Complete Home Inspection Checklist: What You Need to Know?

Home inspections are an important part of the home-buying process. A professional inspector will take a close look at the property you’re interested in to make sure there are no hidden problems that could end up costing you a lot of money down the road.

But what exactly do home inspectors look for? This post will give you a complete home inspection checklist, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. The Foundation

One of the first things on any home inspector’s checklist is the foundation. Your foundation is what keeps your house standing, so it’s necessary to make sure there are no cracks or other damage that could cause problems down the road.

Home inspectors closely examine the foundation for any signs of damage or potential problems. They’ll also look at the floors and walls to make sure they’re level, and there are no cracks or other signs of weakness.

When the foundation has issues, they often show up as cracks in the walls or doors that don’t close properly. If the foundation is seriously damaged, it can be expensive to fix. A home inspection will allow you to catch any problems early.

2. The Roof

The inspector will also take a close look at the roof. They’ll check for any missing or damaged shingles and make sure the gutters are in good condition.

A roof is a big investment, so you'll want to make sure it’s in good condition before you buy a home. If the roof needs to be replaced, it can cost $10,000 or more. A house that has extensive roof damage or disrepair may not be worth the investment due to the out-of-pocket expense you'll be responsible for. Think twice about any house you see that has these issues.

3. The Plumbing

The inspector will also check the plumbing to make sure there are no leaks or other problems. They’ll also check the water pressure and make sure the sewer lines are in good condition.

Your plumbing is another vital system in your home, and it’s important to make sure everything is in good working order before you buy. Leaks can be expensive to fix, and if the sewer lines are damaged, it can be a big problem.

4. The Electrical System

The inspector will also check the electrical system to make sure everything is up to code. They’ll also look for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Your electrical system is one of the most important systems in your home. But if it's outdated or needs repairs, you'll be looking at a big expense.

Your home inspector will check to make sure the electrical system is up to code and there are no signs of damage. If they find any problems, you'll need to get them fixed before you can close on the house.

5. The Heating and Cooling Systems

Also called HVAC systems, heating, cooling, and air conditioning are essential systems in any home. The inspector will check to make sure they’re working properly and that there are no signs of wear and tear.

This is yet another costly expense if something needs to be replaced or even fixed. In many cases, it’s worth it to buy a home with a newer HVAC system, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

6. The Insulation

The inspector will also check the insulation to make sure it’s in good condition, and there are no gaps or leaks.

Insulation is responsible for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If it’s not in good condition, you could be paying a lot more for your energy bills. Please note that if the insulation in a house is old, it may need to be replaced. This is usually not very expensive compared to a lot of other home inspection checklist items, but extensive work may need to be done to effectively replace the insulation.

7. The Walls and Ceilings

The inspector will also check the condition of the walls and ceilings. They’ll look for any cracks, water damage, or other problems.

It’s important to have strong and sturdy walls and ceilings in your home. If there are any weak spots, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a structural issue.

8. The Windows

Lastly, your home inspector will take a close look at the windows in your home. 

Be sure to ask about their condition and if any repairs or replacements are needed. 

In addition, find out if the window seals are in good condition and if there is any condensation building up between the panes of glass. 

This could be an indication of a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

Summary

A complete home inspection is an important part of the home-buying process. It gives you an opportunity to get an inside look at the condition of the home before buying it. While you may be tempted to do a quick Google search to see if there are any red flags you should look out for, this is not a complete inspection. 

A thorough inspection will go well beyond the standard and catch any issues that might be overlooked otherwise. While it can be an expensive process, it is well worth it to know exactly what you’re buying.

Call Guardian Angel Inspections to Schedule a Complete Home Inspection

A home inspection is an essential step in the home-buying process. Our professional inspector will look for any major problems with the property, both inside and out, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy.

We can also help you determine the status of your property if you currently own a home. This is a good idea if you are thinking about selling or if you just want to be proactive about maintaining your home.

For either a pre-purchase inspection or a general home inspection, we will:

1. Inspect the foundation and framing
2. Check for signs of water damage
3. Inspect the electrical system
4. Test the plumbing fixtures
5. Inspect the HVAC system
6. Test the windows and doors
7. Look for signs of pests
8. Take photos of any areas of concern
9. Provide a written report with our findings

If you have any questions about our process or what we look for during an inspection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the best decision possible about your home.

Phone: 561-512-7854
Online: Contact form