A home inspector identifies health, safety, or major mechanical issues of a house. A home inspector will go through the interior and exterior of the house to record any broken, defective, or hazardous issues with the house or the surrounding area. Home inspectors have a thorough list of items to check in and around the home.
Home inspectors work from detailed checklists to ensure every square inch of their clients’ homes are safe. Here’s just a glimpse at what goes into the average home inspection job:
Inspecting the Grounds
- Drainage flows away from the house
- No standing water is present
- The septic tank is not leaking
- Branches from nearby trees are not touching or hanging over the roof
- The yard is in good condition
- Fences, decks, garages and sheds are in good condition
- Railings on decks and stairways are strong and secure
- Driveways and patios are in good condition
- Downspout drainage is positioned away from the home
Inspecting the Exterior
- Visible foundation is in good condition
- Ridge and fascia board lines are straight
- Sides of house are not bowing or sagging
- Door and window frames are square
- Siding is not cracked or damaged
- No cracks in masonry veneers
- No dents or damage to vinyl siding
- No stains on exteriors
Inspecting the Roof
- Shingles are not bent, molding or flaking
- Flashing is present around roof penetrations
- Gutters are not sagging or rusted
- Chimneys are straight and flashed correctly
- Exterior vents are clear
Inspecting Interior Rooms
- Windows are in good condition
- Doors are functional and not damaged
- Door frames are in good condition
- Fireplace flue is clean and functional
- Flooring is in good condition, not stained
- Paint is not chipped
- Light switches are functional
- Cabinets are functional
- Smoke detectors are working
- Carbon monoxide detectors are functional
- Stairway tread is in place
- Stairway handrails are secure
- Crawl spaces are adequately vented
- Garage door opens and closes as intended
- Basement is in good condition
- Attic has no signs of decay or damage
Inspecting Home Systems
- Electrical outlets are functional and grounded
- Insulation is adequate
- Pipes are not leaking
- Water pressure is steady
- Plumbing is fully operational
- Water heater functions adequately
- Electrical wiring is secured and working properly
- Service panel is not overheating
- HVAC system operates well throughout home
- Air filters are clean
- Ductwork is in good condition
- Toilets function properly
Looking for Defects
- Structural damage
- Water damage
- Roof damage
- Electrical system damage
- Plumbing issues
- Pest infestations
- HVAC issues
If you want to view a complete guide to home inspection, you can check out our blog, “DIY Home Inspection Checklist – Everything You Need to Know“.
And if you’re ready to start a career in home inspection, let us know! You can reach us at 888-374-4096 or [email protected] with any questions, or to get started today.
English