A Complete Property Inspection Checklist For Your New Home
Getting the keys to your new home is always an exciting event, but ensure that you conduct a thorough property inspection to check for any defects as soon as possible.
As soon as your vacant possession is delivered and you get the keys to your new home, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start checking. According to the Housing Development Act, all new properties have a defect liability period of 24 months. Think of it as a warranty period for your developer to fix any defects your house may have for free.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve compiled a thorough checklist of things you need to inspect in your new home. From the internal and external elements to the inner workings of your home (electrical and plumbing), ensure these are all functioning well before you move in. This way, you reduce any unwanted hassles.
| External | Inspect the external paint job for inconsistencies and patchiness. |
| If you have a balcony or porch, test the evenness of the floors. Ensure water will flow out of the porch or balcony properly without stagnating. Check the tiling for consistency and cracks. | |
| Check for damaged or missing roof elements, such as shingles. | |
| Ensure your gates and front doors are aligned. Check that they open and close with no trouble. | |
| Check for cracks or water marks and stains on the walls and pillars. | |
| Ensure your gutters and drains are neither leaking nor blocked. | |
| Internal | Check your walls for uneven surfaces, poor paint jobs, cracks, and watermarks. |
| Inspect your doors and windows. Ensure that they open and close with no issue and that the hinges work well. There should be no cracks or damage to the glass. | |
| Ensure that the doorknobs and locks are functioning perfectly. Test all the keys that you have been provided to ensure they work. | |
| Your floors and tiled areas should be even with no cracks, damages, or discolouration. Wall tiles should consistently join your flooring. Tiled areas should not sound hollow when knocked. | |
| Ceilings should have no stains, cracks, watermarks, or uneven paint. | |
| If your home has built-in cabinets and countertops, check for scratches, dents, and other defects. Your drawers and cupboards should open and close with no difficulty. | |
| Electrical | Check your doorbell. |
| Turn all the lights in your house. They should not flicker. Report any missing bulbs or defective lights. Inspect your light switches—they should be installed neatly with no gaps. | |
| Check the ceiling fans and air conditioners. Ensure they are in working condition and come with the proper accessories such as remote controls. | |
| Ensure that your power outlets are all in working condition. Use a small electrical device like a phone charger to test this. | |
| Plumbing | Check all your taps for scratches or leaks. Turn them on to ensure they’re in working condition. Observe the water pressure while you’re at it. Pressure that’s too low signals a problem with the plumbing. |
| Flush your toilet bowls to check that they’re working and not blocked. | |
| Turn on your water heater and keep it running for approximately five minutes. You want to ensure that the heating element works and is consistent. | |
| Ensure that your sinks, showers, and bathtubs drain properly. There should be no signs of rust or stains. Check for any stagnating water, especially in the toilets or shower area. | |
| Check the drainage system by allowing the water to run in your kitchen, bathroom, and sinks. It should not be blocked. |
Planning to get your own home soon? M Vertica will be announcing its vacant possession soon. There are still some units left for sale, so head to our showrooms to reserve your unit! Once you get your keys, use this handy checklist as your guide.
