Home Buyer Appliance Inspection Checklist

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and the condition of the included appliances can significantly impact your budget after closing. A home's appliances represent $5,000–$15,000 in value, yet most home buyers give them only a cursory glance during walkthroughs. This guide helps you conduct a thorough appliance inspection that could save you thousands of dollars in unexpected replacement costs.

Why Appliance Inspection Matters

Standard home inspections cover the basics — does it turn on, does it have visible damage — but rarely test appliances thoroughly. A home inspector is not an appliance technician. They may miss subtle signs of wear or impending failure that an experienced eye would catch.

Knowing the true condition of a home's appliances empowers you to:

Negotiate the purchase price based on appliance conditions
Request seller credits for appliances that need imminent replacement
Budget accurately for repairs and replacements after closing
Prioritize improvements once you move in
Avoid unpleasant surprises like a refrigerator dying during your first week

Before the Inspection: What to Bring

Come prepared with these items:

Appliance thermometer (to verify fridge and oven temperatures)
Flashlight (to inspect behind and beneath appliances)
Smartphone (to photograph model numbers and serial numbers)
Notepad or this checklist (to record observations)
Level (to check washer and dryer alignment)

Refrigerator Inspection

The refrigerator is the most expensive kitchen appliance to replace and operates 24/7, making its condition critical.

Key Checks

Age: Look for the model and serial number (usually on a plate inside the fridge or on the back). Use the manufacturer's website to determine the manufacture date. Fridges over 10 years old may need replacement within a few years.
Temperature: Place your thermometer inside. The fridge should be 35–38°F, the freezer 0°F. If temperatures are off, the thermostat, compressor, or sealed system may be failing.
Compressor sound: Listen to the compressor. It should hum quietly. Clicking, buzzing, or grinding sounds indicate problems.
Door seals: Check gaskets for cracks, tears, and flexibility. Perform the dollar bill test.
Interior condition: Look for cracks in shelves, broken drawers, and signs of water leaks or ice buildup.
Ice maker and water dispenser: Test both if present. Check for leaks around water connections.
Condenser coils: Look behind or beneath the fridge. Heavily clogged coils suggest poor maintenance history.
Exterior condition: Note dents, rust, or peeling finish that might indicate age or rough handling.

Red Flags

Compressor running constantly without cycling off
Frost buildup in the freezer (defrost system failure)
Water on the floor near the fridge
Unusual noises
Temperature significantly off from settings

Estimated Value

Under 5 years old, good condition: $500–$1,500 value
5–10 years old, good condition: $200–$800 value
Over 10 years old: $0–$200 value (budget for replacement)

Washing Machine Inspection

Washers take significant physical stress and have multiple failure points.

Key Checks

Age and model: Record the information. Washers over 8 years old (front-loader) or 12 years old (top-loader) are approaching end-of-life.
Run a cycle: If possible, run a short wash cycle and observe the entire process: fill, agitate/tumble, drain, and spin.
Vibration and noise: Excessive vibration during spin suggests worn bearings, shock absorbers, or an unlevel machine.
Leaks: Check the floor around and beneath the machine during and after the cycle.
Hoses: Inspect supply hoses for bulges, cracks, or corrosion at connections. Rubber hoses should be replaced every 5 years.
Drain: Verify the machine drains completely and promptly.
Door seal (front-loader): Check for mold, mildew, tears, or a foul smell — signs of poor maintenance.
Drum condition: Look inside for rust, chipping, or foreign objects.

Red Flags

Rumbling noise during spin (bearing failure)
Mold or mildew smell (especially front-loaders)
Visible rust in the drum
Old rubber supply hoses (flood risk)
Machine walks or rocks during spin

Estimated Value

Under 5 years old, good condition: $300–$800 value
5–10 years old, good condition: $100–$400 value
Over 10 years old: $0–$150 value

Dryer Inspection

Dryer condition directly impacts safety. Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires.

Key Checks

Age and model: Record and research. Dryers typically last 10–13 years.
Run a cycle: Start a timed dry cycle and verify the drum turns, heat is produced, and the machine runs smoothly.
Heat output: After 5 minutes, the exhaust vent outside should blow warm air.
Noise: Listen for grinding, squealing, or thumping — signs of worn bearings, pulleys, or drum rollers.
Vent system: This is critical for safety.
- Check the exterior vent flap — it should open when the dryer runs
- Look at the vent hose material — rigid metal is ideal, flexible plastic or foil is a fire risk
- Assess the vent path length — shorter and straighter is better
- Ask when the vent was last professionally cleaned
Lint trap: Check the lint trap area with a flashlight. Excessive lint buildup inside the housing suggests poor maintenance.
Gas dryer specifics: Check for gas smell near the connection. Verify the gas shutoff valve is accessible and functional.

Red Flags

Lint visible around or behind the dryer
Plastic or foil vent hose (fire risk)
No exterior vent (dryer venting into the house — a code violation in most areas)
Burning smell during operation
Excessive heat from the dryer exterior

Estimated Value

Under 5 years old, good condition: $250–$700 value
5–10 years old, good condition: $100–$350 value
Over 10 years old: $0–$150 value

Dishwasher Inspection

Dishwashers are relatively affordable to replace but can cause water damage if leaking.

