Pre-Offer House Walkthrough Checklist

How to use this guide

Use this resource to prepare observations and questions, not to approve or reject a property by itself. Record locations, patterns, odors, sounds, dates, and seller disclosures so a qualified professional has useful context.

Start with safety and active water concerns, then review structure, exterior drainage, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interiors, and installed appliances.

Practical checklist

• Walk the exterior before entering and note drainage, roofline, siding, foundation exposure, and site slope.
• Notice strong odors, active leaks, standing water, fresh localized paint, or inaccessible areas.
• Record the apparent age and fuel type of major systems without opening equipment.
• Check whether room layout, stairs, windows, doors, and storage fit your practical needs.
• List questions for disclosures, permits, additions, repairs, insurance, and specialty inspections.

Questions worth asking

• Can an inspection contingency and adequate access be included?
• Are there seller disclosures, prior reports, claims, permits, or repair invoices?
• Which utilities will be on for the inspection?
• Are detached structures, wells, septic systems, pools, chimneys, or other features present?
• Which observed areas need closer review by the inspector?

Turn observations into decisions

Separate urgent safety issues from maintenance items and cosmetic defects. Ask for written scope, assumptions, exclusions, and price ranges from the appropriate professional. Your contract, contingency deadlines, local law, and risk tolerance determine what happens next.