Start Outside, Before You Even Walk In
Good open home practice starts with the exterior — spending 5–10 minutes checking the roof, cladding, foundations, and drainage before you even step inside. Exterior issues often signal bigger problems, and it's easy to miss them once you're distracted by fresh paint and staging indoors.
Once inside, look past the styling for the practical signs: water stains on ceilings, cracks in walls, musty smells, soft floors, poor ventilation, and dated electrical or plumbing systems.
What to Check
Work through these systematically at every open home.
Roof and cladding
Look for wear, leaks, or visible damage to roofing materials and exterior cladding.
Foundation and structure
Check walls for significant cracks and look for signs of shifting in the foundation.
Plumbing and taps
Test taps, check water pressure, and look for leaks around pipes under sinks.
Electrical systems
Ensure switches and outlets function, and check for any visible wiring issues.
Water Stains and Musty Smells
Soft or Uneven Floors
Always inspect the exterior first for 5–10 minutes before entering — exterior issues often indicate bigger problems inside.
Quick Summary
- Start outside — roof, cladding, foundation and drainage before you go in.
- Look past the staging for water stains, cracks, smells, and dated systems.
- A short, structured checklist at every open home helps you compare properties fairly.