate access points, slope of drains, cracks.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, Foul drains and rain water drains should be completely separate, certain exception apply in older properties.
? Grading:
Ground levels around the property should if possible slope away from the building. If this is not possible proper underground drainage system should be in place.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Driveways and paths
Check for cracks, disintegration, settlement and lifting.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Retaining Walls
Check retaining walls for bulges or loose areas. Make sure the weep holes built into the wall are clear.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Patios and decks
Check patios and decks for settlement, loose rails or boards, and damaged steps, trip hazards. Check to make sure the timber deck posts are still firmly in the ground and not loose or rotten.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Steps and Rails
Check to see if steps are secure, even distance between steps and that a secure handrail provided if more then three steps.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Gates
Check to see if gates open and close properly and are not rotten or rusted
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Large Tree
Check to see if tree limbs are over hanging the property. Tree planted too close to houses can also cause settlement problems or heaving issues if removed.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Boundary Walls
Check condition of masonry, metal and timbers fences for adequate expansion joints, piers, cracks, movement, leaning and rot.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Oil Tank
Check for condition of oil tank and leaks
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Outside Sheds, Lean-Too’s, Garages.
? Outside Sheds/Buildings
Check general condition of walls, floors, roof and services
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Roof Water Discharge
Check does roof water discharge into drain or soakaway
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Septic Tanks / Secondary Treatment Systems.
? Requirements between septic tank and well water
Check the distance between septic tank and well water, does it meet minimum regulation requirements
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation of treatment system
Check the ventilation of septic tank system
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Access to septic tank
Check ease of access to septic tank and that cover is secure
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Service requirements
Check for up to date records for service contracts / maintenance of septic tank
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Shared Waste System
Check and provide upto date paperwork if waste system is shared.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, for further information on septic tanks, biocycle systems and the upcoming legislation of septic tank licensing for domestic dwellings check out our blog “About Septic Tanks” on our website. www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Private Water Wells
? Shared Private System
Check and provide upto date paperwork if private well water system is shared.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Sealed Well House
Check that well head is sealed and the pump, plumbing are in a secure shed with adequate insulation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Requirements between septic tank and well water
Check the distance between septic tank and well water, does it meet minimum regulation requirements
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Water Quality
Check water quality and have upto date certificate available showing water quality
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Exterior Finishes and Components
? Staining
Check for stains on walls, which could be a sign of a water leak problem or a roof issue
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wildlife
Check for signs of insect or bird nests in soffits, eaves or attic vents. If you see signs of rodent waste in a certain area, look around for the nest or debris.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Peeling paint
Check for peeling paint on rendered walls
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Wood Joinery / Trim
Check condition of exterior timber joinery for rot, cracking and peeling paint.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Masonry wall finish
Check for loose or cracked rendering and same for pebble dashing. Also check the condition of pointing to brickwork.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Exterior Doors
Check for damage to doors, frames, cracked glazing, poor sliding of patio doors and door draft proofing
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Windows
Check for fire opening egress, rots, rust, faulty hinges, failing double glazed seals, putty and paint.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Gutters and Downpipes (see also under Roof Coverings)
Check gutters and downpipes for asbestos material, rust, stains, debris, missing or loose sections or inadequate slope, and leaks especially during a rain shower.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Exterior Water Tap
Check for secure tap and water flow
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Exterior Electrical Socket and Wiring.
