A house appraisal is a professional assessment of a property’s market value, typically required during the buying, selling, or refinancing process. Licensed appraisers evaluate various aspects of the property to determine its fair market value. Here’s what they typically check:

Key Areas Appraisers Examine

1. Physical Condition of the Home

• Exterior: Quality and condition of the roof, foundation, siding, windows, and landscaping.
• Interior: State of walls, floors, ceilings, and finishes such as hardwood floors or granite countertops.
• Structural Features: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, layout, and overall design functionality.
• Amenities: Presence and condition of features like garages, decks, pools, fireplaces, basements, and attics (finished or unfinished).
• Systems: Age and quality of plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems.
• Appliances: Type and condition of major appliances, especially if they are built-in or considered part of the property.
• Signs of Damage: Evidence of water leaks, cracks, mold, pest infestations, or other issues that could affect value.

2. Improvements and Upgrades

• Recent renovations or updates to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, or mechanical systems.
• Energy-efficient features such as HVAC upgrades or energy star appliances.

3. Lot and Site Characteristics

• Size, shape, and topography of the lot.
• Vehicular access, driveway type, and presence of easements.
• Zoning classification and any special hazards (e.g., flood zones).
• Proximity to amenities like schools, hospitals, shops, and public transportation.

4. Neighborhood and Location

• Overall condition and character of the neighborhood.
• Recent sales prices of comparable homes (“comps”) in the area.
• Market trends and local real estate conditions.
• School district and accessibility to major roads.

5. Safety and Compliance

• Presence of safety features such as handrails on stairs.
• Adequate ventilation in attics and crawlspaces.
• Proper lot drainage away from the home.

Summary Table: What Appraisers Check

Area	What’s Checked
Physical Condition	Roof, foundation, walls, floors, windows, appliances, systems
Amenities & Features	Garage, pool, fireplaces, basement, attic, energy efficiency
Lot & Site	Size, shape, access, zoning, hazards, landscaping
Neighborhood	Comparable sales, market trends, local amenities, school district
Improvements/Upgrades	Renovations, new systems, energy-efficient features
Safety/Compliance	Handrails, drainage, ventilation

Additional Notes

• Appraisers do not evaluate décor or removable items.
• The appraisal process includes both a physical inspection and research into comparable properties.
• The final value is influenced by both the condition of the property and local market data.

Understanding these factors can help homeowners prepare for an appraisal and potentially maximize their home’s appraised value.