Print out this checklist to identify areas inside your home that need work prior to putting it on the market.

Print out and use both the inside and outside checklists to identify areas of your home that need work prior to putting it on the market.

INSIDE THE HOME

Attic
 Check underside of roof for leaks, stains or dampness.

 Look around chimney for condensation or signs of water.

 Clean and clear ventilation openings if necessary.

 Clean out stored junk.

Walls and ceilings
 Check condition of paint and wallpaper.

 Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster or wallboard.

Windows and doors
 Check for smooth operation.

 Replace broken or cracked panes.

 Repair glazing.

 Check condition of weather stripping and caulking.

 Examine paint.

 Test doorbell or chimes.

 Test burglar alarms.

 Wash windows and woodwork.

Floors
 Inspect for creaking boards, loose or missing tiles, worn areas.

 Check baseboards and moldings.

 Test the staircases for loose handrails, posts, treads.

 Clean carpets.

Bathrooms
 Check tile joints, grouting and caulking.

 Remove mildew.

 Repair faucets and shower heads that are dripping.

 Check the condition of painted or papered walls.

 Test operation of toilet.

Kitchen
 Wash all appliances.

 Clean ventilator or exhaust fan.

 Remove accumulation of grease or dust from tiles, walls, cabinets, floors.

Basement
 Remove clutter.

 Check for signs of dampness, cracked walls or damaged floors.

 Inspect structural beams.

 Check pipes for leaks.

Electrical system
 Check exposed wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage.

 Repair broken switches and outlets.

 Label each circuit or fuse.

Plumbing system
 Check water pressure when taps in bathroom(s) and kitchen are turned on.

 Look for leaks at faucets and sink traps.

 Clear slow-running or clogged drains.

 Bleed air off radiators if needed, and check for leaking valves.

Heating/cooling systems
 Change or clean filters from furnace and air-conditioning equipment.

 Have equipment serviced if needed.

 Clear and clean area around heating and cooling equipment.

OUTSIDE THE HOME

Roof and gutters
 Repair or replace loose, damaged or blistered shingles.

 Clean gutters and downspout strainers.

 Check gutters for leaks and proper alignment.

 Inspect flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights and chimneys.

 Clear obstructions from vents, louvers and chimneys.

 Check fascias and soffits for decay and peeling paint.

 Inspect chimney for any loose or missing mortar.

Exterior walls and doors
 Renail loose siding and check for warping or decay.

 Paint siding if necessary.

 Check masonry walls for cracks or any other damage.

 Replace loose or missing caulking.

 Apply fresh coat of paint to front door.

Driveway
 Repair concrete or blacktop if necessary.

Garage
 Lubricate hinges and other hardware on your garage door.

 Inspect doors and windows for any peeling paint.

 Check condition of glazing around all windows.

 Test electrical outlets.

Foundation
 Check walls, steps, retaining walls, walkways and patios for cracks, heaving or crumbling.

Yard
 Mow and edge lawn, reseed or sod if necessary.

 Trim hedges, prune trees and shrubs.

 Weed and mulch flowerbeds.

Kiplinger.com
March 22, 2003