Check condition of socket and that wiring is suitable for outside use
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required _______________________________________________________________
? Gas Meter
Check the condition of Gas Meter and utility box
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Electrical Meter
Check the condition of Electrical meter and utility box.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Soil Stack vent
Check the plumbing vent and were it terminates
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, for further information on the Exterior Finishes and Components check out our website and blog at, www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Roof Coverings
? Roof tiles / slates
Check for cracked roof tiles / slates, missing tiles / slates, crumbling slates. Check flat roofs for blistering, alligatoring, holes, water ponding and splits.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Roof Flashings
Check for loose, cracked flashings and flashings separating from intersections and chimneys
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Cement Pointing / Parging
Check for loose or cracked cement parging under roof ridge tiles and at edges of roof.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Skylights
Check for leaks around skylights and poorly fitted roof tiles around same
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
?Roof mounted equipment
Check for poorly fitted solar panels, aerials, satellite dishes
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Gutters and Downpipes (see also Exterior Finishes and Components)
Check gutters and downpipes for asbestos material, rust, stains, debris, missing or loose sections or inadequate slope, and leaks especially during a rain shower.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
?Chimneys
Check for cracks in chimneys, failing point in brick chimneys, damaged flues, damaged chimney capping and vegetation growth.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Roof ventilation
Check for cross flow ventilation openings in both flat and pitched roofs
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Attic
? Traditional Cut Roof Timbers
Check out rafter, roof purlins, struts, hangers and collars for adequate support and bracing including splitting, sagging and woodworm infestation.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Roof Trusses
Check out roof trusses, make sure that no roof trusses or cords have been cut or removed. Check gussets for rust. Also check trusses for woodworm, secure bracings between trusses and metal ties to gable walls.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Vents
Check that toilet soil stacks and bathroom vents do not discharge directly into attic
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Dropped ceiling Lights
Check that ceiling lights are not a fire hazard
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wiring Splices
Check that wiring splices are not a fire or electrical hazard
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Insulation
Check depth of insulation and insulation around water storage tank and all plumbing
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Moisture Penetration
Check for moisture penetration in particular at flashings, roof penetrations and gaps / holes in roof tiles.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fire Walls between Attics
Check for adequate fire walls between adjoining attics, looking for all gaps in party walls and including inadequate fire material that is often mistakenly used to fill gaps. ie. fibreglass insulation.
Also check if the house is a timber framed construction that the joints and dry-lining is correctly finished which is a common defect.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Sarking Felt / Breathable Membrane
Check that membrane fitted under roof tiles is secure and not torn, also that membrane is correctly and securely finish around roof penetrations including the chimney
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Chimney
Check for cracks in chimney brest and that there is no water penetration coming below roof level into chimney breast. Common issues are poor flashings, inadequate or no damp tray fitted and poorly finished roof membrane to chimney brest.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Water Storage Tank
Check condition of water storage tank, is it old and made of galvanised metal, condition of ballcock, overflow pipe. Is the tank properly covered to prevent dirt from entering tank.
Is there adequate support under the tank, All these issues are common
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, for further information on Roof Coverings and Attics check out our website and blog at, www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Structure
? Structural Walls
Check for cracks in all exterior and interior structural walls from foundation level to roof level. Some cracks maybe a result of initial drying of the structure. Other cracks may be the result of settlement in the foundations. Most cracks in masonry walls are almost always structural cracks. However in most cases these cracks will not affect the stability of the structure and only minor repairs maybe required. The main concern with cracks is to determine whether or not they are likely to be ongoing.
All large cracks first started off as hairline cracks and deteriorated over time. A simple leak in a drain close to a foundation can occur at any time. This can pull away soil from under the foundation resulting in settlement in the foundation and cracking in walls. Nothing cracks in walls is important and immediate remedial work is normally significantly less expensive then waiting for the problem to develop.
Note, It is advisable that cracks in structural walls are not repaired until the exact reason for their existence is understood. If a vendor is going to undertake repairs to an existing cracked wall before placing a house on the market, a building surveyor for a potential purchaser will automatically become suspicious as to whether the underlying problem which caused the cracks in the first place have been fully repaired, or is the vendor of the property just papering over the cracks in an attempt to hide them.
If an experienced building surveyor can see the cracks in the wall in their raw state, there are numerous telltale signs, which may indicate to the building surveyor whether the crack is minor or serious. The building surveyor is likely to assume a worse scenario then may have been the case if these telltale signs were not covered up in the first place.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Timber Framed Houses
Check that there is adequate ventilation in all exterior walls at ground level and at roof level
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Terraced Houses
Check expansion joints in walls
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Condensation Vents
Check vent openings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation under timber floors
Check out cross flow vent openings under suspended ground timber floors.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Steel RSJ’s Universal Beams and Columns, UB’s and UC’s
If a building extension has been added, or interior walls have been removed or the existing attic has been converted it is likely that steel UB’s have been fitted. Before a solicitor or bank will complete the paperwork a Certificate of Compliance with Building Regulations will be required to confirm that these works have been carried out to proper standards. An assurance or guarantee from your builder that the extensions works have been carried out correctly is not acceptable by solicitors or banks lending on the property.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check timber floors for springiness, may indicate undersized floor joists or rot in older houses. Check floors for sags, settlement especially were interior walls or renovations have been carried out.
