Inspect a Property
Learn how to inspect a property using Caretaker.
Read this guide before you start your inspection or have it on-hand while you are inspecting.
Steps to complete an inspection
Make sure you're in the correct room: Does the photo match what you see?
Review open issues: Scroll down and look at the issues that have already been reported and aren't resolved. Try to find them in the room, and update their status.
Add new issues: Report any issues you see that are not already included.
Bring a phone charger with you to the inspection so you can easily check the power outlets in each room.
What should you report?
When completing an inspection it's important to lookout for both urgent and mild, cosmetic issues.
- Urgent issues need to be repaired right away because they affect the core function of the home. This would include anything that is degrading the windows or doors, heat or cooling, running water or hot water.
- Non-urgent issues may be entirely superficial like stains or scuffs that will need to be re Before you start, understand the steps required for every property inspection. You will do each of these things for each room in the property:
Inspect the property
Look for an email or text message inviting you to inspect a property. Click the link provided.
This will take you to your mobile browser. Click Start Inspection
Whenever you exit the Inspect Property form, Caretaker saves a draft.
Start running the water in every bathroom and kitchen
Turn the water onto the cold setting first to make sure that there is cold running water. Now, turn the hot water all the way up. Leave everything running while you inspect the rest of the property.
Turn on the heat
Find the thermostat and turn the heat up to high. This will allow you to know that the heat is working by the end of your inspection.
Inspect entryway
The entryway is what keeps the property separate and protected from the outside world. Make sure it's functioning as it's supposed to and then look for cosmetic issues.
- Does the front door lock work?
- Does the doorbell work?
- Does the doorknob work?
- Are there any holes or stains on the door?
- Check light switches: Turn every light switch on and off to make sure the light works
- Power outlet check: Plug your phone in and confirm that it is charging
Inspect bedrooms
The most important thing to check in each bedroom is the CO2 and smoke detectors. Otherwise, issues in these rooms are mostly cosmetic.
- Do all exterior facing windows close and latch properly?
- Do you see smoke and CO2 detectors? Are they visibly on?
- Check light switches: Turn every light switch on and off to make sure the light works
- Power outlet check: Plug your phone in and confirm that it is charging
Inspect bathrooms
The water should have been running for at least one minute. Now you can look for signs of water leakage and make sure the hot water functions.
- Is the sink and shower water hot?
- Are they any signs of an active leak? Look underneath the sink and next to shower to confirm that no water is escaping from either.
- Is there a functioning exhaust fan?
- Report any cosmetic issues: cracks in mirrors or toilet seat, missing tiles, chipping paint, broken or missing towel racks and toilet paper holders
- Check light switches: Turn every light switch on and off to make sure the light works
- Power outlet check: Plug your phone in and confirm that it is charging
Inspect kitchen
The water should have been running for at least one minute. Look for active leaks (especially underneath the sink) and make sure it's hot.
- Do the stove burners turn on and off?
- Does the hood vent work?
- Is the fridge below 60 degrees Farhenheit?
- Is the freezer below 60 degrees Farhenheit?
- If there is a disposal, does it work?
- Check light switches: Turn every light switch on and off to make sure the light works
- Power outlet check: Plug your phone in and confirm that it is charging
Inspect outdoors
Outside refers to the exterior of the property and the yard if there is one.
- Are there any trees close enough to the property that they would damage the roof if they fell to one side?
- Is there anything visibly wrong with the home's exterior?
Review your work and lock the inspection report
You will not be able to change the inspection once you've submitted it, so make sure you didn't overlook anything.
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