🏠 The Home Buyer’s Kitchen Inspection Checklist
Print this out or save it to your phone for your next home tour!
1. The Layout & Flow
[ ] The Work Zone: Is there a clear, unobstructed path between the sink, fridge, and stove?
[ ] Clearance: Open the dishwasher and oven at the same time. Do they hit each other or block the walkway?
[ ] Counter Space: Is there enough "landing space" next to the stove and microwave for hot plates?
[ ] Island Proportion: If there is an island, can you walk around it comfortably without squeezing?
2. Cabinetry & Storage
[ ] Drawer Construction: Pull a drawer all the way out. Are the corners dovetailed (interlocking wood) or just stapled?
[ ] The "Slam" Test: Do the doors and drawers have soft-close hinges, or do they bounce/bang?
[ ] Alignment: Look down the line of cabinets. Are all the doors level, or are some sagging or crooked?
[ ] Specialty Storage: Are there pull-out trash bins, spice racks, or deep pot drawers?
3. Plumbing & Appliances
[ ] Under-Sink Check: Use a flashlight to look for water stains, warped wood, or active drips.
[ ] Water Pressure: Turn on the kitchen faucet. Does the pressure drop if you flush a nearby toilet?
[ ] Drainage: Does the sink drain quickly, or does the water pool up?
[ ] Appliance Age: Check the manufacture dates (usually on a sticker inside the door) for the dishwasher and fridge.
4. Electrical & Ventilation
[ ] Outlet Abundance: Are there outlets every few feet along the backsplash for your toaster, blender, and coffee maker?
[ ] GFCI Protection: Do the outlets near the sink have "Test/Reset" buttons (required for safety)?
[ ] The Vent Hood: Turn the stove fan on high. Does it actually vent to the outside, or just blow air back at your forehead?
[ ] Lighting Layers: Is there task lighting (under-cabinet) in addition to the main ceiling lights?
5. Surface Integrity
[ ] Countertop Condition: Check for chips in granite, scorched marks on laminate, or cracks in quartz.
[ ] Floor Level: Bring a small marble or ball. Does it roll aggressively toward one corner of the kitchen? (This may indicate foundation settling).
[ ] Backsplash Grout: Is the grout clean and intact, or is it crumbling behind the sink?
Pro-Tip for the Open House:
Don't be afraid to get on your knees and look under the cabinets. The prettiest kitchens can sometimes hide the messiest plumbing!
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