Home Inspection Checklist

Do your homework before buying a new home

Remember the bedtime story about the three little pigs? The straw and stick houses built by the first and the second little pigs were easily blown down by the wicked wolf, but the third little pig's house of bricks stood firm despite the wolf's best efforts. While you can rule out the huffing-and-puffing wolf, things like bad weather, pests, and structural flaws can lead to hassles and unexpected costs after you've bought a house. An experienced, licensed home inspector can help you make the right choice and not get stuck with a proverbial straw or a stick house that spells trouble and money in the long run. What follows is our home inspection checklist:

Things to look for in a professional home inspector

Experience: Make enquiries about the number of years the inspector has been in business and the number of inspections he does in a year.

Exclusiveness: Choose someone who specializes strictly in home inspections. Avoid contractors who do home inspection of the side.

Reporting: Find out what type of report will be issued - written, oral, or both.

Certification: Opt for home inspectors who are American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certified.

Insurance: Find out if the inspector has Errors and Omissions Insurance. This can protect you should the inspector miss something in the inspection.

Should you be present at the home inspection?

Being present at the home inspection will provide you with greater insight about the condition of the home. Ask questions so you can be fully informed about the home and feel confident about your buying decision. Also be sure that your home inspection report includes a detailed written report as well as a checklist.

What should a home inspection checklist include?

Structure and foundation

Any cracks, shifting or settling

If house is bolted to foundation (for earthquake safety)

Mudsill (part of the house that rests on the foundation) is dry and in good condition

Roof

Any leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks

Any trees touching or overhanging the roof

Dry rot or other problems around overhangs

Condition of shingles

The age of the existing roof

Electrical systems

All outlets, light sockets, and switches work properly

If system is updated with 3--prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc.

GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in bathroom and kitchen

Any broken or loose outlets

Test light fixtures and check for blown fuses, overloaded circuits, or flickering lights

Plumbing

Any leaks around pipes and fixtures

Water pressure (turning on more than one faucet at once)

Hot water pressure (same method)

Water damage to walls around shower

Rust or leaking around hot water heater

Age of water heater and whether its is up to code

Drainage

Ensure spouts drain away from house

Yard slopes away from the house to draw water away

Earth is at least 6-8 inches below top of concrete foundation

Gutters are well-attached and in good condition

If basement or crawl space is wet

Heating and cooling

If furnace thermostat is operational

Condition of furnace venting

The ages of the heating and cooling equipment

Checking output by operating both the furnace and air conditioning

Fireplace/Chimney

Any crumbling mortar around brickwork

Stability of chimney

Any obstructions

Pests

Any termite and beetle holes in wooden supports and under house

Hornet or wasp nests in attic vents

Rodent droppings in cupboards and under house

Chew holes in roof, eaves, and wiring from squirrels

Floors

Water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures

Any soft spots in floor

Water-damaged floorboards and supports

Condition of the floors or carpet

Any moisture damage to parquet floors

Walls and ceilings

Condition of drywall walls and ceilings with special attention to the condition of taped joints

Waves or cracks in the walls or ceilings

Water spots from leaks in the roof

Settlement cracks in walls

Windows

Dry rot on panes, sills, and frames

Cracks in glass

If windows open properly

If windows seal tightly

Any moisture damage inside

Doors, stairs, and walkways

Doorways, stairs, and walkways are free of obstructions

All stepping stones are firm and railings steady

External doors have good weather-stripping and thresholds

Doors are level, easy to open and close, with good hardware

Swimming pool

Cleaning and filtering system works properly

Thermostat is in working condition

Any leaks or cracks

Miscellaneous

Kitchen appliances and faucets are operational

Tests for asbestos, radon gas, and lead

Cracking or peeling paint

Proper attic ventilation (1 square foot for each 150 square foot of floor space)

More information on home inspection