Prepare For A Home Inspection

As a seller you need to know what to expect during the home inspection process. You should also fix anything that may have a negative impact on the inspection findings. The cleaner the home inspection the more likely you will have a smooth transaction.

Here are a few items to have inspected and repair as needed:

An exterior home inspection checklist should include the following:

Grounds:

• Good drainage, including downspouts, away from the house with no standing water.
• No evidence of leaks from septic tank.
• Landscaping, driveway and walkways in good condition with no significant cracks.
• Trees in good condition without overhanging or touching the roof.
• Detached garage, shed, fence and deck show no rotted wood or evidence of termites.
• Deck and stair railings are secure.

Roof:

• Shingles are not missing or damaged and show no curling or cupping.
• No evidence of excess roofing cement or patches.
• Flashing around roof penetrations is present and in good condition.
• No decay or staining on soffits and fascia; fascia board lines appear straight and level.
• Vents for eaves are clean and not obstructed.
• Gutters show no decay, staining or rust and are securely attached with downspouts.
• Chimneys are straight and show no evidence of damage; flashing and cap are in good condition.

Outside structure:

• Visible foundation appears straight and plumb, in good condition with no significant cracks.
• Exterior walls appear straight with no sagging or bowing.
• Window and door frames appear square.
• No wood-to-ground contact.
• Siding has no cracks, decay or curling.
• Bricks show no damage or cracks in joints.
• Stucco shows no large cracks.
• Aluminum and vinyl siding is not loose and shows no dents or damage.
• Paint is not flaking or blistered.
• Exterior walls show no staining.

Doors and windows:

• Doors have weather-stripping and latch properly.
• Thermal glass or storm windows are installed.
• No condensation inside double-paned windows.
• Frames and trim are secure with no cracks or decay.
• Joints are caulked.
• Drip caps are installed.

An interior home inspection checklist should include:

Basement:

• No evidence of moisture.
• No evidence of water damage to above floor.
• No staining or major cracks in exposed foundation.
• Visible floor joists show no damage, decay or staining and appear straight.
• Sump pump operates properly.

Crawl space:

• Adequate ventilation to exterior.
• No evidence of damage from moisture or insects.
• Water supply and waste pipes are insulated.
• Insulation between crawl space and heated areas.

Attic:

• No evidence in attic of staining from roof.
• Structure shows no damage or decay.
• Adequate ventilation through soffit vents and end louvers; mechanical ventilation is operational.
• Plumbing, exhaust and appliance vents extend through roof.
• Insulation is sufficient and properly installed.
• Electrical splices are contained.

Electrical:

• Service panel has adequate capacity with cables attached properly.
• No knob-and-tube wiring.
• No aluminum cable for branch circuits.
• Cables are secured.
• Visible wiring is in good condition.
• No exposed electrical splices.

Plumbing:

• Visible pipes show no damage or evidence of leaks.
• Drain pipes slope toward main waste outlet to sewer or septic system.
• Water heater is appropriate size for home and shows no signs of rust.
• Manufacture date of water heater is within length of expected use.
• Water pressure at fixtures in home falls within accepted range.
• Hot water temperature at fixtures does not exceed 125-degrees Fahrenheit.
• Water from well is tested.
• Water pump does not short-cycle.

Heating and Cooling:

• No gas odor.
• Air conditioning and heating to operate well with good air flow throughout home.
• Air filters clean.
• Flues have no open seams and slope up to chimney connection.
• Ductwork is in good condition.
• No rust around cooling unit.

Bathrooms:

• Working exhaust fan vents to exterior.
• Adequate water flow and pressure for hot and cold water at all fixtures.
• Tub, shower and sink drain smoothly.
• Visible plumbing under sink is in good condition and cabinet floor shows no water damage.
• Toilets flush and fill properly.
• Toilet is stable, with no rocking or stains at base.
• Caulking inside and outside of tub and shower is in good condition.
• Tiles are secure.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for all electrical outlets located within 6-feet of sinks.
• No evidence of leaking around base of tub or shower.

Kitchen:

• Working exhaust fan vents to outside.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for all electrical outlets located within 6 feet of sinks.
• Dishwasher drains properly and shows no evidence of leaks; door and baskets operate properly.
• Plumbing under sink is in good condition and cabinet shows no stains or decay from past leaks.
• Garbage disposal is operational and shows no rust or deterioration.
• Water flow to sink is adequate and drains properly.
• Built-in appliances operate properly.
• Cabinets are in good condition; doors and drawers operate properly.

Interior rooms:

• Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight, plumb and level; no stains.
• Doors open easily and latch properly when closed; no broken hardware.
• Flooring materials in good condition.
• No significant cracks in walls or ceilings.
• Windows and doors operate easily and latch properly, no broken glass, no sashes painted shut.
• Paint, wall covering, paneling in good condition.
• Wood trim installed well and in good condition.
• Lights and switches operate properly.
• Adequate number of 3-pronged electrical outlets in each room.
• Electrical outlets test properly with spot checks.
• Heating and air conditioning vents in all rooms.
• Fireplace has no cracking or damaged masonry and shows no staining, which could indicate back-drafting; flue has been cleaned and is lined; damper works properly.

Miscellaneous:

• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and located in required and recommended areas.
• Stairway treads and risers are solid.
• Stair handrails located in required areas are in good condition.
• Automatic garage door operates properly and stops for obstructions.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and it is not meant to replace a professional home inspection checklist and report. Only use this as a complementary point of reference and keep in mind that not every checklist item will apply to every home. 

Here are a few infographics to help you along the way.