Home Inspection Checklist
Home Inspection Checklist
The following checklist in NOT intended to replace a full blown inspection by a professional home inspector. Those inspections are detailed (or should be!) and seasoned inspectors can spot evidence of problems that you might otherwise overlook.
The purpose of this Incomplete and Free checklist below is to give you a very rough idea if the house is even worth considering. I've created some quick things you should look at that might completely nix the deal if I was considering buying the house.
If you want to walk around and through the house with a high-powered checklist that will help you identify many of the defects in the house BEFORE you make an offer, then I recommend you consider buying my Whole House Inspection Checklist. It's Instant Download and it comes with a money-back guarantee. It could save you Tens of Thousands of Dollars. You CAN'T afford to make a mistake in a deal as big as buying a house.
Take your time and write down the answers to your questions. Once the homeowner or Realtor sees you writing down answers, they will give you crisp responses to your questions!
Exterior:
1. Driveway Condition: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
2. Sidewalk and Patio: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
3. Topography: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
4. Exterior Drainage - CRITICAL! (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
5. Trees / Landscaping: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
6. Fencing: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __ None __
7. Detached garage / shed: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
8. Swimming Pool: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
9. Gutters / Downspouts: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
10. Siding Condition: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Basement / Crawlspace:
11. Wall Cracks / Defects: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
12. Evidence of Seepage - (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
13. Crawlspace Vapor Barrier: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
14: Floor Slab: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
15: Staircase / Handrail: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
16: Lighting: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
Furnace / Air Conditioning:
17. Equipment Cleanliness: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
18. Vent Pipe Condition: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
19. Furnace Filter - ASK to see! (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
20. Air Conditioner Unit Paint: Looks New ___ Looks Old __
Plumbing System:
21. Water Heater Age -(Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
22. Faucets Dripping: Yes __ No __
23. Noisy Drain Pipes when Toilets Flushed: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
24. Visible Corrosion on Pipes: Yes __ No __
25. Sinks and Tub Drainage: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Electrical System:
26. Main Service Cable: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
27. Extra circuit breaker space: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
28. GFCI outlets at wet/sink locations: Yes ___ No ___
29. Outdoor outlets: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
30. Adequate room receptacles: Yes ___ No ___
Kitchen:
31. Cabinets / Tops: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
32. Appliances: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
33. Flooring: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
Baths:
34. Fixtures: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
35. Flooring: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Windows:
36. Do windows operate? Yes ___ No ___
37. Insulated glass - Windows fogged? Yes ___ No ___
38. Drapes / Shades: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Doors:
39. Operation : Smooth __ Rub against Frame ___
40. Lock Operation: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Fireplace:
41. Overall appearance: Very Good __ Fair __ Poor __
42. Damper operation: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Roof:
43. Appearance: Looks Worn ___ Looks New ___
44. Metal Flashings: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
Attic:
45. Minimum 14 - 18 inches Insulation: Yes __ No __
46. Visible mildew or damaged wood: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
47. Visible soffit and ridge ventilation: Yes __ No __
48. Visible water leaks: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
49: Functioning Storage Space: Yes __ No __
50. Access: (Click here to get the Enhanced Checklist!)
EXTRA NEWS from Tim Carter:
Purchase my Easy-to-Use Home Inspection Checklist Now. This Simple-To-Use Tool allows you to spot many defects before you have to hire a real inspector. You can then eliminate a house and move on to one with fewer defects.
You have nothing to lose. If my checklist doesn't work for you, I'll give you your money back. Oh, one more thing, it's an Instant Download! You can have the checklist in your hands just minutes from now!
Related Articles: The Existing Home Inspection, Home Inspectors & Buying New Homes, Home Inspector Certification Associations