Home Inspection Checklist

Home Inspection Checklist

If you are working with a professional inspector, he or she should know what to look for. However, it’s also important for investors to be able to identify crucial inspection components. The more one knows about the process, the easier they will be able to evaluate a property of their own. Having said that, there are six categories to focus on:

1. Foundation: Evaluate the property’s foundation and whether or not it will pose any problems down the road.
2. Structure: Take a close look at the structural integrity of the home, as it will determine several other factors moving forward.
3. Exterior: Examine the exterior. Don’t leave any stone unturned, whether it’s on the roof or in the yard.
4. Interior: Walk through the house and be critical of everything you see.
5. Plumbing/HVAC: Don’t forget to take a look at the property’s plumbing and HVAC unit, as both are big-ticket items worthy of a closer inspection.
6. Electrical: While harder to examine than just about everything else, it pays to have an idea of how the home’s electrical system is operating.

With that out of the way, here’s an extensive list of questions to ask yourself when referencing a home inspection checklist.

Foundation, Structure, and Exterior

• Is the visible foundation in good condition?
• Are there cracks or shifts in foundation at the base of the walls and ceiling?
• Is there proper drainage carrying water away from the house?
• Are there any obvious soggy areas in the landscaping?
• Is there any evidence of standing water?
• Are there leaks in the septic tank?
• Is there any evidence of termite damage or rotted wood?
• Are windows and door frames square or bowed?
• Are there large cracks in the stucco?
• Is the exterior paint stained, peeling, or faded?
• Does the home look as though it will need repairs in the near future?
• Is the roof decaying?
• Does the roof have patching?
• Is the chimney in good condition?
• Do the gutters properly drain?
• Is the siding cracked, loose, rotted, or decayed?

Interior

• Are there any strange odors coming from inside the home?
• Are any appliances included in the purchase of the home? (I.e. refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.)
• Is there evidence of proper insulation?
• Have the electrical outlets been tested?
• Are there stains or other damages on the floors?
• Will any flooring need to be replaced?
• Are there an adequate number of electrical outlets in every room?
• Do windows and doors operate properly?
• Are the joints around window frames caulked?
• Is there leakage in or around sinks?
• Is the water pressure adequate?
• Is there sufficient ventilation throughout the home?
• Do toilets operate properly?
• Can you easily spot the required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
• Are there stains on the underside of the roofing in the attic?
• Does the attic have sufficient insulation and ventilation?
• Are there any open electrical splices in the attic?

Plumbing & HVAC

• Do pipes leak?
• Are pipes rusted or damaged?
• Is the water pump in working condition?
• Does the hot water temperature exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit?
• Do pipes restrict water flow?
• Does every room in the home receive sufficient air flow?
• Does the cooling unit appear rusty?
• Have the air filters in the cooling unit been replaced recently?
• Is there a history of asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes, are air ducts?
• Can you smell gas?

Electrical

• Are there any exposed splices?
• Are cables secured and protected?
• Can you locate the service panel?
• Are fuses or breakers overheating?