The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist For Buyers

A home is probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, which is why a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process. A home inspection helps you assess the main components of the home, such as structural integrity, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. With so many systems and areas to consider, having a comprehensive home inspection checklist makes the process a little bit easier.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Professional and licensed home inspectors are best for assessing a home and can create a reliable and thorough home inspection report that tells you all about the home as well as what repairs it needs. Besides providing reassurance about certain concerns, home inspections can also provide helpful and in-depth insights that you likely wouldn’t come to as a non-professional.

Getting started with a DIY home inspection checklist can help you better understand the process so you can direct your professional home inspector to any points of concern. Just note that a professional home inspection is worth it, even if you feel comfortable buying a home after your DIY inspection.

Exterior Home Inspection Checklist

Professional home inspectors often start by checking out the exterior of the home. By visually inspecting the foundation, walls, landscaping, drainage, and other relevant areas, a home inspector can provide an assessment that describes the condition and repair needs of the home’s exterior, especially for older homes or those that are located in harsher climates.

Grounds 

• Proper grading drainage and downspout drainage away from the house with no standing water

• Septic tanks are in good shape and have no signs of leaks

• Landscaping, driveways, and walkways are in good condition with no significant damage, wear, or trip hazards

• Detached structures, such as sheds or fences, don’t have evidence of rotting wood or termite damage

• No trees touching the house or hanging over the roof

• Stair and deck railings are secure

Exterior Structure

• Visible foundation is in good condition without significant cracks

• Exterior walls are secure and structurally sound with no signs of sagging or bowing

• Door frames and windows appear straight

• Siding has no decay, cracks, or other significant damage

• Bricks appear undamaged with no cracks or missing mortar

• Paint isn’t stained or flaking off

• No large cracks in the stucco

• No wood-to-ground contact

Doors and Windows

• Doors and windows open and latch properly

• No broken glass

• No damaged or missing screens

• No condensation inside double-pane or triple-pane windows

• Frame joints are caulked

• Storm windows or thermal glass installed if necessary

Roof

• No damaged or missing shingles

• Gutters are properly attached to downspouts and aren’t blocked or damaged

• Chimneys appear straight and have no signs of damage

• Flashing around roof penetrations

• No signs of excessive roofing cement, tar, or caulk

Interior Home Inspection Checklist

A standard interior inspection checklist provides a visual report of the condition of areas such as the basement and attic, various interior rooms, plumbing, electrical, and the kitchen.

Basement, Attic, and Crawl Space

• No standing water or excessive moisture

• No efflorescence or water stains on concrete

• Visible foundation shows no major cracks or flaking

• No sagging, stains, or insect damage to structural wood

• No signs of pests

• Proper ventilation

• Proper insulation

• No illegal finishes

• Stairs are safe and have proper handrails

Interior Rooms

• Walls and ceilings have no cracks, water spots, or other damage

• Enough electrical outlets in every room with proper placement

• Electrical outlets and switches are functional

• GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms

• Ceiling, trim, and wall surfaces are in good condition and don’t contain lead paint

• Properly installed trim

• Doors latch properly

Bathrooms

• Visible plumbing is in good condition and shows no signs of leaks or water damage

• Tub, sink, and shower drain at proper speeds

• Toilets flush and fill properly and have no damage, rocking, or stains

• Adequate cold and hot water pressure for all fixtures

• No signs of leaking around the base of the tub or shower

• Tub and shower caulking is in good condition

• Tiles are secure with no cracks

• Functional exhaust fans venting to exterior and not to attic

Kitchen

• Plumbing under the sink is in good condition with no signs of leaks or water damage

• Adequate water flow to sink and proper drainage

• Functional exhaust fans venting to the exterior

• Built-in appliances, such as the stove, fridge, and dishwasher, are operational

• Garbage disposal is operational

• Cabinets and countertops are in good condition and drawers and doors open and close properly

Electrical Systems

• Service panel has adequate capacity with all cables attached properly and no fuses or breakers overheating

• Visible wiring in good condition

• No exposed splices

• No knob-and-tube wiring

• No aluminum cable for branch circuits

• Lights and switches work properly throughout the home

• Outlets are properly grounded

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Air conditioning and heating operate well throughout the home

• No gas odor

• Air filters are clean

• No rust around cooling unit

• Ductwork in good condition and free from major air leaks

• Flues have no open seams and slope to chimney connection

• Fireplace is clean and properly maintained

• AC and furnace are not older than 15 years

Plumbing

• Visible pipes have no signs of leak or damage

• Drain pipes slope downward to septic or sewage system

• Well water test is acceptable, if applicable

• Water heater is appropriate size for home, shows no size of rust, and is vented properly

• Hot water temperature doesn’t exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit

Miscellaneous

• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functional and in required and recommended areas

• Railings are secure and in good condition

• Stairway treads and risers are secure

• No signs of asbestos tiles or insulation

Common Home Inspection Add-Ons

Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new or older home, taking extra steps to verify its condition can help you avoid hazards and headaches in the future. Most licensed home inspectors can perform extra tests and specialized types of home inspections, or they can suggest another professional who can, depending on what’s included in the home inspection they complete first.

Common home inspection add-ons include the following:

• Termite and pest inspection

• Radon testing

• Asbestos testing

• Mold inspection

• Foundation inspection

• Sewer scope inspection

• Roof inspection

• Attic inspection

• Plumbing inspection

• Electrical inspection

• HVAC inspection

• Structural inspection

Using this home inspection checklist, work with your inspector to get a sense of your prospective home’s condition and identify any red flags. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or further details on any areas of concern—make sure to ask any questions you have for your home inspector so you don’t find any surprises after you’ve closed the deal. The right professional will be happy to explain their findings, giving you the confidence and assurance you need to make an informed decision about your home purchase. 

How to Hire a Good Home Inspector

When it comes time to hire a home inspector, the first thing you need to do is make sure they’re impartial. Don’t take inspector recommendations from the seller, seller’s agent, or seller’s attorney, and don’t accept past inspection reports in lieu of paying for one yourself.

You can ask your own agent for recommendations, or ask friends and family members if they have professionals they recommend. You can also use our database to search for local home inspectors who have positive reviews from other homeowners like you.

It’s a good idea to interview a few home inspectors before hiring one to figure out which one seems like the best value. You can ask them for references from past clients or a sample inspection report they completed in the past to get a sense of the quality of their work. You can also ask them how they go about inspecting specific parts of the home to gain some confidence in their work and their abilities.