Key Checks

Age and model: Record information. Dishwashers last 9–12 years on average.
Run a cycle: Start a normal wash cycle and monitor for the first 10 minutes.
Leaks: Check the floor in front of and beneath the dishwasher during operation.
Noise level: Modern dishwashers are quite quiet (42–50 dB). Loud operation suggests older technology or failing components.
Spray arms: Open mid-cycle (carefully) and check that water is spraying from both upper and lower arms.
Interior condition: Look for rust, chipping, or calcium deposits on the tub walls.
Rack condition: Check for broken tines, rust, and smooth roller operation.
Door seal: Inspect the gasket around the door for wear, cracks, or mold.
Filter: Check if the filter is clean — a clogged filter indicates poor maintenance.

Red Flags

Water stains on the floor or cabinet adjacent to the dishwasher
Rust inside the tub
Excessive noise during operation
Door that does not latch securely
Foul odor when the door is opened

Estimated Value

Under 5 years old, good condition: $250–$600 value
5–9 years old, good condition: $100–$300 value
Over 9 years old: $0–$100 value

Oven and Range Inspection

Ovens have the longest lifespan of kitchen appliances (15–20 years) but are expensive to replace.

Key Checks

Age and model: Record information.
Temperature accuracy: If you can, test with an oven thermometer at 350°F.
All burners (range): Turn on each burner and verify it lights promptly and burns evenly.
Bake and broil elements (electric): Turn each on and look for even, consistent glowing.
Igniter function (gas): The oven should ignite within 60–90 seconds of turning on.
Door condition: The door should close firmly and seal properly. Check hinges and gasket.
Self-clean function: Ask if it works (do not test during inspection — too time-consuming and risky).
Range hood: Test the fan and light. Check the grease filter condition.
Control panel: Test all buttons, knobs, and display functions.

Red Flags

Gas smell when oven is off (gas leak)
Uneven burner flames
Oven takes more than 25 minutes to preheat
Cracked or blistered heating elements
Broken or missing knobs
Damaged cooktop surface (smooth-top ranges)

Estimated Value

Under 5 years old, good condition: $500–$2,000 value
5–12 years old, good condition: $200–$800 value
Over 12 years old: $0–$300 value

How to Use Inspection Findings in Negotiations

Armed with your appliance assessment, you have several negotiation strategies:

Request a Price Reduction

If appliances are near end-of-life, calculate the replacement cost and ask for a corresponding reduction in the home price. For example, if the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer all need replacement within 2 years, that is $2,500–$4,000 in upcoming expenses.

Request a Seller Credit

Instead of a price reduction, ask for a credit at closing specifically for appliance replacement. This is often easier for sellers to agree to because it does not change the sale price.

Request Repair Before Closing

For specific issues (like a leaking dishwasher or a dryer venting improperly), you can request that the seller fix the problem before closing. Get verification that repairs were performed by a licensed professional.

Factor Into Your Offer

If you are in a competitive market, factor appliance conditions into your offer price rather than negotiating after the fact.

Post-Purchase Priority List

Once you have closed on the home, address appliance issues in this priority order:

Safety hazards first: Fix any gas leaks, improper dryer venting, or electrical issues immediately.
Water damage risks: Address leaking washers or dishwashers before they damage floors and subfloors.
Maintenance backlog: Clean refrigerator coils, dryer vents, and dishwasher filters.
Replacements: Budget for appliances identified as near end-of-life. Consider buying during major sale events (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday).

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a separate appliance inspection when buying a home? A separate appliance inspection is not common but can be valuable for homes with high-end appliances or older units. Alternatively, use this checklist during your regular walkthrough or inspection period.

Are home sellers required to disclose appliance problems? Disclosure requirements vary by state, but most states require sellers to disclose known material defects, which can include non-functional appliances. However, a seller may not know about impending failures.

Should I buy a home warranty for appliance coverage? A home warranty ($300–$600 per year) can provide peace of mind for the first year, especially if appliances are older. Understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions before purchasing.

What is the total cost to replace all major kitchen appliances? Budget $3,000–$6,000 for a mid-range set of refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave. For laundry, add $1,000–$2,000 for a washer and dryer set.

Can I ask the seller how old the appliances are? Yes. Many sellers include appliance age in the property disclosure. You can also determine the age from model and serial numbers on the appliances themselves.

Need a Professional Appliance Assessment? Call EasyBear

Buying a home is a major investment. Do not leave appliance condition to guesswork. EasyBear offers professional pre-purchase appliance inspections that go far beyond what a standard home inspector covers. Our technicians assess every major appliance for current condition, estimated remaining lifespan, and potential repair needs.

Book a pre-purchase appliance inspection with EasyBear. We provide a detailed written report you can use in negotiations, and if repairs are needed after closing, we are ready to help. Transparent, trustworthy, and thorough — that is the EasyBear difference.

Home Buyer Appliance Inspection Checklist