Architectural details, modern conveniences, and wall and floor coverings are key factors in the buying decision, but this write-up focuses the inspection on the structural, electrical, and mechanical condition of the house. This checklist for inspecting a house is designed to provide the real estate agent or potential buyer with a way of detecting some of the obvious major deficiencies or flaws in the critical components of a home. While this inspection checklist may not detect all the flaws in the property, it provides a basic guide to identifying potential areas of problems that might exist in the home or property.
1. Interior
Foundation: Check the walls and ceilings in every room for obvious cracks. Check for trees encroaching on the house’s foundation. This can also be done on the house’s exterior.
Attic: Assess the interior of the roof structure for any signs of leaks.
Interior Leaks: Check the floors and ceilings in each room for obvious leaks.
Basement: This place is prone to dampness, therefore you should check for adequateinsulation. For a crawl space in place of a basement, leave this to the professional home inspector.
2. Exterior
Assess whether the exterior will require any repairs/ repainting soon. Check whether gutters and downspouts are firmly attached. Watch out for any loose boards or dangling wires as well as for asbestos in the exterior, as this may require extra cost to repair or replace.
Lot: Check if the drainage seems to be away from the property and for any obvious soggy places
Roof: Check the overall condition and ask when it was last replaced. Find out whether there are signs of trees encroaching on the roof.
3. Electrical
Check out for any obvious malfunctions and find out whether all the switches work. Are the outlets grounded? Also, do find out whether the panel is updated and expandable to accommodate additional appliances that you may require, or a potential home remodel to improve the look and feel of your home.
Appliances: Note that these are not a part of the electrical system, but if they are included in the house, then you need to find out their age and condition.
HVAC: The heating, venting, and cooling system should also be checked for obvious flaws and malfunctions. Determine the age of the furnace.
4. Plumbing
Look out for any blocked sewer lines. Establish whether there are any potential cracks.
Lastly, smell the house for any strange odors and determine what can/cannot be fixed. Musty odors could mean a wet basement.