Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist

What is a Home Inspection Checklist?

Home inspection-sounds scary, doesn’t it? But they aren’t…if you know what to expect.

Home inspections are simply someone coming out to evaluate your home. They are looking at certain things (more on that below) to determine the condition of your home and to make sure all systems are functioning correctly. Everything from the roof to the foundation.

During a Home Inspection

• Inspectors focus on the performance of the house, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues. Inspections are often necessary during a real estate transaction, but you can have one completed at any time.
• Home Inspections checklists are an evaluation of the exterior and interior of your home with a professional opinion of the performance of systems on the date inspected.
• Mostly a visual examination, the inspector may also take photos to document their findings.
• Home Inspections are intended to recognize components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life. Think plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roof and the actual structure of the house.
• The inspector will then complete a report of their findings with detailed descriptions of issues found, condition, and performance and if the inspector took photos, those would be in the report as well.

When Do You Need A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a great idea and sometimes required for the reasons listed below.

Purchasing A New Home

Purchasing a home is a major investment and a home inspection is required so the home buyer is fully aware of the condition of the home.

Certain things could have been looked over by the seller or builder of the home, that could end up costing the home buyer a fortune down the road.

Having a home inspection allows the home buyer to avoid that from happening. After the home buyers offer is accepted, they can have a home inspection done and depending on the report will be able to adjust/renegotiate their offer.

Homeowners Insurance

When applying for homeowners insurance a home inspection checklist may be required as part of the underwriting process of your homeowners policy.

The reason the homeowners insurance company will do this is to accurately asses the condition of the home and evaluate how big of a risk they are taking on by insuring the home.

Homeowners insurance companies look for not only the condition of the home and its systems, but they also look for things such as pools, trampolines, pets and trees. Those are situations that create a potential risk for the insurance company.

It is also worth noting that if you purchase a homeowners policy and are not honest and up front about certain things such as pools or trampolines, they can cancel your policy.

After Living/Owning The Home For Years

After you have lived or owned a home for several years, a home inspection is a great way to see if there are issues you are unaware of, that could create a major financial loss if not addressed.

This is especially a great idea if the home is not your primary residence or used a rental property.

What Are They Looking For During A Home Inspection Checklist?

Home inspectors have many things they look for so we have summarized what they are looking for below, as well as provided a pre home inspection checklist for you.

Lot

Your home inspection summary includes an overview of the lot on which the home was built. The inspector will look for soggy areas in the yard and see if drainage flows away from the house.

Structural Components

In addition to the exterior components of a home, an inspector will look at the sturdiness of the foundation and framing of the structure.

Roof

When inspectors are assessing the condition of the roof they examine shingles, flashing, and skylights and note the weak spots, loose shingles, and signs of aging and decay. They will include a note regarding the overall condition and age of the roof.

Exterior

Before heading inside, an inspector will check out the rest of a home’s exterior. This includes siding, soffit, porches, balconies, walkways, railings and driveways. If anything needs repairs or repainting, it is in the inspection report.

Interior & Attic

An inspection will detail the inside of the home including the condition of walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs and railings. Inspectors will also examine the construction of the roof and look for signs of leaks in the attic.

Electrical

The electrical system of a home is part of the inspection as well. An inspector will check to see how the electric panel looks and that the outlets are grounded. They will also test switches and note any malfunctions.

Plumbing

The inspector will evaluate all components of the plumbing system, including pipes, drains, water heaters, sump pumps, and sewer lines.

Appliances

If appliances like the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator come with the home, they will be tested to make sure they function properly.

Heating & Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems in the house are also checked to ensure they are in proper working order. Information regarding features of a furnace or fireplace will be in the report as well.

It is a great idea to do the pre home inspection checklist before the inspector comes out so that you are not surprised by any of their findings. It can also help you save money by avoiding those surprises and needing a secondary inspection after you have addressed the issues that needed attention.

For example, you are having a home inspection as part of your homeowners insurance policy:

If while doing your own pre home inspection checklist you noticed some damage to your roof. You could have that repaired before the inspector comes out. This way the home inspector isn’t the one who discovers that and reports it to the homeowners insurance company. If reported to the homeowners insurance company it could potentially lead to changes in your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspection Checklist

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Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Marlon Moss