Home Inspection Checklist

When buying a house, a house inspection list can be extremely helpful in determining the property’s general condition. A house Inspection list can also help you estimate the future repair costs of the home, which can help you determine whether the house is good for you. Use this house inspection list to figure out if the house you are looking at is right for you.

• Sagging ridges

• Sagging between the rafters or trusses

• Asphalt shingle deterioration (curling, broken edges, warping, slits, rounded corners)

• Loose flashing

• Rotten or delaminate wooden under last shingle row

• Visible roof vents

• Cracked or broken masonry cap

• Flaking or missing bricks/mortar

• Leaning chimney

• Material of the soffit and fascia (plastic, aluminum, or wood)

• Missing/loose sections

• Paint problems or visible rot (if wooden)

• Peeling paint or rust

• Loose or sagging sections or leaks 

• Missing mortar

• Flaking or cracking bricks

• Loose, rotten, or missing siding, or deteriorated paint

• Siding shows the foundation or is old

• Exterior walls bulged, bowed, or leaning

• Issues with paint or caulking, or rotted wood parts

• Old or windows

• Flaking or cracking masonry

• Rotten wood, paint problems, or wood-earth contact.

• Separation or settlement from the house.

• Underside should be inspected if possible

• Flaking, cracks, or damaged masonry

• Water markings and efflorescence (chalky white substance)

• Soft mortar

• Bulging, bowing, or other irregularities

• Grade slope away

• Any low or settled areas near the foundation

• Cracked sidewalk or driveway

• Property lower than neighboring properties or street

• Stains, efflorescence, mildew/odors, loose tiles or other water penetration

• Cracked ceramics

• Deteriorated coverings

• Water staining or damage

• Sagging/sloping

• Nonworking doors/windows

• Crooked walls

• Loose or cracked plaster

• Physical damage, stains, previous repair evidence.

• Visible drywall nails or seams 

• Plaster cracks or sagging/loose plaster

• Stains or evidence of previous repair.

• Visible Seams or nails

• Unsecure fixtures

• Fixture cracks

• Poor condition of tiles and caulking shower area

• Broken/leaking faucets

• Faucets with low water pressure

• Rot or staining under counter-tops

• Broken cabinets or drawers