Check timber floors for woodworm.
Check concrete ground floors for settlement including slopes in floors.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Stairs (see also Interior Hallway and Landing sections)
Check out condition of stairs in particular that the treads, risers and stringers are corrected fitted and measured. Other problems include hazards for children were they can get trapped or fall between gaps in railings, missing or inadequate handrails and inadequate headroom under stairs to ceiling above.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Pyrite
Check concrete floors for evidence of lifting / expansion. Check if doors are catching on door frames and against floors.
Note, Check out our website for more information on Pyrite at www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Check out location or existence of radon vent
See our website for more information on Radon at www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, for further information on Structure check out our website and blog at, www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Fireplaces.
? Fireplace (Location 1,_____________)
Check condition of fireblock, does the fireplace / flue need to be cleaned. Is there evidence of inadequate draft from chimney. Is the hearth adequately sized
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fireplace (Location 2,_____________)
Check condition of fireblock, does the fireplace / flue need to be cleaned. Is there evidence of inadequate draft from chimney. Is the hearth adequately sized
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fireplace (Location 3,_____________)
Check condition of fireblock, does the fireplace / flue need to be cleaned. Is there evidence of inadequate draft from chimney. Is the hearth adequately sized
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Note, for further information on Fireplaces including smokey fireplaces, check out our website and blog at, www.PropertyHealthCheck.ie
Bathrooms / Ensuites. (Location 1,____________________)
? Bathtub / Shower
Check condition of seal around bathtubs / shower and check units for damages
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Bathroom walls
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around bathtubs / shower. Watch out for cracked tiles in the shower area or around sinks. Tap on tiles looking for loose or hollow ones, which could be masking rotted backerboard behind them.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wall, floors, ceilings
Check general condition of walls, floor and ceiling.
Note, Look at ceilings for stains, which could indicate a roof or plumbing leak. This applies to all ceilings throughout house.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: ______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches, windows and doors and closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fixtures and Fittings
Check for cracked, broken, loose, fixtures and fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bathrooms / Ensuites. (Location 2,____________________)
? Bathtub / Shower
Check condition of seal around bathtubs / shower and check units for damages
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Bathroom walls
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around bathtubs / shower
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wall, floors, ceilings
Check general condition of walls, floor and ceiling
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches, windows and doors and closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fixtures and Fittings
Check for cracked, broken, loose, fixtures and fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bathrooms / Ensuites. (Location 3,____________________)
? Bathtub / Shower
Check condition of seal around bathtubs / shower and check units for damages
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Bathroom walls
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around bathtubs / shower
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wall, floors, ceilings
Check general condition of walls, floor and ceiling
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches, windows and doors and closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fixtures and Fittings
Check for cracked, broken, loose, fixtures and fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bathrooms / Ensuites. (Location 4.____________________)
? Bathtub / Shower
Check condition of seal around bathtubs / shower and check units for damages
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Bathroom walls
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around bathtubs / shower
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Wall, floors, ceilings
Check general condition of walls, floor and ceiling
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches, windows and doors and closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Fixtures and Fittings
Check for cracked, broken, loose, fixtures and fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Kitchen.
? Sink
Check condition of sink for damage
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Seal around sink, kitchen worktop.
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around sink and worktop
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors and wall units / closets
Check general condition of walls, floor, ceiling, windows, doors and wall units / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Utility Room.
? Sink
Check condition of sink for damage
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Seal around sink and worktop.
