Kitchen and Residential Design: The Home Buyer’s Kitchen Inspection Checklist

🏠 The Home Buyer’s Kitchen Inspection Checklist

Print this out or save it to your phone for your next home tour!

[ ] 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?

[ ] 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?

[ ] 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.

[ ] 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?

[ ] 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?

Don't be afraid to get on your knees and look under the cabinets. The prettiest kitchens can sometimes hide the messiest plumbing!