A buyer's home inspection checklist

When you put in an offer on a house, you may think you’re set to move in. However, a professional home inspection can reassure home buyers they’ve made the right decision by showing them potential problems before closing.

Before a home inspection, it’s important to get all your questions answered to better understand the process, cost and more. Then, use this checklist of areas covered in a home inspection so you can best prepare for the home buying process ahead.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a noninvasive, visual examination of a home’s physical structure and systems. If an inspection unearths problems, you can negotiate with the seller to lower the home’s price or arrange for repairs before closing. You may even decide to back out of the home sale if it has a significant problem and you can’t negotiate a lower purchase price or reach an agreement with the seller.

A home inspection usually takes place right after a seller accepts an offer from a buyer. After both parties sign the purchase agreement, the home goes into escrow. The home inspection typically happens before or during the same time as the home appraisal.

Key questions and answers about house inspections: checklist

Before you prepare for a home inspection as a buyer, you probably have some questions. Here’s a checklist of questions you may want answered before you start preparing for the inspection on your potential future home.

Home inspection checklist for buyers

After researching and vetting your options, you should hire a professional home inspector to examine each part of the home. If you understand what the inspector is looking for, you can ask informed questions that help you better understand the extent of any damage.

Our checklist is a comprehensive overview of what certified home inspectors look for when filling out a home inspection report.

Grounds and exterior structure

• Foundation appears in good condition with no significant cracks
• No evidence of leaks from the septic tank
• Drainage away from the house with no standing water
• Easily accessible crawl spaces to get to plumbing
• Exterior walls appear straight with no sagging
• Windows and door frames appear square
• Siding appears in good condition with no cracks or damage
• Bricks appear undamaged with no cracks in joints
• Paint isn’t flaking or stained
• Roof shingles aren’t missing or damaged
• Gutters show no decay and drain properly
• Chimneys appear straight and undamaged
• Detached garage, shed, fence and deck appear in good condition with no rotted wood or evidence of termites

Basement

• No evidence of moisture
• No evidence of water damage to floor
• Sump pump operates properly

Attic

• No evidence of staining from roof
• Structure shows no damage or decay
• Adequate ventilation through soffit vents and end louvers
• Insulation is sufficient and installed properly
• Electrical splices are contained

Bathrooms

• Visible plumbing under sink is in good condition and shows no signs of water damage
• Adequate water pressure for hot and cold water at all fixtures
• Tub, shower and sinks drain smoothly
• Toilet flushes and fills properly
• Toilet is stable with no rocking or stains at base
• No evidence of leaking around base of tub or shower

Kitchen

• Visible plumbing under sink is in good condition and shows no signs of water damage
• Working exhaust fan vents to outside
• Garbage disposal is operational
• Water flow to sink is adequate and drains properly
• Built-in appliances operate properly

Interior rooms

• Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight and level without visible stains, cracking or damage
• Doors open easily and latch properly when closed
• Lights and switches operate properly
• Adequate number of electrical outlets in each room
• Heating and air conditioning vents in all rooms
• Fireplace has no cracking or staining
• Fireplace flue has been cleaned and is lined
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working and property located
• Stairway treads and risers are solid

Electrical systems

• Wiring is in good condition
• Service panel has standard capacity with cables attached correctly
• Cables are secured and protected
• No exposed electrical splices

Heating and cooling systems

• No gas odor
• Air conditioning and heating operate well
• Air filters are clean
• Flues have no open seams and slow up to chimney connection
• Cooling unit has no visible rust

Plumbing

• Visible pipes have no damage or evidence of leaks
• Water heater shows no signs of rust
• Water pressure falls within accepted range
• Hot water temperature does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit

What happens after the home inspection?

After the home inspection, you receive a report that goes over the property’s major features and outlines any issues.

A good inspector will walk you through their findings – even minor damage or wear. Because it’s their job to note every flaw, the report will likely list many issues, but you don’t need to be concerned about every item on the list. An inspector can help you separate the trivial matters from the hazardous ones.

The bottom line

When buying a house, the last thing you want is surprise expenses. Hiring a qualified home inspector can help you avoid major repairs and give you the information you need to make the right decision. Print this checklist to keep it handy throughout the home inspection.

Make sure your home financing is in order if you’re getting ready for an inspection. Start your mortgage approval online with Rocket Mortgage^® to prepare for the next steps of the process.