Check tiling / waterproofed wall around sink and worktop
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors and wall units / closets
Check general condition of walls, floor, ceiling, windows, doors and wall units / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation, extractor vents
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check operation of lights, electrical switches,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Livingroom. (Location1,_______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Livingroom. (Location 2,_____________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Livingroom. (Location 3,_______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Livingroom. (Location 4,______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Livingroom. (Location 5,______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Hallway.
? Handrails
Check condition and firmness of handrails
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Steps
Check condition and equal rises and size of steps
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Safety Rails
Check gaps between a height of safety rails
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required; _______________________________________________________________
Landing
? Handrails
Check condition and firmness of handrails
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: ______________________________________________________________
? Steps
Check condition and equal rises and size of steps
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Safety Rails
Check gaps between a height of safety rails
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bedroom. (Location 1,_____________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Built in Closets / Wardrobes
Check condition of built in wardrobes / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bedroom. (Location 2,______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Built in Closets / Wardrobes
Check condition of built in wardrobes / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bedroom. (Location 3,_______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Built in Closets / Wardrobes
Check condition of built in wardrobes / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bedroom. (Location 4,_______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Built in Closets / Wardrobes
Check condition of built in wardrobes / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Bedroom. (Location 5,_______________________________)
? Walls
Check condition of wall
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ceiling
Check condition of ceiling.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Floors
Check condition of Electrical fittings
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check condition of Windows and Doors
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Ventilation
Check for adequate ventilation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Check operation of smoke alarms,
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Built in Closets / Wardrobes
Check condition of built in wardrobes / closets
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Electrical
? Electrical Breaker or Fuse Panel
Check condition of electrical panel or fuse box, or there adequate circuits, are the fuses or breakers correctly sized, is there room for expansion, is there a RCD fitted. Open the panel cover and look for scorch marks around breakers or fuses which could be a sign of loose and sparking wires.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Electrical Wiring
What type of wiring is fitted, are there adequate circuits, are plug sockets earthed, are there exposed or loose wiring. Is there a reliance on extension leads.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Smoke Alarms
Are the smoke alarms battery and mains operated
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Switches and Sockets
Check condition of the switches and socked, Is there a sufficient number of plug sockets for modern standards of living. Also check plug sockets and switches for scorch marks, which could be a sign of loose and sparking wires.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Heating System
? Boiler
Check condition of boiler, are recent service records available
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Controls / Thermostats
Check condition and operation of heating controls
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Radiators
Check condition of radiators, or all valve operational, any water leaks from radiations/valves
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Plumbing to Radiators
Check condition of plumbing supply, are pipes minicore, gun barrel, pvc or copper
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Flue to boiler
Check condition of flue, is made of asbestos
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Plumbing
Note, Plumbing issues are also included in the, Septic Tanks, Private Water Well, Attic Space and other sections in this Guide.
? Look for signs of corrosion, which could indicate a problem with the water, or with the pipe itself. Watch for green stains around brass and copper fittings and on shutoff valves, a sign of either corrosion or electrolysis caused by different metals. This will cause leaks and bad connections if left uncorrected.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check the water pressure. Low pressure could mean a problem with the plumbing line or just sediment buildup in the shower head and taps.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Check drains for speed of drainage – a slow drain may have a clog or a blocked vent pipe. Look for a full swirling drain; bubbling drains are a sign of a problem.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Flush the toilets to make sure they operate properly. Open their tanks and look for worn or missing parts. Then wait around for a few minutes to see if the toilet runs after a pause, a sign of a slow leak.
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Insulation
? Attic Insulation
Check depth and coverage of attic insulation
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Insulation on Copper Cylinder
Check insulation on copper cylinder
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Insulation over attic trap door
Check insulation on same
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Draft seal around Attic trap door
Check draft seal around same
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Draft seals around exterior doors
Check draft seal around same
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Draft seals around window frames
Check draft seals around same
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? Exterior wall insulation
If exterior wall insulation has been upgraded, locate paperwork
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
? BER, Building Energy rating Certificate.
Check if BER cert recommends easy upgrades and consider implementing
Note Concerns: ________________________________________________________________
Actions Required: _______________________________________________________________
Notes