This guide is to help you identify common faults which need repairing. It will give you a clear idea of the kind of problems to look for as you walk around your home. The guide concentrates mainly on items which just need repairing, but also covers some items that could be a danger and make your home unsafe.

This guide will cover:
1 questions which apply to all rooms and areas;
2 bathrooms;
3 shared areas such as landings and stairs;
4 kitchens; and
5 inspections outside.
The main problems to look for are:
•dampness;
•any part of a property that doesn’t work in the way it should;
•any service (for example gas, water, electricity or drainage) which does not work as it should;
•any items that could affect the health, safety or comfort of any person in the
household; and

•any part of a property that is damaged by dampness or wear and tear or has perhaps been damaged by other repair work.

This is not a full list. We have to include less frequent problems which need more detailed explanation. The checklist should help cover over 90% of faults you are likely to find.