A home inspection, on the other hand, determines whether there are any structural issues in the home (and outside of it). Yes, an inspection will cost you (the average cost is $200 to $400, according to Bankrate), but those few hundred dollars can potentially save you a lot of money down the line. “In this super-competitive housing market, waiving a home inspection can be appealing for buyers seeking to make their offers more attractive to sellers who have plenty to choose from—but buyers do so at their financial peril,” says Clare Trapasso, real estate expert at Realtor.com. Home inspections can be especially important for first-time homebuyers—you don’t want to buy your first home and then spend thousands of dollars on major repairs that an inspection could have helped avoid. Also, it could help you negotiate the repairs or the price of the home with the seller. Trapasso says that things such as a cracked foundation, roof problems, and electrical and plumbing issues may not be visible to the naked eye in listing photos or during a home tour. “These problems can set new homeowners back tens of thousands of dollars on top of what they’re paying for the house and closing costs,” Trapasso explains. Plus, buyers who waive inspections and then find things wrong with the property might not be able to back out of a deal without losing money, warns Trapasso. A home inspection can also be beneficial if you’re looking to sell your home. It can help you get ahead of any big repairs or maintenance issues before listing. Here is a checklist that can help guide you as you look at a home, and ensure you’re looking at all parts of a property. While it does not replace an actual home inspection by a certified professional, it can help you prepare for what an inspection entails.
Grounds
Proper grading drainage away from the houseNo evidence of standing waterNo leaks from a septic tank or leech fieldYard, landscaping, trees, and walkways are in good conditionNo branches or brushes touching the house or overhanging roofExterior structuresFences, sheds, decks, and detached garages in good conditionRailings on stairs and decks are adequate and secureDriveways, sidewalks, patios, and entrance landings are in good condition and pitched away from the structureDownspout drainage is directed away from the structure
Structure
Ridge and fascia board lines appear straight and levelThe sides of the house appear straight, not bowed or saggingWindow and door frames appear square (especially bowed windows)Visible foundation in good conditionStraight, plumb, no significant cracks
Exterior Surfaces
Adequate clearance between ground and wood siding materials6" minimum; no wood-to-earth contactSidingNo cracking, curling, loose, rot, or decayMasonry veneersNo cracks in jointsNo broken, spalling, or flaking componentsStuccoNo large cracksDiscuss all stucco cracks with a professional inspectorVinyl or aluminum sidingNo dents or damageNo bowing or loose sidingNo vines on the surface of the structureExterior paint or stainNo flaking or blistersNo stains on exterior surfaces
Windows, Doors, and Wood Trim
Wood frames and trim piecesSecure, no cracks, rot, or decayJoins around frames are caulkedNothing is broken or damagedNo broken glass (window or storm panes) or damaged screensNo broken double-paned, insulated window sealsMuntin and mullion glazing compound in good conditionStorm windows or thermal glass usedDrip caps installed over windows
Roof
Composition shinglesNo curling or cuppingNo loss of granulation particulateNo broken, damaged, or missing shinglesNo more than two layers of roofingWood shingles or shakesNo mold, rot, or decayNo cracked, broken, or missing shinglesNo curlingFlat roofsNo noticeable patches, cracks, or splitsMinimal blisters, “alligatoring,” and wrinklesNo silt deposits (indicates improper drainage)Sealed tar at flashingsFlashing around roof penetrationsNo evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulkSoffits and fasciaNo decay or stainsExterior venting for eave areasThe vents are clean and not painted overGuttersNo decay or rustJoints are sealed and attached securely to the structureNo bending or saggingNo sections of gutter or downspout missingThe gutters are clean, no mud depositsChimneysStraight, properly flashedNo evidence of damaged bricks or cracked jointsMortar/cement cap in good condition
Attic
No stains on the underside of the roofing, especially around roof penetrationsNo evidence of decay or damage to the structureSufficient insulation and properly installed insulationA moisture barrier was installed closest to the heated area of the houseAdequate ventilationA clear path into the attic for air entering through soffit ventsAdequately sized gable end louversAll mechanical ventilation operationalNo plumbing, exhaust, or appliance vents terminating in the atticNo open electrical splices
Interior Rooms
Floors, walls, and ceilings appear straight and plumb and levelNo stains on floors, walls, or ceilingsFlooring materials in good conditionNo significant cracks in walls or ceilingsWindow and exterior doors operate easily and latch properlyNo broken glassNo sashes painted shutNo decayWindows and doors have weather-stripping, “weep holes” installedInterior doors operate easily and latch properlyNo damage or decayNo broken hardwarePaint, wall covering, and paneling in good conditionLight and switches operate properlyAdequate number of three-pronged electrical outlets in each roomElectrical outlets test properly (spot check)Heating/cooling source in each habitable roomEvidence of sufficient insulation in wallsFireplaceNo cracking or damaged masonryNo evidence of staining on the fireplace facadeDamper operates properlyThe flue has been cleaned and is lined
Kitchen
Working exhaust fan that is vented to the exterior of the buildingGround Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection for electrical outlets within six feet of the sink(s)DishwasherDrains properly, no leaksBaskets and door springs operate properlyNo leaks in pipes under sinksThe floor in the cabinet under the sink is solidNo stains or decayThe water flow in the sink is adequateNo excessive rust or deterioration on garbage disposal or waste pipesBuilt-in appliances operate properlyThe cabinets are in good conditionDoors and drawers operate properly
Bathrooms
Working exhaust fan that doesn’t end in the attic spaceAdequate flow and pressure at all fixturesSink, tub, and shower drain properlyToilet stableNo rockingNo stains around the baseCaulking in good condition inside and outside of tub and shower areaTub or shower tiles secure, wall surface solidNo stains or evidence of past leaking around the base of the bath or shower
Miscellaneous
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where required by local ordinancesStairway treads and risers solidStair handrails where needed and in good conditionThe automatic garage door opener operates properly and stops for obstacles
Basement or Mechanical Room
No evidence of moistureExposed foundationNo stains or major cracksNo flaking or efflorescenceVisible structural woodNo sagging, damage, decay, or stainsNo damage from insectsSills attached to the foundation with anchor boltsInsulations at rim/band joists
Crawl Space
Adequately vented to exteriorInsulation on exposed water supply, waste, and vent pipesInsulation between crawl space and heated areasInstalled with vapor barrier towards a heated areaNo evidence of insect damageNo evidence of moisture damage
Plumbing
Visible pipesNo damage, no evidence of leaksNo signs of stains on materials near the pipesDrain pipes slope slightly down towards the outlet to the septic/sewage systemWater heaterNo signs of rustVented properlySized to produce adequate quantities of hot water for the number of bedrooms in the houseThe water pump does not short cycleGalvanized pipes do not restrict water flowWell water test is acceptableHot water temperature is between 118 to 125 F
Electrical
Visible wiringIn good condition, with no “knob-and-tube” wiringNo exposed splicesCables secured and protectedService panelAdequate capacityAll cables attached to the panel with cable connectorsFuss or breakers are not overheatingNo aluminum cable for branch circuits
Heating/Cooling System
Appears to operate well throughoutGood airflow on forced hot air systemsFluesNo open seams; slopes up to the chimney connectionNo rust around the cooling unitNo combustion gas odorAir filter(s) cleanThe ductwork is in good conditionNo asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes, or air ductsSeparate flues for gas/oil/propane and wood/coal
Source: Total Home Inspection
