39 Things a Home Inspector Checks

Outside

• Puddles/Standing Water: Puddles or standing water could indicate a drainage problem.
• A Shed: Shed walls should be solidly built, and doors must open and shut smoothly.
• Retaining Walls: Leaning retaining walls might show instability in the ground.
• Fences: Fences should be standing straight.
• Paths: Buckling or crooked pathways are another indication of draining issues.
• Deck/Patio: Decks and patios must be free of holes and have adequate railings.
• Trees and Shrubs: Trees overhanging your roof or shrubs planted too close to the house might be flags.
• Roof: The roof should be free from holes; materials should be in decent shape, and vents should be free and clean.
• Gutters and Drainage: Gutters should be secured to the roof, clear from debris, and draining away from the house.
• Siding: The siding material will get a look for any signs of aging or damage, and to ensure the walls are straight. 

Inside

• Basement: Basements and crawl spaces will be inspected for moisture and pests.
• Foundation: Foundation problems can make or break a sale; the inspector will check for stability and leaks.
• Mold/Mildew: Mold and mildew could mean a leaky foundation.
• Plumbing or Pipes: Any visible damage to your plumbing pipes, or stains around the materials, will be noted in the report.
• Water Heaters: The inspector will note the size of the water heater, note its ventilation and set temperature, and check for any signs of rust.
• Attic: Inspectors will check for mold and mildew, leakage, and more in the attic.
• Insulation: The attic is one of the best places to see if insulation is the right type and has been installed correctly.
• Front Door: Crooked door frames or doors that stick can indicate a foundation problem.
• Windows: Inspectors will make sure windows open and close smoothly.
• Walls: Leaning or tilted walls could show a structural problem with the house.
• Ceilings: Water stains on the ceiling mean that water is leaking somewhere in the house.
• Heat/Cooling Sources: Is the heat or cooling adequate for this part of the country?
• Fireplace/Chimney: The inspector will check for cracks or damage in the fireplace or chimney.

Kitchen

• Range Hood or Exhaust Fan: Your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated, so inspectors will check for that.
• Outlets by Sink: Any outlets by the kitchen sink must have a ground fault circuit interrupter.
• Kitchen Sink: The kitchen sink should have adequate water pressure, and should be free of any leaks or stains underneath.
• Appliances: Any built-in appliances will get a once-over to make sure they operate properly and aren’t causing any issues.
• Cabinets Drawers: Cabinets and drawers that don’t open or close smoothly can be another indication that the home’s foundation is shifting.

Bathroom

• Toilets: Not only should toilets operate, but they also need to be secured.
• Shower: The shower drains and water pressure, tiles and caulking, and flooring will all be examined.
• Tub: Inspectors will check bathtubs for drainage, any signs of leaks or damage, and water pressure.
• Garage Doors: Do the garage doors open and close properly, and is the garage structurally sound? 

Electrical

• Visible Wiring: Visible wiring is usually OK, but it has to be secured and protected, with no visible splices.
• Electrical Panel: The electrical panel must be the correct size for the home, and the connections must be in good order.
• Outlets: Inspectors will note the number of outlets in each room and whether that number is adequate.
• Light Switches: Are all the light switches operational? You can expect your inspector to check.

General Safety

• Operational Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Do the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work? (Yes, the inspector is going to set them off to check!)
• Level Floors: The floors should be level and free of cracks, stains, or signs of damage.
• Stairs: Stairs should have solid risers and tread, with no loose boards or other issues, and hand railings (if necessary).