How to use the living room inspection checklist

Bring this living room checklist with you when you are conducting property inspection walkthroughs during your property purchase journey. It’s intended to be a foundational list of areas to always check before you look at submitting an offer or hiring a professional property inspector.

Useful items to bring to an open home property inspection for living rooms

• Measuring tape
• Phone charger to test if all the powerpoint outlets work

Living room checklist

Space requirements

• Can it fit all the furniture in the space?
  • TV and entertainment console (TV stand)
  • Couch / sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Rug
  • Shelves and storage needs
  • Depending on the apartment layout, you may need to consider if you also need to fit a dining table in this space
• Can you arrange the furniture in the way I want with the space I have?
  • Tip: Check the placements of the antennae port and powerpoint outlets

Walls and ceilings

• Look for any cracks, water stains, mold, or signs of damage on the walls and ceilings
• Check for signs of recent paint or repairs that could be hiding issues
• Some properties during inspections may try and hide damages or any signs of defects using furniture, hanging painting on the wall or cover up the entire wall with wallpaper
• In older homes, minor cracks in the ceiling due to settling may be common. However, pay attention to any cracks that appear to be widening or extending, as they may indicate ongoing structural issues. It usually starts as a hairline crack and widens over time.

Flooring

• Examine the condition of the flooring (e.g. timber, carpet, tile) for any signs of damage, stains, or wear and tear
• If tile, check the condition of the grout and whether you need to think about resealing or replacing
• Check for uneven floorboards and loud creaks by walking over the floorboards. You should also check to see if any floorboard have started coming loose at the edges

Windows and doors

• Ensure windows and doors open and close smoothly and fully. Windows and doors that don’t close properly will reduce the energy efficiency of your home
• Check for any drafts or air leaks around windows and doors, which could affect energy efficiency

Electrical and outlets

• Test all light fixtures and switches to ensure they work correctly
• Check for any exposed wiring or electrical issues
• Test all electrical outlets to ensure they are functional. Bring along a phone charger would be easiest to plug in and out quickly
• Count if there sufficient amount of powerpoint outlets for the dining room
• Look for any exposed wiring or outdated electrical systems

Heating and cooling

• Test the heating and cooling systems in the dining room, such as radiators, vents, or air conditioning units
• Think about the temperature of the room and whether you need to have a fan or aircon
• Check for any unusual noises or odors from these systems

Ventilation

• Ensure there is proper ventilation in the dining room, usually through vents or windows.
• Check for signs of mold or mildew, which could indicate poor ventilation
• Condition of curtains / blinds installed and whether you can open and close them smoothly

Checklists for inspection walkthroughs by room