Plumbing:
Locate the shut off valves to the water heater, stove (if gas) and toilets. Determine whether or not pipes are         galvanized (silver) or copper (brown).
Are the pipes free of corrosion?
Are the pipes free of leaks?
Is the water pressure good?
        (Test by flushing the toilet and running all faucets at the same time).
Are areas underneath the sinks free of leaks?
Determine the capacity or recovery rate. Should be a minimum of 30 gallons for a family of four.
Determine how old the hot water heater is.

Bathrooms:
Are there enough bathrooms for your family?
Are the tiles free of cracks?
Determine how long it takes to get hot water and proper ventilation.

Electric:
Are there at least two baseboard outlets in each room?
Does each room have overhead light fixtures operated by a wall switch?
Is the house free of exposed or worn electrical wiring?
Does the house have 100 AMP service?
Determine whether the house uses circuit breakers or fuses.
Do all light switches and lights attached to walls work properly?
        (Turn on all lights switches and lights that are permanently attached to walls).

Hot Water Heater:
Is there a shut off valve?
Is the hot water heater free of leaks and rust?

Floor:
Note that wall-to-wall carpeting can hide bad spots on floors.
Is the floor free of any sagging spots?
Are all areas of the floor strong and sturdy (non-sagging)?
Is the floor free of metal or any other types of patches?

Walls:
Are the walls and ceilings free of cracks and soft spots?
Are the walls and ceilings free of any bulges?
Are the walls and ceilings free of stains?
Are the walls free of peeling paint or wallpaper?
     (Note that wallpaper can hide bad spots)
Be sure to check behind the dropped ceiling.

Windows:
Are the areas around the windows free of cracking/peeling paint?
Is putty present to hold the windows in?
Do the windows open and close easily?
Do the windows close tightly?
Are the windowsills free of rot?
Are there storm windows?

Doors:
Do the doors close properly?
Do the doors have good locks?

Kitchen:
Determine what appliances are included.
Check for age and workability.
Are there enough shelves and counter space?
Are there enough electrical outlets?
Are there leaks under the sink?

Basement:
Is the basement floor free of damp or wet surfaces?
Is the basement free of the smell of gas?
Is the foundation free of crumbling?
Are the beams/joists free of damage or patches?
Is there enough lighting?

Roof:
Is the roof cracked or smooth?
If asbestos shingles are present, is the mineral covering worn off?
Is there a written guarantee for the roof? Is the ceiling free of brown spots?

Siding:
Are all clapboards, shingles and pieces firmly attached to the house?
        (Look for any loose or missing pieces, lifting or warping)

Brick:
Is the mortar free of cracks or deterioration/crumbling?
Are the bricks free of gaps?
Are painted surfaces free of peeling?

Foundation:
Is the foundation free of cracks and holes?
Is it even and level?

Gutters and Downspouts:
Are all gutters and downspouts present?
Are all gutters and downspouts free of rust?
Are all gutters and downspouts firmly attached to the house?
Do all gutters and downspouts carry water away from the house?

Porches:
Does the porch sag?
Do the boards appear to be rotten or warped?
Does the roof leak?
Are the supports strong?
Look underneath porches for soft or mildewed wood?
Are all concrete or brick surfaces free of cracks or crumbling mortar?
Is a sturdy stair rail present?