What does a home inspection involve? There are dozens of features that a home inspector will examine to ensure the home's safety and habitability. Here are some of the things you can expect your inspector to check out.
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Outside
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Puddles/standing water: Puddles or standing water could indicate a drainage problem.
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A shed: Shed walls should be solidly built, and doors must open and shut smoothly.
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Retaining walls: Leaning retaining walls might show instability in the ground.
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Fences: Fences should be standing straight.
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Paths: Buckling or crooked pathways are another indication of draining issues.
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Deck/patio: Decks and patios must be free of holes and have adequate railings.
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Trees and shrubs: Trees overhanging your roof or shrubs planted too close to the house might be flags.
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Roof: The roof should be free from holes; materials should be in decent shape, and vents should be free and clean.
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Gutters and drainage: Gutters should be secured to the roof, clear from debris, and draining away from the house.
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Siding: The siding material will get a look for any signs of aging or damage, and to ensure the walls are straight.
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Inside
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Basement: Basements and crawl spaces will be inspected for moisture and pests.
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Foundation: Foundation problems can make or break a sale; the inspector will check for stability and leaks.
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Mold/mildew: Mold and mildew could mean a leaky foundation.
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Plumbing or pipes: Any visible damage to your plumbing pipes, or stains around the materials, will be noted in the report.
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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.
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Attic: Inspectors will check for mold and mildew, leakage, and more in the attic.
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Insulation: The attic is one of the best places to see if insulation is the right type and has been installed correctly.
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Front door: Crooked door frames or doors that stick can indicate a foundation problem.
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Windows: Inspectors will make sure windows open and close smoothly.
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Walls: Leaning or tilted walls could show a structural problem with the house.
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Ceilings: Water stains on the ceiling mean that water is leaking somewhere in the house.
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Heat/cooling sources: Is the heat or cooling adequate for this part of the country?
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Fireplace/chimney: The inspector will check for cracks or damage in the fireplace or chimney.
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Kitchen
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Range hood or exhaust fan: Your kitchen needs to be well-ventilated, so inspectors will check for that.
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Outlets by sink: Any outlets by the kitchen sink must have a ground fault circuit interrupter.
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Kitchen sink: The kitchen sink should have adequate water pressure, and should be free of any leaks or stains underneath.
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Appliances: Any built-in appliances will get a once-over to make sure they operate properly and aren’t causing any issues.
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Cabinets drawers: Cabinets and drawers that don’t open or close smoothly can be another indication that the home’s foundation is shifting.
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Bathroom
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Toilets: Not only should toilets operate, but they also need to be secured.
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Shower: The shower drains and water pressure, tiles and caulking, and flooring will all be examined.
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Tub: Inspectors will check bathtubs for drainage, any signs of leaks or damage, and water pressure.
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Garage doors: Do the garage doors open and close properly, and is the garage structurally sound?
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Electrical
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Visible wiring: Visible wiring is usually OK, but it has to be secured and protected, with no visible splices.
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Electrical panel: The electrical panel must be the correct size for the home, and the connections must be in good order.
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Outlets: Inspectors will note the number of outlets in each room and whether that number is adequate.
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Light switches: Are all the light switches operational? You can expect your inspector to check.
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General safety
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Operational smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: Do the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work? (Yes, the inspector is going to set them off to check!)
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Level floors: The floors should be level and free of cracks, stains, or signs of damage.
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Stairs: Stairs should have solid risers and tread, with no loose boards or other issues, and hand railings (if necessary).
