Home Inspection Checklist

Home Inspection Essentials

Although architectural details, wall and floor coverings, modern conveniences, and many other factors are important in the buying decision, the focus of the inspection is on the safety, structural, mechanical, and electrical condition of the property.

The inspection is designed to give the prospective buyer a better understanding of how the systems work and any readily accessible major flaws or deficiencies in the components and systems of the home. The home inspection is not designed to, nor does it profess to facilitate detection of all flaws, problems, occurrences, or cosmetics that might exist in the home.

To maximize time efficiency and to ensure all of the major sections of the home are take into consideration, we have developed a systematized approach to the inspection. This is a simplified overview of systems that we use when we are inspecting a home.

To assist you in following the system, we have provided below a checklist that will guide you through your own inspection of a home you’re considering for purchase.

Please Note Below The Home Inspection Items That Are Not Inspected As Part Of The Home Inspection:

A home inspector’s standard practice typically does not include the following, for which a specific license or qualification to inspect and identify is required:

• Asbestos
• Radon
• GasLead
• PaintToxic
• Mold
• Pest Control

During your home inspection, we may suggest some important Environmental Testing for your prospective property.

THE INSPECTION SYSTEM

THE BIG PICTURE

The first step in inspecting a home is to examine the big picture for the home. Notice the area the home is located in. Are there other homes of similar age and construction details relative to the home you are inspecting? A comparison will give you a general idea of the upkeep of the home. Have there been significant modifications to the exterior of the building and if so, how is the workmanship?

EXTERIOR:

Start at the exterior front of the house and work your way around the house (clockwise or counter-clockwise) at a distance which allows you to view a complete face comfortably. On each face (front, sides, rear) start your visual inspection at the top of the structure and work your way down to the ground and lot area. As an example, you would start at the front and note the roof and chimneys, the gutters, fascia and soffits. Then, moving down the exterior wall coverings (brick, wood, aluminum), noting windows, doors, etc. Examine any porches or decks down to the foundation, then the grade or slope of the lot area, followed by any coverings, such as flower beds, walkway’s, interlocking brick, driveways, etc. Move closer to the house, to examine more closely any details which may have attracted your attention, without skipping any items. Having completed the front, move to the side of the house and start the same procedure (roof to ground).

INTERIOR:

On the interior, begin your inspection in the basement and then follow the system throughout each floor in the house. The system for inspecting the interior is to begin with the floor, go to the walls and then the ceiling, and then consider any appliances or other items in the room. Move from room to room, always in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not miss any areas. If you see a door, open it!

In the utility room in the basement, first notice the floor, the walls (possibly the foundation walls are visible here), then the ceiling (floor joists may be visible), then go to the furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, plumbing system, etc. When inspecting the floors, walls and ceilings, scan the entire area that is visible, not just one section.

In a finished room, you would notice the floors, walls (including windows) and ceiling. Next look for the heat sources, electrical outlets and switches, fireplaces, closets etc. In the bathroom or kitchen, notice the floor, walls and ceiling, then the plumbing fixtures.

CONDITION:

While performing the inspection, whether at the exterior, the interior or one of the mechanical systems, note the system first, then its relative condition. For example, if you were inspecting a wall on the interior of the home you would first note that the wall is plaster, and then examine the wall for cracks and irregularities.

PROBLEMS:

The following are some typical problems or occurrences to look for in the major components and systems of the home.

ROOF:

• Is the ridge (peak) showing a sag, or is it straight and level?
• Is the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses?
• Are there any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles, such as curling, warping, broken edges, rounded corners or key holes(slits) becoming wider that normal?
• Any loose flashing’s, at the chimney, roof-to-wall connection or elsewhere?
• Does the wooden roof deck appear rotten or delaminate under the last row of shingles?
• Are there any roof vents visible?

CHIMNEYS:

• Is the masonry cap cracked or broken?
• Are any bricks flaking or missing? Mortar missing?
• Is the chimney leaning?

SOFFITS AND FASCIA:

• Note whether the soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic. Any loose or missing sections?
• If wood, are there any paint problems? Any visible rot?

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS:

• Ensure gutters slope down toward downspouts
• Any rust or peeling paint?
• Apparent leaks or loose/sagging sections?
• Are the downspouts extended away from the foundations?

WALL COVERINGS:

• Look for missing mortar
• Are the bricks flaking or cracking?
• Look for loose, missing or rotten siding, deteriorated paint
• Does the siding appear new? Does it hide the foundation wall?
• Exterior walls bowed, bulged or leaning?

WINDOWS AND DOORS:

• Look for problems with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components.
• Are the windows new or older? Are they the original windows? How old are they?

PORCHES AND DECKS:

• Cracking or flaking masonry?
• Check for paint problems, rotted wood, and wood-earth contact
• Note any settlement or separation from the house
• Inspect the underside, if accessible

FOUNDATIONS:

• Check for cracks, flaking or damaged masonry
• Note any water markings and efflorescence (whitish, chalky substance)
• Any bowing, bulging or other irregularities?
• Soft mortar?

LOT AREA:

• Does the grade slope away from the house?
• Any settled/low areas next to the foundation, or cracked walks/driveway?
• Is the property lower than the street or neighboring properties?

