Things to look for at the beginning of an inspection
You don’t need to be a pro to spot the most common issues in a property. The first few minutes of an inspection can often tell you more than the rest of the walkthrough. Starting with the right mindset helps set the tone for the whole inspection.
There are certain signs that, if checked early, can quickly reveal a lot about a property’s condition. For example, checking the areas around a shower might show the first hints of mould before it turns into a major hazard. Similarly, a small crack in the wall of a new building might be an early sign of poor construction.
Why the start matters
The beginning of an inspection is where serious problems often show themselves first. Having a routine and knowing which areas to check early helps you spot telltale signs of water, structural, or safety issues before they escalate.
It wouldn’t make sense to spend time combing through a garage if mouldy pipes under the kitchen sink are left unchecked. First impressions set priorities for what needs closer attention during the rest of the inspection.
Key areas to check first
1. Water damage
- Ceilings, under sinks, around showers, toilets, and laundry areas
- Look for discoloration, soft spots, or musty smells
- Early signs here can save everyone from major costs later
2. Walls and ceilings
- Cracks, holes, peeling paint, or unusual marks
- Even new buildings can show cracks that point to construction issues
3. Entrances and exits
- Doors should seal properly, open and close smoothly, and lock securely
- Windows count as exits too and must be easy to operate in case of emergencies
4. Lighting and smoke alarms
- Switch on every light to confirm it works
- Test smoke alarms and note any missing or flat batteries
- Safety checks here are simple but essential
5. Trip hazards and safety concerns
- Loose railings, uneven steps, torn carpets, or exposed cords
- Anything that could cause injury should be flagged right away
Why this helps everyone
- Tenants get issues documented early, giving them more time to advocate for repairs
- Landlords can catch maintenance problems sooner, reducing long-term costs
- Inspectors save time and build credibility by focusing on the most important areas first
Quick tips for building the habit
- Take photos early on, especially of water sources and entrances
- Check things yourself before asking tenants about issues
- Bring a small light for dark spaces (under stairs, storage, garages)
- Keep a consistent flow: outside first, then entrances, then key rooms like kitchens and bathrooms
- Always test smoke alarms
- Use an inspection app like myInspections to stay consistent with checklists and keep photos, notes, and reports neatly organised in one place
You don’t need to be an expert to spot the big issues early. With a calm, methodical approach and a simple checklist, you can catch the important problems at the very start. And if you want to make inspections smoother, tools like myInspections help you capture everything as you go and generate clear, professional reports. Starting strong makes the rest of the inspection easier and more productive for everyone involved.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myInspections does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
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