Every prospective homeowner is advised to have a home inspection done by professionals before purchasing a home. However, this list may help you make an informed decision prior to having to pay someone to look for you.
To Print this checklist to help you pre-inspect homes as you conduct your home search right click inside the page and select Print.
| Item |
Description |
Notes |
| Roof |
Check for leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks. Make sure there are no trees touching or overhanging the roof (wet leaves are very heavy). |
Watertight:
Trees: |
| Foundation |
Check for cracks, shifting or settling. See if house is bolted to foundation (for earthquake safety.) Make sure mudsill (part of the house that rests on the foundation) is in good condition. Should be dry. |
Cracks:
Shifting:
Retrofitted:
Mudsill: |
| Windows |
Check for dry rot on panes, sills and frames. Check for cracks in glass. Make sure windows open properly. Check that windows seal tightly. Check for moisture damage inside. |
Panes / Sills / Frames:
Glass:
Seal:
Opening: |
| Electricial systems |
Test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly. Check to see if system has been updated (3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc. - for older houses). Look for GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in bathroom and kitchen. Look for broken or loose outlets. Test light fixtures. |
Outlets - 3-prong, unbroken, tight fitting:
GFI outlets:
Light fixtures:
Switches:
Circuit breakers: |
| Plumbing |
Check for leaks around pipes and fixtures. Test water pressure (turn on more than one faucet at once). Test hot water pressure (same method). Check walls around shower and for water damage. Look for rust or leaking around hot water heater. Make sure water heater is up to code. |
Not leaking:
Water pressure:
Hot water pressure:
Shower walls:
Hot water heater: |
| Fireplace/Chimney |
Check for crumbling mortar around brickwork. Look at stability of chimney. Check for obstructions. |
Mortar intact:
Chimney stable:
No obstructions: |
| Drainage |
Make sure that spouts drain away from house. Yard should slope away from the house to draw water away. Earth should be at least 6-8 inches below top of concrete foundation. |
Spouts:
Slope:
Earth grading: |
| Pests |
Look for termite / beetle holes in wooden supports and under house. Check attic vents for hornet / wasp nests. Check for rodent droppings in cupboards and under house. |
No holes:
No nests:
No droppings: |
| Floor |
Check for water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures. Test for soft spots in floor. Check under house for water-damaged floorboards and supports. |
No water damage - firm floor:
Intact floorboards and supports: |
| Kitchen |
Check that appliances and faucet are operational. |
Oven:
Range:
Faucet: |
| Hazardous materials |
Check for asbestos and lead. |
Asbestos:
Lead: |
| Stairs and walkways |
Make sure that all stairs and walkways (inside and out) are free of obstructions. All stepping stones should be firm. Railings should be steady. |
Indoor stairs:
Outside (porch) stairs:
Railings:
Walkways: |
| Pool/Spa |
Make sure cleaning / filtering system works properly. Test thermostat. Check for leaks or cracks. |
Filter operational:
Thermostat operational:
No cracks / leaks: |
| Paint |
Check for cracking or peeling paint. |
Interior:
Exterior: |
| Furnace |
Make sure thermostat is operational. Check venting. |
Thermostat working:
Vented properly:
Vents clean: |
