Home Inspection Checklist

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If you read my last post about finding the right home inspector, you’ll know that it takes some research to get a home inspection done right, especially if this is your first time buying a home.

Even if you’ve already found a home inspector, having a checklist before the inspection is done will help you get familiarized with the process, learn about your new home, and find any potential deal breakers.

Our checklist below will also help you think about which areas of the home you’d really like to have inspected. For instance, was the house built before the 1978? Then you definitely want an inspector who is certified to do a lead inspection. Certifications and licensing requirements may change depending on the state and the type of inspection you need. So, if you need an inspector certified in lead inspections, you’ll have to do more research to find the right one.

Home Inspection Checklist

Things that are not typically inspected:

• Asbestos
• Radon
• Mold, mildew and fungi
• Lead
• Rodents or pest problems
• Interior of chimneys

If you know that you definitely want to have one of these things above inspected, make sure you ask your potential home inspector if he’s qualified to do these kinds of inspections before you hire him.

Things that are typically inspected:

• Structure: Walls, ceilings, floors, roof and foundation, etc.
• Interior: Size of rooms, walls, paint, windows, doors, flooring, bathroom, kitchen cabinets, insulation, ventilation, staircases.
• Basement: Signs of water, support structure, walls, carrier beam, support posts or walls, basement drainage systems, etc.
• Roof and Attic: Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, gutters, rain guards, chimney, etc.
• Plumbing: Main water shutoff, waste and vent pipes, toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, traps, etc.
• Heating System: Furnace, controls, ductwork, vents, main shutoff and emergency shutoff, etc.
• Systems and Components: Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, ductwork, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers.
• Electrical: Capacity of the electrical system, wiring, grounding, main panel, circuit breakers, ceiling fans and light fixtures, etc.
• Appliances: Washer, dryer, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, smoke detectors, dishwasher, etc.
• Garage: Walls, ceiling, vents, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, windows and roof.
• Exterior: Wall covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, trims, doors, windows, lights, siding, decks, porch, drainage, and trees that may affect water flow around the home, etc.

Be on the lookout for more articles about the things that are typically inspected. This info is not only helpful as you purchase a new home, but it’s always good to “inspect” your home every once in a while to identify any issues before they become serious and empty your pockets!