Home Inspection Checklist

49 things you should consider when buying a home, from an home inspectors point of view

The purpose of this Free Home Inspection Checklist below is to give you a very rough idea if the house is even worth considering.

The following checklist in NOT intended to replace a full blown inspection by a professional home inspector. Those house inspections are detailed and seasoned inspectors can spot evidence of problems that you might otherwise overlook. Here is where you can schedule a home inspection

Exterior Inspection

1. Driveway Condition: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

2. Sidewalk and Patio: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

3. Topography:

4. Exterior Drainage – CRITICAL!

5. Trees / Landscaping:

6. Fencing: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __ None __

7. Detached garage / shed: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

8. Swimming Pool:

9. Gutters / Downspouts: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

10. Siding Condition:

Basement or Crawlspace Inspection

11. Wall Cracks / Defects: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

12. Evidence of Seepage –

13. Crawlspace Vapor Barrier: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

14: Floor Slab:

15: Staircase / Handrail: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

16: Lighting: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

Furnace / Air Conditioning  Inspection :

17. Equipment Cleanliness: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

18. Vent Pipe Condition:

19. Furnace Filter –

20. Air Conditioner Unit Paint: Looks New ___ Looks Old __

Plumbing System Inspection

21. Water Heater Age –

22. Faucets Dripping: Yes __ No __

23. Noisy Drain Pipes when Toilets Flushed:

24. Visible Corrosion on Pipes: Yes __ No __

25. Sinks and Tub Drainage:

Electrical System Inspection :

26. Main Service Cable: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

27. Extra circuit breaker space:

28. GFCI outlets at wet/sink locations: Yes ___ No ___

29. Outdoor outlets:

30. Adequate room receptacles: Yes ___ No ___

Kitchen Inspection :

31. Cabinets / Tops:

32. Appliances: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

33. Flooring: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

Baths Inspection

34. Fixtures: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

35. Flooring:

Windows Inspection

36. Do windows operate? Yes ___ No ___

37. Insulated glass – Windows fogged? Yes ___ No ___

38. Drapes / Shades:

HEAT and A/C

Equipment, Controls, Venting, Fans, Ducts, Safety Control

Doors Inspection

39. Operation : Smooth __ Rub against Frame ___

40. Lock Operation:

Fireplace Inspection

41. Overall appearance: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __

42. Damper operation:

Roof Inspection

43. Appearance: Looks Worn ___ Looks New ___

44. Metal Flashings:

Attic Inspection

45. Minimum 14 – 18 inches Insulation: Yes __ No __

46. Visible mildew or damaged wood:

47. Visible soffit and ridge ventilation: Yes __ No __

48. Visible water leaks:

49: Functioning Storage Space: Yes __ No __

Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?