Home Inspection Checklist - Home Inspectors

Although architectural details, wall and floor coverings, modern conveniences and many other factors are important in the buying decision, the focus of this inspection is on the structural/mechanical/electrical condition of the property.

The inspection is designed to give the real estate agent or prospective purchaser a system to detect some of the readily accessible major flaws or deficiencies in the significant components and systems of a home. It is not designed to, nor does it profess to facilitate detection of all flaws, problems or occurrences that might exist in any given home.

To maximize time efficiency and to ensure all of the major sections of the home are take into consideration, we have developed a systematized approach to the inspection. This is a simplified overview of systems that professional home inspectors use when they are inspecting a home.

To assist you in following the system, we have provided a checklist that will guide you through your own inspection.

THE INSPECTION SYSTEM

THE BIG PICTURE

The first step in inspecting a home is to examine the big picture for the home. Notice the area the home is located in. Are there other homes of similar age and construction details relative to the home you are inspecting? A comparison will give you a general idea of the upkeep of the home. Have there been significant modifications to the exterior of the building and if so, how is the workmanship?

EXTERIOR

Start at the exterior front of the house and work your way around the house (clockwise or counter-clockwise) at a distance which allows you to view a complete face comfortably. On each face (front, sides, rear) start your visual inspection at the top of the structure and work your way down to the ground and lot area. As an example, you would start at the front and note the roof and chimneys, the gutters, fascia and soffits. Then, moving down the exterior wall coverings (brick, wood, aluminum), noting windows, doors, etc. Examine any porches or decks down to the foundation, then the grade or slope of the lot area, followed by any coverings, such as flower beds, walkways, interlocking brick, driveways, etc. Move closer to the house, to examine more closely any details which may have attracted your attention, without skipping any items. Having completed the front, move to the side of the house and start the same procedure (roof to ground).

INTERIOR

On the interior, begin your inspection in the basement and then follow the system throughout each floor in the house. The system for inspecting the interior is to begin with the floor, go to the walls and then the ceiling, and then consider any appliances or other items in the room. Move from room to room, always in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not miss any areas. If you see a door, open it!

In the utility room in the basement, first notice the floor, the walls (possibly the foundation walls are visible here), then the ceiling (floor joists may be visible), then go to the furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, plumbing system, etc. When inspecting the floors, walls and ceilings, scan the entire area that is visible, not just one section.

In a finished room you would notice the floors, walls (including windows) and ceiling. Next look for the heat sources, electrical outlets and switches, fireplaces, closets etc. In bathroom or kitchen, notice the floor, walls and ceiling, then the plumbing fixtures.

CONDITION

While performing the inspection, whether at the exterior, the interior or one of the mechanical systems, note the system first, then its relative condition. For example, if you were inspecting a wall on the interior of the home you would first note that the wall is plaster, and then examine the wall for cracks and irregularities.

PROBLEMS

The following are some typical problems or occurrences to look for in the major components and systems of the home.

ROOF

Is the ridge (peak) showing a sag, or is it straight and level?

Is the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses?

Are there any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles, such as curling, wasping, broken edges, rounded corners or key holes (slits) becoming wider that normal?

Any loose flashings, at the chimney, roof-to-wall connection or elsewhere? Does the wooden roof deck appear rotten or delaminated under the last row of shingles?

Are there any roof vents visible?

CHIMNEYS

Is the masonry cap cracked or broken? Are any bricks flaking or missing? Mortar missing? Is the chimney leaning?

SOFFITS AND FASCIA

Note whether the soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic Any loose or missing sections?

If wood, are there any paint problems? Any visible rot?

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Ensure gutters slope down toward downspouts Any rust or peeling paint?

Apparent leaks or loose/sagging sections?

Are the downspouts extended away from the foundations?

WALL COVERINGS

Look for missing mortar

Are the bricks flaking or cracking?

Look for loose, missing or rotten siding, deteriorated paint.

Does the siding appear new? Does it hide the foundation wall?

Exterior walls bowed, bulged or leaning?

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Look for problems with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components. Are the windows new or older? Are they the original windows?

How old are they?

PORCHES AND DECKS

Cracking or flaking masonry?

Check for paint problems, rotted wood, and wood-earth contact.

Note any settlement or separation from the house.

Inspect the underside, if accessible.

FOUNDATIONS

Check for cracks, flaking or damaged masonry.

Note any water markings and effluorescence (whitish, chalky substance) Any bowing, buldging or other irregularities?

Soft mortar?

LOT AREA

Does the grade slope away from the house?

Any settled/low areas next to the foundation, or cracked walks/driveway? Is the property lower than the street or neighboring properties?

BASEMENT

Note any evidence of water penetration (stains, mildew/odors, effluorescence, loose tiles etc.)

