You found the home of your dreams, you submitted an offer, and your offer was accepted. That’s exciting news! You are moving forward toward new homeownership. Now is the time in the home buying process to undergo the home inspection.
Because your house is a significant investment, it’s crucial to complete a comprehensive home inspection. Your inspector will follow a detailed home inspection checklist that covers a wide range of factors, including:
Foundation
A quality foundation is crucial to the life of a house. That’s why home inspectors often begin with an inspection of the house’s foundation. Your inspector will analyze the type of foundation used (cinderblock, raised, slab, stone, wood, etc.), evaluating trouble spots like cracks, uneven leveling, structural sagging or bowing, misalignment, and more.
Areas Around the House
The inspector will evaluate the conditions of the home’s outside areas. They will look for the presence of necessary features like gutters, and they will determine the quality of features like fence systems and driveways if present.
Roof
Your house needs a well-functioning roof as it keeps out rain, debris, insects, animals, and anything else that can threaten the structure and operation of the home. It also helps regulate temperatures. Your inspector will check to ensure all roof components, including vents and chimneys, are structurally correct and damage-free.
Attic
A healthy roof tends to lead to a healthy attic. Usually, roof issues cause attics to develop water buildup and feature insects or pests. Your inspector will look for signs of moisture, bugs, and rodents. They’ll also evaluate the insulation and ventilation, checking whether both work properly.
Basement
Just like the roof affects the attic, the foundation affects the basement. If your home has one, the inspector will look for signs of issues with the foundation. Common problems include the presence of moisture or water damage. They’ll also check insulation quality throughout the basement.
HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical
Your home must feature a working HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system to stay healthy and operate properly. Your inspector will analyze each system, checking for things like:
HVAC
- How old the unit is
- What the duct system looks like
- How good the airflow is through the house
Plumbing
- How worn the pipes, fittings, and fixtures are
- How strong the water pressure and water flow are
Electrical
- Proper installation and grounding
- How safe the cords and electrical components are
- How equipped the system is to power the house