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Home Inspection Checklist for a home buyer

by | 10 June, 2022

Yard

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Is the lawn adequately maintained, or are there patches or soggy areas?
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Does the property slope away from the house, with good drainage? Is there any standing water?
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Are the driveway and other paved areas cracked or uneven?
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If there’s a septic tank, is it leaking?

Roof

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Are any shingles missing, or are there patches where the roof may have leaked previously?
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Are the chimney and flashing in good shape?
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Are the gutters and downspouts in proper condition? Do they drain as expected, or have they been neglected? (That could be a sign that the house hasn’t been appropriately maintained as a whole.)
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Are the soffits and fascia in good shape?
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Question for the owner: How old is the roofing?

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Exterior

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Is the foundation in good condition, or is it cracked or crooked?
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Are there large trees (which would have large roots) near the home’s foundation?
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Are there any signs of damage from insects, termites, or rotted wood?
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Are the door frames all square, or are they sagging or bowed?
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Does the garage door work properly?
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Is the siding or stucco intact or loose, and is any damage visible? Is any paint chipped or fading?
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Question for the owner: How old is the exterior paint job or siding?

Interior: General

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Do all of the doors and windows work? Are the frames caulked or insulated?
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Is there enough ventilation in every room?
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Does the house smell of mold or smoke? Are there any other foreign odors?
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Are the floors in good shape? Will any need restoration or replacement?
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Are the ceilings even and intact? Are there signs of previous water damage from leaks? Will any ceilings need repainting?
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Are there cracks in any walls or ceiling, or where the walls join the ceiling?
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What is the condition of the wall coverings, drapes or curtains?
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Do the electrical outlets work, are they grounded, and are there enough in each room? Do all the light switches work?
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Are stairs and railings solid and sturdy?
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Are carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed? Working?
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Questions for the owner: Has there ever been a fire in the home? Has the home ever needed special treatment for insects or other pests? What type of, and how much, insulation is there in the walls and ceiling?

Interior: Attic

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Does the roofing have water stains (a sign of previous leaks)?
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Are there any droppings, wood shavings, or other signs of rodents or insect infestations?
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Is there enough ventilation and adequate insulation in the attic’s walls and floors?
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Are there exposed wires or splices which could be fire hazards?

Interior: Basement

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Are there signs of moisture or stains from previous flooding or leaks?
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If there’s a sump pump, does it work?
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Is there any cracking or flaking in the exposed foundation?
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Is visible wood solid and soundly attached to the foundation? Any sign of insect damage?
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If there’s a crawl space, is it adequately vented and insulated, with no signs of damage from water or pests?

Appliances

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Which appliances (refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc.) come with the house? Do they all work properly?
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Question for the owner: How old is each appliance?

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Subsystems

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Do the heat and air conditioning work properly? Are there multiple units or heating/cooling zones? When were the filters last changed, and are outdoor cooling units rusty or rundown? (Proper care of heating and cooling systems are signs of proper home maintenance)
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Do faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures work properly? Do they have adequate water pressure? Are there any leaks, rust, unusual noises, or signs of neglect?
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Is the water heater in good repair, and does it distribute adequate amounts of hot water throughout the house?
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Is the electrical system up to code, with all cables secured and not exposed or spliced? Is the breaker panel (a fuse box is a red flag) easily accessible, working properly, in good shape, and not on a recall list?
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Are chimneys, fireplaces, ductwork, dampers, and flues in good condition? Have they been cleaned recently?
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Is there an adequate exhaust fan in the kitchen? Do all installed ceiling fans work properly? Are any fans vented to the attic? (They shouldn’t be)
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Questions for the owner: How old are the HVAC systems and water heater?

Some additional questions for the Owner during a home inspection process

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Is there a history of asbestos being used anywhere in the home?
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Has the home been tested for radon?

Too much to handle? Don’t know a licensed Home Inspector? More questions? Give Ohana Legacy a call here