Home Inspection Checklist

The inspector will take a look at the foundation to examine it for cracking and shifting, and to ensure that water is draining away properly from the foundation and basement. Foundation issues are extremely costly to repair, so this is a very important step.

The lot will be examined for proper grading and drainage. Walkways and driveway quality will also be assessed.

The roof will be examined for faulty shingles, damaged flashing, signs of water damage, and overall integrity. Roof repairs and replacements are usually required every few decades, and can be quite expensive, so a thorough roof inspection is absolutely essential to avoid surprise costs.

The exterior siding, windows, doors, and other elements will be examined to assess their overall wear and condition.

The attic is inspected to ensure that it is properly ventilated and insulated. Attic inspections also are a good opportunity to look for water damage that may be caused by roof issues.

The interior of the home will be examined, including wall outlets, lighting fixtures, walls, doors, and all other such surfaces and areas.

The basement is inspected to ensure that it is free from leaks and water damage. Issues like mold and water leaks are also quite common in basements. Gas and plumbing lines will also be examined.

The home inspector will make sure that all electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures work. They will also examine the fuse box, wiring systems, and other electrical systems to ensure that they are up to code, and safe.

The functionality of the plumbing systems will be checked, including water pressure, hot and cold water, and functionality of all sinks, bathtubs, showers, and other systems. Pipes, water heaters, and other plumbing systems will be examined for quality, signs of wear, leaks, and other potential issues.

Major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, ranges/stoves, dishwashers, and washers/dryers will be tested and verified for proper functionality.

The entire HVAC system will be tested. The furnace will be examined for integrity, and problems like cracks or wear and tear that may indicate it needs replacement. Air ducts and air conditioning systems will also be examined and tested.