Free Home Inspection Checklist

Of course it's free, and it's a fairly comprehensive home inspection checklist. It will be useful for single family homes and duplexes. Items are listed without much explanation, because this isn't a tutorial on construction and building codes. You can look at wiring to spot obvious problems, for example, but you'll want to hire an experienced inspector if you suspect serious flaws.

___Propane Tank. Is it securely mounted? Is the line where people will trip on it? It should have posts or other safety barrier if it is near the driveway.

___Grading/Drainage. Does the property slope towards the house (this might cause water to enter)? Watch for any spots where water collects and could cause damage.

___Landscaping. Are trees or branches too close to lines or roofs? Are there dead trees that will have to be removed? Will the landscaping need other work? Watch for flower beds that trap water against the house.

___House Exterior. Paint in good condition? Cracked or crumbly stucco? Vinyl siding need to be replaced? Obvious signs of rotting trim? Gutters clogged or coming loose?

___Roof. How much life left in the shingles? More than two layers of shingles? Sagging in the roof? Gaps around chimneys and pipes? Trim rotting? Soffits sagging or warped?

___Doors. In good shape? Misaligned (this may indicate settling of the walls or foundation)? The locks function?

___Windows. Good condition? Broken glass? Rot around the edges? All have screens?

___Foundation. Visible cracks in the foundation (over 1/8" or cracks that are misaligned are a potential warning sign)? Top high enough off the ground so insects can't easily reach the wood?

___Driveway. Needs resurfacing or repairs?

___Porches. Boards solid? Needs paint or stain? Supports sufficient and aligned properly?

___Sheds. Doors working? Light coming in anywhere when you are inside the shed?

___Electrical. (Electrical checklist below.)

___Fences. Good condition? Bases of the fenceposts rotting?

___Other.

___Firewall. Is there a firewall (usually 5/8" taped-joint drywall) between the house and garage?

___Floor. Level? Cracking badly? A drain that works?

___Walls. Good condition?

___Doors. Garage door works? Other doors in good working condition?

___Other.

___Walls. Cracks, bulges, peeling paint or wallpaper? Water stains?

___Ceiling. Peeling paint? Ceiling sagging or wavy?

___Floor. Does it feel level? Is carpeting pulling lose anywhere? Any large stains or damaged areas?

___Lights. Test all wall switches and light fixture chains.

___Electrical Outlets. Test them all (buy a little tester at a hardware store). Are all working and anchored firmly to the walls?

___Windows. Can they be opened and closed easily? Blinds and curtains functioning well?

___Other.

___Walls. Are there any cracks, bulges, peeling paint or wallpaper?

___Ceiling. Is there any peeling paint? Is the ceiling sagging?

___Floor. Does the floor feel level? Is there any loose or bulging linoleum? Loose flooring tiles? Are there any large stains or damaged areas?

___Lights. Test all light switches.

___Electrical outlets. Are all outlets working and anchored firmly to the walls?

___Windows. Can the windows be opened and closed easily? Are the blinds and curtains functioning?

___Appliances. Check any appliances included in the sale,to see that they are working.

___Exhaust Fans. Does the fan work?

___Faucets, Sinks and Drains. Turn on any faucets, watching the color of the water, how long it takes for hot water to get there, and whether the sink drains easily. Check under the sink for any moisture from leaky drains.

___Other.

___Walls. Cracks, bulges, peeling paint or wallpaper?

___Ceiling. Peeling paint? Ceiling sagging or wavy?

___Floor. Does it feel level? Any loose or bulging linoleum? Loose flooring tiles? Large stains or damaged areas (check around toilet well)?

___Lights. Test all switches.

___Electrical outlets. Are all working and anchored firmly?

___Windows. Can they be opened and closed easily? Blinds and curtains functioning well?

___Exhaust Fan. Test it - does it sound normal?

___Faucets, Sinks and Drains. Turn on faucets, watch the color of the water. Note how long it takes for hot water to get there, and whether the sink drains easily and quickly.

___Bathtub and Shower. Shower works? Tub drains easily? Damage to walls around the tub? Heavy mineral stains in the tub or shower?

___Toilet. Flush it. Any dripping from valves behind the toilet? Dripping in tank after it is full?

___Mirrors. Delaminating? Cracks?

___Other.

___Insulation. Is it sufficient and in good condition?

___Wires. Is it updated (no bare wires on insulators)?

___Roof. Light coming in through the roof anywhere? Sagging? Supports look normal?

___Vents. Are there air vents, and are they properly screened?

___Pests. Any signs of animals (chewed wood, droppings, fur)?

___Other.

___ Mast. Is the electrical connection (the mast) attached to the house solidly? Bare wire ends need to be retaped.

___Outside wires. Wires rubbing against the house? Proper drip-loop, to keep rain water from entering into service panel? Lines more than 10 feet above the ground or drive? Any lines going to exterior lights, and do these lights work (try them)?

___Breaker Box. Breakers, not fuses (some insurance companies won't insure a house with fuses)? Are they labeled, and the right size (no 40 amp breakers with 30 amp wire)? Breaker box covered? Any of the terminals corroded or damaged?

___Wiring. Does it look normal? Is copper wire mixed with aluminum wire? Any exposed splices? (These need to be in junction boxes.) Any wires with evidence of burning? (Fire hazard.) Exposed wiring? (Needs to be in conduit.) Exposed wire ends? (Need to be capped.) Wiring in open framing (like a garage) should be 7 feet above the floor.

___Outlets. Undamaged covers? Outdoor outlets have weather protection covers?

___Other.

___Water. Standing water? Stains indicating there is water there in the past?

___Floor Joists. Beams look good (no sagging or rotting or insect damage)?

___Walls. Any large cracks in the walls? Do they bulge in?

___Supports. Do they look good? If any of the supports are new, ask the seller for an explanation.

___Faucets, Sinks ad Drains. Try them.

___Sump Pump. Does it work?

___Floor. Any large cracks in the floor?

___Other.

___Damper. Does it open and close smoothly?

___Structure. Any gaps or cracks? Is there a spark-arrester screen or window?

___Chimney. In good condition? Bricks coming apart? Is it pulling away from the house? Any creosote build-up in it?

___Other.

___Entry. Well lit? Any damage to the walls or floor?

___Furnace. Is it working (turn down the thermostat to get it to start)? Fan sounds smooth? Flame blue (best) or orange? (Yellow is a problem.) Ducts firmly attached? Any smell of gas?

___Water Heater. Is it in good condition? Is the water hot? Any staining around it that indicates leakage? Any of the fittings rusting? Is there a water shut-off valve that is easily accessible?

___Crawl spaces. Big enough to actually crawl in? Any standing water in them? Sagging in the floorboards?

___Stairways. Comfortable and safe? Any loose steps or broken edges?

___Air Conditioning. See if it works. Drainage causing any stains or damage?

Free Home Inspection Checklist

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