Home Inspection Checklist

No matter how perfect the home you’ve set your heart on – and made an offer on – seems, scheduling a home inspection is a vital step in purchasing your home.

A home inspection done by a licensed inspector is usually done after your offer has been accepted but before you close. That way, if any problems with the home are identified you can consider your options:

• Accept the problem
• Ask the seller to make repairs or give you a discount
• Walk away from the purchase if the situation is extreme enough

The home inspector will give the home a thorough once over and note any potential problems. It’s a good idea for you to attend the inspection to see and hear firsthand what the inspector has to say. An experienced inspector can give you an explanation of their findings, answer questions and give you context that can help you make a decision.

For example, the inspector may find that the home’s roof will need replacing in the next few years, or the sump pump needs replacing. You’ll need to decide if you’re willing and able to take on those updates and the costs that come with them.

This checklist can help you understand what to look for when it’s time for your home inspection.

Exterior Home Inspection Items

• Roof: Check for missing shingles and signs of leaks.

  Why: A damaged roof can lead to major problems and expenses inside and outside of the home. In some cases, it could even lead to home insurance companies refusing coverage until the roof is replaced.

• Gutters and siding: Note condition and any clogged gutters, broken flashing or chipped paint.

  Why: It’s not just about cosmetics. Clogged gutters or broken flashing could leave the home susceptible to water damage. In some cases, chipping paint could indicate the presence of lead paint, particularly in older homes.

• Foundation: Look for visible cracks and note trees near the foundation.

  Why: Cracks, water seepage or other structural problems can cause safety issues and create an unstable structure.

• Pavement: Check the condition of the driveway and walkways.

  Why: Cracked or damaged driveways or walkways can pose safety hazards, especially during Wisconsin winters. Pavement slanted toward your house could also make it easier for water from rain or melting snow to get into the basement.

• Yard: See if the lawn slopes away from the house and look for soggy areas.

  Why: Just like the pavement, a sloping or soggy lawn could signal the potential for water damage or even flooding.

• Garage: Check the condition of the slab, lights and garage door and openers.

  Why: Making sure the garage is stable, watertight and safe is just as essential as making sure the house is safe and stable.

Interior Home Inspection Items

• Appliances: Confirm the age and condition of any appliances.

  Why: Appliances with damaged wiring, leaks or other defects could pose a safety hazard.

• Plumbing :Check for leaks and water pressure.

  Why: A leaky pipe or a slow drain can wind up being costly to repair and could lead to more damage like wood rot or mold, not to mention higher water bills.

• Structure: Check for cracks in the walls, water stains and fire damage, as well as sticking doors and windows.

  Why: Cracks and evidence of previous damage can indicate a larger, more expensive problem looming in the future. Windows and doors that don’t open and close smoothly may need to be replaced to avoid drafts and increased heating and cooling costs.

• Systems: Confirm the condition of heating and air conditioning, the water heater and the kitchen exhaust fan.

  Why: A functioning HVAC system is crucial for home safety. Beyond comfort and energy efficiency, damaged systems or poorly functioning exhaust systems could create dangerous hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.

• Electric: Make sure all switches and outlets work and are properly grounded.

  Why: Bad or damaged wiring or outdated outlets can pose a major fire hazard. Outlets should be grounded (three-pronged vs. two-pronged), and wiring should not be frayed or exposed.

• Basement :Look for dampness, leaks and signs of previous flooding.

  Why: A flooded or leaking basement can lead to structural damage over time. Check that the sump pump is in good working order, or whether mitigation methods such as drain tiles have been installed.

Don’t be afraid to ask the inspector questions while you’re there. The more you know about the condition of the home you’d like to purchase, the better.

For more information about home inspections, check our home inspection FAQs.

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