Home Inspection Checklist

HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

No house is perfect, not even brand-new ones. To avoid selecting a property with issues, looking for big-ticket items when previewing properties with your agent is important to make the investment worth it.

A home inspection checklist is a valuable tool to help look at and document certain home features when previewing. Note that a home inspection checklist should not be mistaken as a report, nor should it be a substitute for a professional home inspection. Rather, it is a way to document the features and issues of the homes you are considering to help you compare them at the end of the day.

Here’s an example of items that should be included in a home inspection checklist that you can take to the previewing of homes that you are considering:

THE BIG PICTURE

Take the time to check out the homes in the neighborhood that were constructed around the same time as the home you’re previewing. This will give you a general idea of the condition of your house. Pay attention to big-ticket items like the roof, siding, and foundation. The severity of major issues that can be seen are items that can be deal-breakers.

ROOF

A simple visual evaluation of the roof should be good but pay attention to the following: 

Any noticeable damage, such as broken tiles or missing shingles.

Evident or obvious roof patches/repairs?

Are you able to observe the chimney and flashing? Can you tell if there are missing and damaged bricks or siding, or do you notice cracked joints?

Check the gutters and downspouts. Are they attached securely to the home and damaged in any way? Are there any signs of bending or sagging?

Check for noticeable wood rot or other roof penetrations.

SIDING

There is a lot of siding on a home, and we recommend taking a pen and pad of paper with you to log any damage you may see at its location.

Depending on the type of siding, you could be looking for wood rot, nail pops, cracks, open joints, bricks falling away from the side, peeling paint, loose boards, or panels. Anything that doesn’t look correct needs to be noted.

FOUNDATION

Does the foundation appear to be in good condition? Are there damaged bricks? Masonry or cracks in the concrete or blocks? Do you notice any flaking components?

Check for noticeable foundation and supporting wall issues. Is there evidence of bowing, bulging, or other irregularities?

For wooden components, are there signs or indications of damage from insect or termite infestation or rot?

Are there large trees growing near the property’s foundation?

FLOORS 

What flooring materials are used? Carpet, hardwood, tile. Stone?

Are there stains or signs of damage?

Will the floor need to be repaired, restored, or replaced?

WALLS

Check the interior and exterior walls. Are they bowed, sagged, bulging, or leaning?

Are there cracks? Note that gaps in the wall may be caused by several factors, from shoddy construction to inevitable movement over time.

Is there any flaking or mismatched paint?

What is the condition of the wall covering?

For brick walls, check for any loose brick or cracks in mortar or spaces.

CEILINGS

Are the ceilings smooth and intact?

Are there stains or signs of previous water damage?

Will any of the ceilings need repainting? Repair?

Note any significant cracks.

WINDOWS and DOORS

Check out the condition of the windows and doors. Do they operate and latch?

Do the window and door frames appear square?

Are the frame joints caulked and well-painted? or Chipping paint?

Are there any cracks, rot, or decay?

Do the locks work?

Do the windows and doors have weather stripping? Are they in good condition?

KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS

Are the plumbing fixtures or faucets loose?

Are there cracks on the fixtures? Is it broken-down caulking?

Is there adequate water flow and water pressure at all fixtures?

Do the sinks, tubs, and showers drain properly?

Note the condition of the tubs and shower tiles.

Are the commodes loose on the floor?

Note any leaking, rust, unusual noises when running the water or draining, or any other signs of neglect.

ELECTRICAL

When testing electrical elements, ensure all necessary safety measures are taken.

Are there indications of exposed wiring?

Are cables secured and protected?

Can you tell if the fuses or breakers are overheating?

Test electrical receptacles and switches for functionality.

When was the last time the heating and cooling (HVAC) system was inspected and or Serviced?

Have upgrades been done?

No home is complete without appliances. Check that all devices are working properly.

HVAC SYSTEM

Inspect and determine if the system has been serviced lately. Look for upkeep by the owner, is there dust or dirt around the system, and are air vents dusty/dirty?

WATER HEATER

The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home and is often taken for granted. When looking at the water heater, is there evidence of rust or any leaking at the top or the bottom of the water heater? Cracks? Does it make noises? Do you notice smelly water or discolored water?

For many good reasons, a home inspection checklist can be a valuable tool to help preview many properties more organized, so you know what features and issues went with which home. This information may later help decide which home to choose to make an offer on, which will likely prevent stress.

Download and print our Annapolis Home Inspection Checklist. Print and take one to each home your preview so you can jot down the things you find while previewing the house. This way, you can keep track and know which home has what features and issues.

Call Us At 410-989-8377!

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