Real Estate Home Inspection - Basic Checklist

During a home inspection, the following key topics will be discussed:

• Foundation

The home inspector will look at the foundation of your house. Some of the questions that will go through the home inspector's mind include:

1. What is the structural integrity of this property?
2. Are there cracks in the walls, shifting of the foundation, or problems with moisture?

• Roofing

The home inspector will look at your existing roof. He will question: what is the estimated life of the roof in the current condition?

• Exterior and Interior Condition

The home inspector will spend sometime looking at the exterior and interior of your house. He will note down:

Does the property need repairs to the exterior or interior?

For example,

• are floors level?
• do doors and windows open and shut property?
• are there sources of draft?
• is there evidence of previous or current water leaks?
• are attached structures (such as garages and decks) sound?

• Electrical

• Are electrical systems  up to code?
• are there any potentially dangerous conditions with the electrical system?

• Plumbing

The home inspector will inspect the plumbing for any evidence of leaks or hidden water issues. HE will ask if there are any problems with water pressure or plumbing system in general. He would want to know if everything is working properly and draining properly.

• Heating and Cooling

The home inspector will question how old the heating and cooling systems are and how they have been maintained. Questions he might ask include: are there any potential problems on the horizon? are they functioning properly? Is hot or cool air properly distributed through the house?

• Appliances

If appliances are going to be included in the  property, how are they working? is everything properly connected? Are there any potential hazards like frayed wires or poor hook-ups?