Home Inspection Checklist For Buyers

It may seem that you’re fully familiar with the condition of a potential home by the time you make an offer, but the reality is very different - there could be plenty of problems you may have inadvertently overlooked. 

This is why a home inspection is so integral. A certified individual can help you learn more about the property and reassure you that it’s free of major defects. 

So, stay with us today as we learn more about the process and provide you with a nifty home inspection checklist you can use to prepare for your appointment with the home inspector. 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the home’s structure and main systems. In most circumstances, buyers schedule the inspection as soon as the purchase agreement is signed. In other words, it takes place at the same time when the home is in escrow. 

Most homes have small issues, but sometimes, an inspection may uncover extensive damage. If that happens, the buyer has the right to renegotiate the price with the seller, or at the least, ask the seller to make the necessary repairs before closing. Some sellers may refuse to budge, in which case, you can always pull out of an agreement if you determine that the price is unrealistic, considering so many repairs need to be performed.

It’s worth noting that while a home inspection takes place at the roughly same time as a home appraisal, these two services are completely different. As the name suggests, appraises only estimate how much a property is worth to meet the terms of mortgage lenders. Hence, an appraiser won’t inspect the fine details of the home as they’ll only be concerned with the overall condition and local property values. 

What does a home inspection cover?

Finding a qualified home inspector is essential. Not all inspectors have the same amount of experience, and rookies often overlook issues that may be costly to resolve.

With that said, you’re allowed to attend the inspection, which is exactly why the home inspection checklist for buyers is so useful - it gives you a clear idea of what the inspector will evaluate. You can ask all the important questions that allow you to gain a better insight into the condition of the property. 

A quick reminder, though: don’t focus too much on tiny issues. Most homes have these and are generally easy to repair. Rather, drill the inspector about the severity of larger problems to figure out whether they are a detriment to your investment. 

To help you prepare for the upcoming inspection, here’s a home inspection checklist for buyers you can use:

1. Exterior structure and the grounds

The exterior of the home can provide valuable information about the overall condition of the property. This is why most inspections start here, with the inspector checking the following:

• Cracks in the foundation and its overall condition
• Standing water in the drainage
• Sagging of the exterior walls
• Condition of the doors and windows
• Damage on the siding 
• Cracks and the overall condition of brick joints
• Condition of the paint (flaking can indicate moisture or structural issues)
• Decay of the drainage
• Condition of any sheds, fences, decks, or detached garages
  
  

2. Basement

Similarly, a basement can uncover the level of a home’s structural integrity. The inspection will evaluate:

• Evidence of moisture
• Evidence of current or past water damage on the floor
• If available, the functioning of the sump pump
  
  

3. Attic

Similarly, the attic area can provide insights into the structural integrity of the home and its overall efficiency. The inspector must look for:

• Evidence of staining on the roof
• Presence of decay or damage
• Ventilation through louvers or soffit vents
• Quality and amount of insulation
• Condition of the electrical splices
  
  

4. Bathrooms 

Due to all the plumbing fixtures, bathrooms are an important concern for many homeowners, so it’s necessary to examine:

• Condition of the plumbing under the sink
• Water pressure at all fixtures
• Operation of the drains
• Condition and stability of the toilet, as well as how it fills and flushes
• Signs of leaks around the shower or the tub’s base
  
  

5. Kitchen 

So many things can go wrong in the kitchen, which is why inspectors take great care in checking the following:

• 
  Condition of the plumbing
• Operation of exhaust vents
• Condition of the garbage disposal
• Condition of built-in appliances
  
  

6. Interior areas

A large part of the home inspection checklist is taken up by interior areas and requires a close assessment of:

• Condition of walls, ceilings, and doors
• Operation of all doors
• Operation of lights and switches
• Number of outlets in each room
• Number of vents
• If present, the condition of fireplaces
• Condition of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
• Condition of stairway risers and treads
  
  

7. Electrical system

To ensure the safety of the occupants, inspectors must check:

• Condition of the wiring
• Capacity of the service panel
• Protection on the cables
• Condition of the electrical splices
  
  

8. HVAC system

In Florida, the HVAC system is of utmost importance. The inspector will thus look at:

• 
  Operation of the air conditioning and heating units
• Air filters
• Rust on the system’s components
  
  

9. Plumbing system

Defects in the plumbing system not only require a lot of money to repair but can also cause extensive water damage. This is why it’s crucial to evaluate the following:

• 
  Condition of the pipes
• Evidence of leaks
• Condition of the water heater
• Water pressure
• Water temperature

Make informed real estate decisions

With this home inspection checklist for buyers in your hands, you can get more out of the inspection than you otherwise would if you had gone in blind. 

After the inspection, you’ll receive a comprehensive report that will reveal any damage. This provides you with the data you need to make an informed decision and can help you renegotiate the price or ask the seller to pay for the repairs.

However, the experience of the inspector is not something that you should overlook. A home is probably the largest and most important financial investment you’ll ever make and you don’t want to skimp on anything.

To get the best inspection money can buy, consider Guardian Angel Inspections. We take pride in helping new homeowners find their dream homes and due to our extensive experience in the real estate industry, we can smell a dud from a mile away.

With every qualification in the book and multiple awards under our belt, we guarantee that we’ll provide you with all the information needed to determine whether the home you’re looking to purchase is a worthy investment or a waste of your time and money.

Schedule an inspection by calling 561-512-7854 or filling out our contact form.