BASEMENT:

• Note any evidence of water penetration (stains, mildew/odors, efflorescence, loose tiles etc.)

FLOORS:

• Check for deteriorated coverings or cracked ceramics
• Any water staining or other damage?
• Sloping or sagging?

WALLS:

• Randomly sample to check that the windows and doors work
• Are the walls straight vertically and horizontally?
• Look for cracked or loose plaster
• Look for stains, physical damage or previous repair evidence
• Any drywall seams or nails showing?

CEILINGS:

• Check for cracks in the plaster or loose, sagging plaster
• Look for stains, mechanical damage or evidence of any previous repairs
• Seams or nails showing?

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS:

• Check that all fixtures are secure
• Are there any cracks in the fixtures?
• Note the condition of the tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area
• Are the faucets working? Do they leak? Sufficient water pressure?
• Look for staining and rot under the counter-tops
• Randomly sample the operation of the cabinet doors and drawers

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Type, style, and age of heating & cooling systems. When were they last inspected or serviced?
• Type of water supply piping and drains – any visible rust and corrosion?
• Size and age of electrical service – are the outlets grounded? Visible wiring in good condition?
• Have there been any upgrades?

WALK-THROUGH HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Address:___________________________________________________

Style__________ Construction__________Reno?__________ #BR_____ #Bath _____

ITEM NOTES – Good | Average | Suspect | Poor

ROOF:

CHIMNEY:

SOFFIT/FASCIA:

GUTTERS:

CLADDING:

• BRICK
• WOOD
• VINYL

WINDOWS:

• WOOD
• METAL
• PLASTIC

DOORS:

• WOOD
• METAL

DECKS:

PORCHES:

LOT AREA:

HEATING:

FAG FAO FAE AGE

AC/HEAT PUMP:

Yes  No  AGE:

WATER:

• Well
• City

PLUMBING:

• COPPER
• GALVANIZED
• LEAD

ELECTRICAL:

• CO AL
• 60 100 200
• PLUGS
• FIXTURES

FLOORS:

• CARPET
• HARDWOOD
• VINYL
• CERAMIC

WALLS:

• DRYWALL
• PLASTER
• WOOD/PANELING

CEILINGS:

• DRYWALL
• PLASTER
• WOOD/PANELING

BATHROOMS:

• NUMBER OF BATHROOMS
• FIXTURES
• TUB AREA

KITCHEN:

• FIXTURES
• APPLIANCES
• CABINETS
• COUNTERS

FIREPLACES:

SKYLIGHTS:

WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED

FOUNDATIONS :

BASEMENT:

• FINISHED UNFINISHED
• SQUARE FOOTAGE
• DAMPNESS

ATTIC:

OTHER:

Download Our Home Your Sample Home Inspection Checklist

This home inspection checklist is provided by the American Home Inspector Directory as a guideline only, to provide an overview/example of the structural and mechanical components involved in the inspection of a home, and is not intended to constitute a detailed, systematic thorough inspection or report on the condition of a home.
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What You Can Do As The Seller Of The Property:

• Never overprice your property. Price it properly so that it will not need to be on the market for months or even years.
• Clean up the yard by raking, removing dead trees, shrubs, flowers, and don’t forget to make it “firewise” which is an absolute necessity if you live in the treed areas. Keep your lawn mowed and weeds removed for a neater, cleaner look.
• When you do home renovations, make sure they blend in and are made to look like they’ve always been that way.
• Your home’s first impression will be the lasting and possibly the only impression of your home. You may not get a second chance from that buyer.
• Remove dark drapes, curtains, etc. as a light, bright home is more inviting to buyers than one that is dark. If you have chosen dark colors, you will be better off with lighter, more neutral colors to make the rooms look bigger and brighter.
• You or your Realtor should have a Virtual Tour that will draw buyers to your home.
• Convenience to show your home is very important. If you have pets, keep them under control, preferably out of the home during the showing. Remember, if you don’t feel your home is neat enough for showing on a given day, a bad showing is better than no showings.
• As mentioned above, remove excess pictures and de-clJilffer as much as possible.
• Consider providing a one year Home Warranty. It will be about $300 to $400.00
• It’s always a good idea to have a garage sale and/or give items you won’t be using to your favorite charity.
• A neat, orderly garage is very important as you do want your buyers to visualize their vehicles parked in them. Too much clutter will not make that possible. You may want to move the boxes, etc. to a short-term storage unit.
• Never over-improve your home. We all have definite ideas, which may not be acceptable to your potential buyer.
• When possible, use inviting lawn signs, brochures, etc.
• Don’t forget to tell your closest neighbors that you will be selling your home, which will give them a chance to pick their new neighbors before your sign is put up. Other possibilities are church groups, clubs, etc.
• When a contract does come in, negotiate with respect. Remember the value of your home may not be as much to a buyer as it is to you. Respecting them will always work the best.
• Respond to all offers as you don’t know where the negotiations will end up.
• Never get hung up or lose a sale over any penny-ante items from the buyer’s inspection.
• Be as flexible on closing dates as possible.

Good Luck On Your Home Buying Process and Please Consider ALLIN Home Inspections, Inc. for your home inspection needs. You can Schedule Your Inspection from our website 24/7 or give us a call and let us schedule your inspection 877-545-6639.