FLOORS

Check for deteriorated coverings or cracked ceramics. Any water staining or other damage? Sloping or sagging?

WALLS

Randomly sample to check that the windows and doors work. Are the walls straight vertically and horizontally? Look for cracked or loose plaster. Look for stains, physical damage or previous repair evidence. Any drywall seams or nails showing?

CEILINGS

Check for cracks in the plaster or loose, sagging plaster. Look for stains, mechanical damage or evidence of previous repair. Seams or nails showing?

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

Check that all fixtures are secure. Are there any cracks in the fixtures? Note the conditon of the tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area. Are the faucets working? Do they leak? Sufficient water pressure? Look for staining and rot under the counter-tops Randomly sample the operation of the cabinet doors and drawers.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Type, style and age of heating & cooling systems. When were they last inspected or serviced? Type of water supply piping and drains - any visible rust and corrosion? Size and age of electical service - are the outlets grounded? Visible wiring in good condtion? Have there been any upgrades?

Vist our website for a printable Pre-Inspection Checklist

Article submitted by the American Home Inspector Directory

American Home Inspector Directory - Home Inspectors Nationwide
National Directory of Home Inspectors. Search our database of Home Inspectors Free - Information on Home Inspections, Home Loans and Home Inspection Organizations.
http://www.americanhomeinspectordirectory.com

---

Landscaping Adds Great Value to Real Estate And Helps You Sell

Over the years several of our clients have had professional... Read More

Fixing Houses: Using Psychology for Profits

Real estate investors who specialize in fixing houses for profit... Read More

Investment Real Estate -- A New Twist: Be the Bank, Not the Landlord, and Get Rich Without the Work!

I was a landlord for a decade, and I believe... Read More

Property Auction & Why You Should Run A Mile From Them

That's A Funny Thing To Say About Property Auctions; They're... Read More

Buying and Selling Real Estate: Negotiating to Win-Win

You don't get what you deserve - you get what... Read More

Buying A Home ? Rain, Sun, and Weather Issues

When buying a home, it can be easy to overlook... Read More

Do Open Houses Work?

What are the odds that you'll find your dream at... Read More

Back To The Future - Big Changes Are Coming, Get Ready Now

The comments below are quoted from a recent speech by... Read More

Finding The Perfect Maui Home For Sale

If you are thinking of relocating to Maui, this article... Read More

Ten Creative Financing Techniques

Do all the creative financing techniques you hear about really... Read More

Real Estate Development Feasibility Study (Income) - $1.2 Billion Developer Tells You How To Do One

There are two sides to a feasibility study and in... Read More

What are the Top 11.5 Criteria for Selecting an Orlando Investment Property

1. Make sure units are larger than 1800 square feet.This... Read More

Property Investing Secrets 5

Property Investing Secrets:How To Work With Agents And Get What... Read More

What is Tax-Deferred Exchange?

Under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, owners of... Read More

Property Investing Secrets 1

When property investing, pay the seller their asking price but... Read More

Unravelling The Real Estate Buying Process in Canada

If you're a foreign national thinking about investing in the... Read More

Greed Can Cost You Your Shirt!

The proper action when things are going well is to... Read More

Budgeting Your Log Home - Creating a Checklist

If you've read my first article, BUDGETING YOUR LOG HOME:... Read More

Seller Financing - Six Safety Tips

Why offer seller financing when you sell? A higher price,... Read More

How to Attract Clients in Residential Real Estate

Doesn't it seem like everyone you know has a friend,... Read More

Real Estate Investment Requires A Team

I had a hard time at first with real estate... Read More

Probate & Obituary Marketing

I start my marketing with obituaries followed with probate filings... Read More

Termite and Moisture Damage Not Reported

I have done so many appraisals where I saw obvious... Read More

Home Hunting and the Internet

So, it's home hunting time. Where do you start? Who... Read More

Log Homes - What is the Log-Home Lifestyle?

Typical log home company advertisements in popular log home magazines... Read More

Farm Expired Listings For Big Commissions

Many real estate agents begin and sometimes sadly end their... Read More

The Costs of Transforming Your Home into a Buyers Dream House

Turning your house into the home of a buyer's dreams... Read More

The Real Estate Bubble-When Will it Burst?

More and more individuals are realizing that real estate is... Read More

Buying Property In Spain

It's high time someone advocated the use of common sense... Read More

Real Estate Appraisal - Rental Properties

Real estate appraisal for rental properties isn't the same as... Read More

Real Estate Research By Talking

Real estate research might start with a look at the... Read More

Residential Income Property Financing: Part 2 of 3

Welcome to the second segment of a three-part series about... Read More

Staging® Your Home for Sale: a Superior Real Estate Home Marketing Technique: Part 1

Every Realtor KNOWS that a home should be shown in... Read More