Kitchen checklist during residential apartment inspections for home buyers

Below is a list of items to check as you go to your residential apartment kitchen inspections

Useful items to bring to an apartment kitchen inspection

• Measuring tape
• Phone charger to test if all the powerpoints work

Kitchen checklist

• Dishwasher: works, signs of any wear and tear or leaks?
• Open and close all kitchen windows and kitchen appliance doors to make sure they function properly and smoothly
• lights turn on/off
• Test the appliances and see if they work
• Cabinet space
• Does the fridge space fit the fridge size you have or expect to buy?

Kitchen stove

• Is the kitchen stove gas/induction or other?
• Check if the exhaust fan / rangehood in the kitchen works and check if it is powerful

Kitchen sink

• Consider if the size of the sink makes it easy to wash everyday
• Check to see if the sinks have rounded corners. Sharp corners of the sink allows easy build up of mould and is difficult to clean
• Check the water tap pressure and how long it takes for you wash up

Considerations for the kitchen

If you plan to cook often at home, consider the amount of bench top space there is for food preparation and any additional appliances you may purchase such as microwave, toasters, air fryer, rice cooker and other appliance.

If you love to cook and entertain guests, make sure you have ample bench top space for all the food you will be making.

Tips for apartment inspections

• Video record on your phone: Ask the real estate agent if you can video record during open inspections, usually they are accommodating unless there is an existing tenant living there to take into consideration. A video recording can really help jog your memory of a particular apartment unit you inspected after a whole day of inspections.
• Ask for a private inspection: If you are interested in the property after a first round of open inspections, ask for a private inspection as the second round. This is where you can look at the property and take your time to inspect everything again to make sure you have not missed anything.
• Ask to see the building facilities and carpark: The facilities and carpark of the apartment block can be a great way to see if the overall property is being maintained by strata management.
• Ask a neighbour: If you bump into a neighbour during your inspection, this can be a great way to ask about their experiences living in the building, just ask if they are comfortable sharing first.
• Check during different times of day: Open apartment inspections are usually done during the most ideal times of day. It will be a good idea to check in your own time the following if you are serious about making an offer: Weekday/weekend peak hour traffic and evening times. See if noise levels and traffic levels are within your tolerance.