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Although you should hire a qualified professional home inspector when buying a home, ... it's useful to learn the basics of home inspection yourself. Being able to see a house though an inspector's eyes allows you to get a general assessment of a home in a short amount of time, helps you know how to prepare for an inspection, and provides guidelines for giving your home an occasional checkup. Although this list isn't a substitute for a professional home inspection, here are some things to look for when assessing a house.
*** Assess the outside: ***
Look at the house as a whole and make sure it's not leaning and the roof is unbowed. Walk around the house, checking for large cracks in the foundation (small cracks are ok.) Look at the roof for broken, missing, or curling shingles. Check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they aren't clogged, broken or detached. Make sure the chimney looks straight and doesn't have cracks or loose bricks or mortar. Look to see if the exterior surface of the house is in good condition, checking for peeling paint, missing siding, exposed wood, or cracked stucco. Check for an acceptable clearance between the ground and siding material—there should be at least six inches. The yard should be sloped away from the house allowing for proper drainage. Look for standing water or evidence of flooding. Check for termite tunnels and other evidence of infestation.
*** Check the Hardscape: ***
Look at driveways, sidewalks, and steps to make sure they are properly sealed and don't present tripping hazards. Check that hand railings are securely attached. Look at decks and porches to make sure they're structurally sound and in good condition. Check wood fences and decks for rot or termite damage and make sure gates open and lock properly. Check the outdoor lights and outlets to make sure they're working. Make sure the automatic garage door functions properly and that it will stop for an obstacle.
*** Start at the top of the House: ***
Go into the attic, if there is one, and make sure that there is enough insulation and that it's in good shape. Look for proper venting and no water damage. Check ceilings and walls throughout the house for water marks, soft spots, or other signs of leaking. Don't forget to check around skylights for evidence of leaks.
*** Check windows, doors and floors: ***
Inspect windows and doors looking for gaps, improper sealing, and dry rot. Check to see that they sit square in their frames (misaligned frames can indicate a shifting foundation.) Open and close doors and windows to make sure they fit properly and don't stick. Check that locks and latches work, sliding doors slide smoothly, and that windows aren't painted shut. Look for broken windows or missing or damaged screens. Check to see that floors appear level and are in good condition without missing tiles, bowed wood or torn carpeting.
*** Assess the bathrooms: ***
Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes to make sure the drains are working properly in sinks, showers and tubs. Flush toilets to see if the water pressure changes or there are unusual noises. Make sure toilet and sinks are securely fastened. Open the cabinetry under sinks, checking for water damage and making sure doors work properly. Check the condition of the grout and caulking. Turn on the fan, making sure it works and vents outside.
Jill Hamilton
