When you buy a house, the appliances that come with it are usually a footnote in the contract and a few lines in the inspection report. General home inspectors typically run a quick operational check on built-in appliances, but they're not there to diagnose them, and the report often says little more than "operated at time of inspection." If the dishwasher, range or refrigerator matters to you, spend 30 minutes on your own checks during the inspection window, while there's still time to negotiate.
The table runs room by room. Take photos of every label as you go; you'll need the model numbers later.
Room-by-room checklist
| Room | Appliance | What to check | Ask the seller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Refrigerator | Cold air from vents, no frost buildup, door seals grip, ice maker produces ice, no water under the crisper drawers | Is it included? How old is it? |
| Kitchen | Range or cooktop | Every burner lights or heats, oven reaches temperature, door closes firmly, anti-tip bracket installed | Gas or electric? Any burner issues? |
| Kitchen | Dishwasher | Runs a short cycle, drains fully, no leak at the door or underneath, racks roll freely | When was it installed? |
| Kitchen | Microwave (over-range or built-in) | Heats, turntable spins, exhaust fan and light work, door closes firmly | Has it been replaced? |
| Kitchen | Range hood | Fan runs at all speeds, filter is clean, ducted to outside or recirculating | Where does it vent? |
| Laundry or garage | Washer | Fills, agitates, drains and spins; hoses not bulged or cracked | Are washer and dryer included? |
| Laundry or garage | Dryer | Heats; vent is metal and exits outdoors; hood flap moves freely | When was the vent last cleaned? |
| Garage | Second fridge or freezer | Holds temperature; rated for garage use if the garage gets hot | Is it staying? |
| Bar or patio | Wine cooler, beverage center, ice maker | Cooling and fans work; drain line clear on ice makers | Was it built in? |
| Throughout | Smoke and CO alarms | Present, test properly, CO alarms near sleeping areas | Ages of the alarms? |
What to look up afterward
Age
Many manufacturers encode the manufacture date in the serial number. A search for the brand plus "serial number date code" usually explains how to read it. Knowing that a dishwasher is three years old versus fifteen changes how you think about it.
Recalls
Search each model on the CPSC's recall site and on the manufacturer's site. Our step-by-step recall search explains where the labels are and how to read the results. An unaddressed recall is something to raise with the seller and the manufacturer.
Warranty
Newer appliances may still be under the manufacturer's warranty. Ask the seller for receipts and registration details so you can transfer coverage where the manufacturer allows it.
Things inspectors commonly note in San Diego homes
- Dryer vents in older garages that run a long way or end in the attic.
- Gas connectors on ranges and dryers that are old enough to replace.
- Corrosion on refrigerators, washers and outdoor appliances in homes close to the beach.
- Scale around dishwasher and refrigerator water connections, from hard water.
- Missing anti-tip brackets on freestanding ranges.
In mid-century neighborhoods like Clairemont or La Mesa, expect some kitchens and laundry areas to have been updated in stages, so the appliances may be newer than the hookups that serve them.
Condos and HOAs
If you're buying a condo, ask what the HOA covers. In some buildings the washer and dryer hookups, dryer exhaust run or water heater are shared or maintained by the association; in others, everything inside the unit is yours. High-rise buildings often have rules about moving appliances in and out, including elevator reservations and delivery hours, which matters if you plan to replace anything soon after closing. Get the rules in writing before the contingency period ends.
Using what you find
If an appliance included in the sale isn't working, you can typically ask the seller to repair it, offer a credit, or accept it as is. Your agent will know what's typical in your situation. A written estimate from an appliance technician gives you something concrete to negotiate with; our technicians can provide one after a diagnostic visit. For dishwashers, see our dishwasher repair page; for ranges, the used range checklist goes into more detail.
Closing day
Run the checks one more time at the final walkthrough. Appliances sometimes get swapped or damaged during a move-out. Confirm that what's in the kitchen matches the model numbers you photographed, and that everything still runs. Then put those photos in the same folder as your closing documents.