If you’re a buyer, a home inspection can help you identify potential damage prior to purchase; if you’re a seller, a home inspection can also help you sell your home faster.
However, it’s not always possible to hire a professional home inspector. For this reason, we’ve compiled this handy home inspection checklist to help you identify potential problems yourself.
If you’re ready to begin, grab some gloves, a flashlight, and a print-out of this checklist, and let’s get started with your home’s interior.
Attics
- No stains beneath roofing, especially around roof penetrations
- No evidence of decay, damage, or rot
- Sufficient, properly-installed insulation
- An adequate ventilation system
- No plumbing, exhaust, or appliance vents terminating in the attic
- No open electrical splices
- Adequately ventilated crawl spaces
- No moisture
- No evidence of insect damage
Interior Windows and Doors
- No stains on floors, walls, or ceilings
- Floors, walls, and ceilings appear level
- Flooring materials in good condition
- No significant cracks in walls or ceiling
- Windows and doors operate easily and latch properly
- No broken glass, sashes painted shut, or rot/decay
- Paint, wall coverings, and paneling in good condition
- Wood trim installed properly and in good condition
- Light switches operate properly
- Adequate number of functioning 3-pronged outlets
- Working heating/cooling source in each habitable room
- Evidence of adequate insulation in walls
- Fireplace: no cracks or damage, damper operates properly, flue cleaned and lined
Kitchen
- No leaks in pipes beneath sink
- No stains, mold or decay in cabinet beneath sink
- Adequate water pressure in sink
- No rust or deterioration in garbage disposal
- Built-in appliances operate properly
- Cabinets and drawers operate properly
Bathrooms
- Working exhaust fan that doesn’t terminate in attic
- Adequate flow and pressure in all fixtures
- Sink, tub, and shower drain properly
- Plumbing and cabinet beneath sink in good condition
- No signs of rust in metal sinks, no leaks in overflow drain
- Toilet operates properly, stable, no stains around base
- Caulking in good condition around tub and shower
- Tub and/or shower tiles secure
- No stains or evidence of leaks around bath/shower
Systems
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where required
- Plumbing: no evidence of leaks, stains, rust on water heater or pipes
- Electrical: no exposed splices, all cables secured and protected
- Heating/Cooling: good air flow, appears to operate well
- Ductwork in good condition with no open seams
- No asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes or air ducts
- Clean air filters
