Using the checklist -

Following are some of the systems and components ("items") that are inspected and reported on during the course of a home inspection. The items in the checklist are examined for material defects that would significantly affect the value, desirability, or safety of the home. This checklist in not intended to replace a comprehensive inspection by a professional home inspector, who would be far more likely to spot evidence of problems or conditions that the layperson or a contractor might miss or otherwise overlook. The purpose of the checklist below is so that you can make your own observations in an organized fashion, and then bring these observations to the attention of your home inspector. If any of the items on the list are over your head or cannot be accessed or tested, at least you can ask your inspector about them.

When inspecting the exterior, start at the front of the house and work your way around the entire house, placing as much distance between yourself and the home as you can. This will allow you to see 'the bigger picture'. Are any of the walls not plumb (straight up and down)? Is the house leaning or does it appear to be settling or moving in any given direction? Move in closer to the home. Start your inspection at the bottom of the home and work your way up to the roof. Can you see the concrete foundations walls? Are there any large cracks? Note any cracks that you see. What about the walls - are there cracks or bulging areas along the base of the walls? Is there water pooling or signs of prior water pooling along the base of the wall? Does the soil slope away from the home? It should. Is there a roof drainage system? Are you in a wet climate where one would be necessary?

Check the outside of doors and windows. Check screening. Check porches and balconies. Stairs and railings. Check the driveway and walkways. Any large cracks or trip hazards?

Assuming that you have been given free reign, once inside, start your inspection in the basement (if there is one) and then slowly move your way up to the top floor of the house. When inspecting the interior it is best to have a formula: start with the floors, go to the walls and then the ceilings. Move from room to room, always in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not miss any areas or defects. Open and close any doors and windows, test electrical outlets (bring a tester) and light switches, evaluate any fireplaces (don't start any fires, though). In bathrooms and in the kitchen, check all plumbing fixtures. In the kitchen, test the appliances. In bedrooms and hallways check inside closets and under stairs.

If there is a basement or lower level utility room, note what appliances are present, such as a furnace or water heater. Check the floor, walls, and ceiling. Note any moisture or water stains (this is very important).

Is there a garage? Does the garage door work? Does it have an auto-opener? Does it work? Does the door accessing the house from the garage self-close? Does it feel like it's a solid frie door, or is it light and flimsy? Note the presence of a doggy door that may be cut into this door.

Things to look at -

1. Foundations, basements and underfloor areas:

_____Foundations and support components. Floor framing.

_____Ventilation.

_____Insulation.

_____Crawlspace access openings. Large enough to fit through? Screened to keep rodents out?

_____Wood separation from soil. Earth/wood contact invites wood damage/decay.

_____Drainage and sump pumps. Be sure to note any damp soil or standing water.

_____Seismic anchoring and bracing.

2. Building exteriors:

_____Surface grading and drainage.

_____Hardscaping (driveways, walks, patios, etc). Check for large cracks, offsets, deterioration, slope.

_____Wall coverings.

_____Doors and windows.

_____Attached appurtenances (decks, balconies, porches, stairs, railings and walkways, etc.).

3. Roof coverings:

_____Roof coverings.

_____Flashings.

_____Vents.

_____Skylights.

_____Roof penetrations.

_____Roof drainage.

4. Attic areas and roof framing:

_____Framing and sheathing.

_____Access openings.

_____Insulation.

_____Ventilation.

5. Plumbing systems:

_____Supply, waste and vent piping.

_____Plumbing fixtures, faucets and drains.

_____Water heating equipment.

_____Functional flow of water supply.

_____Functional drainage at fixtures.

_____Gas piping and connectors.

6. Electrical systems:

_____Service conductors.

_____Service equipment and capacity.

_____Panels and overcurrent protection devices.

_____Service and equipment grounding.

_____Wiring, switches, receptacles and light fixtures.

7. Heating systems:

_____Heating equipment.

_____Venting systems.

_____Combustion and ventilating air.

_____Energy sources and connections.

_____Distribution systems.

8. Central cooling systems:

_____ Cooling equipment.

_____Distribution systems.

_____Energy sources and connection.

_____Condensate drainage.

9. Fireplaces and chimneys:

_____Chimneys.

_____Flues and dampers.

_____Fireboxes.

_____Hearth extensions and accessories.

_____Solid-fuel and gas-burning appliances.

10. Building interiors:

_____Walls, ceilings and floors.

_____Security bars.

_____Ventilation.

_____Doors and windows. Includes safety glazing.

_____Stairs.

_____ Railings.

_____Cabinets and counters.

_____Smoke and CO alarm placement.

_____ Laundry provisions.

_____Built-in appliances.

 

To download a printable copy of the checklist, click here: Free home inspection checklist

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