Work through the checklist during the inspection and record anything you want to revisit. Not every item will apply to every property. Important observations should be verified through documents, searches or appropriate professional advice before you commit unconditionally.
Before you begin
Use the checklist on your phone or print it before attending. Take photographs where permitted and add brief notes so you can compare properties later.
Before the inspection, review the listing, location, approximate building age and any information already available. If the property remains of interest afterwards, continue with the Pre-Offer Checklist and investigate relevant planning controls, overlays, comparable sales and contract matters.
Before you walk through the door.
Spend a few minutes observing the street, access and surrounding properties. Conditions may differ at other times, so note anything worth checking again.
Observe the surrounding uses, general upkeep, traffic and anything that may affect how you would use or enjoy the property. Record what you see without assuming that the conditions are permanent.
Note traffic, aircraft, nearby businesses, schools, construction, visitors and other sources of noise. Conditions can change by hour, day and season, so consider returning at another relevant time.
Check whether the driveway, garage and street access suit your vehicles. Ask whether any parking space forms part of the title, common property or an exclusive use arrangement, then verify this through the relevant documents.
From accessible areas, look for erosion, staining, unusually damp ground, blocked drainage points or low areas where water may collect. These observations do not establish the cause or extent of a drainage issue.
Look for construction, vacant sites and development notices. Ask the agent about known proposals and search the relevant council development application portal for nearby properties if the location remains of interest.
What the building is telling you.
An open home may reveal visible signs worth investigating. It cannot establish their cause, seriousness or repair cost.
Water staining, mould, peeling paint or discolouration may have several possible causes. Note the location and ask whether the cause has been investigated or repaired.
Where access is permitted, look around and behind movable furniture for visible staining, damaged paint or changes in the wall surface. Do not move heavy items or assume furniture has been positioned to conceal a problem.
Only observe from a safe and readily accessible position. Note visible deterioration, moisture, damaged timber or uneven flooring and leave structural and termite assessment to appropriately qualified inspectors.
Sticking, gaps or poor alignment can result from ordinary wear, installation issues, moisture or building movement. Record anything that does not operate properly for further assessment.
Observe the roof only from ground level or another safe location. Note visible sagging, corrosion, damaged tiles, deteriorated gutters or unusual repairs. Do not climb onto the roof during an open home.
Note visible timber deterioration, corrosion, movement, damaged boards or loose railings. A visual observation cannot confirm structural capacity, compliance or safety.
An open home is only an initial screening. Arrange an appropriate building and pest inspection and any further specialist assessment required before proceeding unconditionally. No inspection can guarantee that every defect or compliance issue will be identified.
How the home works with the climate.
Orientation, shading and ventilation can influence comfort and energy use. Their effect depends on the complete design, surrounding buildings, vegetation and how the home is used.
Use a compass or site plan to record the direction of the main living spaces and outdoor areas. Consider when direct sun may enter and whether that suits the way you expect to use the home.
Note eaves, awnings, vegetation and adjustable shading around windows exposed to direct sun. Consider whether surrounding buildings or trees also affect daylight and heat.
Look for openable windows or doors on different sides of living areas and bedrooms. The usefulness of natural ventilation depends on local conditions, window placement, security, noise and the internal layout.
Note where fans are installed and whether they operate during the inspection. Age, condition, installation and electrical safety may require further assessment.
What is running the property.
These checks help record what is installed and what may need further information. They do not replace inspection by an appropriately licensed contractor.
Record whether the system is electric resistance, heat pump, solar, gas or another type. Ask for its approximate age, capacity, service history and any warranty information. Condition and expected replacement timing depend on the particular system.
Ask for the system size, installation date, inverter details, ownership information, warranties and available performance records. System size alone does not establish its condition, output or value to the buyer.
Observe the switchboard without opening or touching internal components. Record whether it appears dated and arrange assessment by a licensed electrician where its condition, capacity or suitability for future additions matters.
Where permitted, check that taps operate and note any visibly low or inconsistent pressure. Water pressure can be affected by several supply, pump, plumbing or fixture issues that require further investigation.
Turn fans on where permitted and note whether they operate. An open home check may not confirm where a fan discharges or whether the ventilation system is adequate.
What to ask before you leave.
The agent may be able to provide useful information, although important answers should be checked against the contract, seller disclosure documents, council records and other relevant evidence.
The preferred settlement date may affect whether the property suits your circumstances. The seller's personal reasons for selling may not be known or disclosed, so avoid relying on assumptions about motivation.
Ask about earlier campaigns, withdrawn listings and any previous contract that did not proceed. A prior campaign can have many explanations and does not establish a defect or problem with the property.
Record the response and request supporting information where available. The Queensland seller disclosure statement does not cover every matter, including structural soundness, pest infestation, flooding history, building approvals, planning restrictions, services or asbestos. These matters require separate investigation.
If short stay use matters to your decision, ask for the planning basis and current local law approval. Lawful use may depend on a development approval, accepted development requirements or existing use rights. Verify the position with Noosa Council and confirm whether an approval must be transferred or changed, or whether a new application is required.
Ask about the house, decks, sheds, pools, secondary dwellings, extensions and other improvements. Missing or incomplete approval records may affect future work, insurance, finance, resale or possible rectification. Verify the position through searches and appropriate professional advice.
An open home helps you decide whether the property warrants further investigation. Record what you observe, identify the questions that remain and complete the relevant searches, inspections and professional reviews before committing.