Home Inspection Checklist

Know the property’s condition before you buy.

By the numbers:

77% of home buyers get home inspections prior to purchase.

The national average cost of a home inspection is $339.

99% of realtors recommend home inspections.

16% of realtors report loss of sales due to home inspection results.

Buyer risks – Before you buy a property, ask your home inspector if any of these common property issues are present:

Outside:

Poor drainage. BEWARE: Improper water drainage can lead to foundation problems, rot and mold.

Cracks in the foundation and window perimeters that allow water into wall cavities.

Aged or improperly installed roofing. If the roof is past its life expectancy, you may want to have a licensed roofer inspect it.

Uneven pavement, cracked steps and loose handrails on steps.

Inside:

Insufficient or out-of-date wiring (exposed, knob and tube, or wiring less than 100 amps).

Poor ventilation. FACT: Insufficient ventilation can equate to excess moisture damaging interior walls and structural elements.

Rusty, old or incompatible plumbing or piping that failed a pressure test or was not tested.

Mold or fungus in the house or signs of prior water damage.

Attic or crawl space:

Damage to trusses or rafters from shifting.

Improper insulation. BEWARE: Too much insulation can restrict airflow and insulation placed too close to electrical (e.g., recessed lights) can be a fire hazard.

Water damage to floorboards, vents or the chimney.

Basement:

Water stains down walls. BEWARE: Water stains are indicative of a basement that leaks when heavy storms roll through.

A faulty HVAC system. FACT: HVAC systems can cost thousands of dollars to replace.

Pencil-like termite tubes along joists.

Inspection red flags: now what? If your home inspector finds any of these conditions in a property you wish to buy, ask these three things:

What is the extent of the damage?

Can the damage be corrected?

What would it cost to fix?

Some of these conditions may make the home uninsurable. Talk with your home insurance company. You may be able to ask the existing homeowner to make repairs as part of your offer. Or, consider purchasing another property.