The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: A Comprehensive Guide

The home buying process is both exciting and overwhelming as finding the right place to create memories, host friends and family, and build equity for your future requires diligence. A detailed home inspection gives you, the home buyer, a comprehensive understanding of the current condition of the home and what repairs or maintenance are needed moving forward. Understand what a home inspection is and how it can help you make an informed decision on your largest investment, your home, here!

The Home Inspection: What It Is and Why You Need One

Think of your home inspector as your family doctor, trained to discover any underlying issues you may have and give you a professional and unbiased perspective about the treatment you may need to address them. Like your body, your home is dynamic with maintenance check-ins necessary to monitor the wear and tear years of living has on the structure. A qualified, professional home inspector will provide a visual examination of the main, accessible components of the house from the foundation to the roof and everything in between – including the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. In most real estate transactions, the home inspection should happen during the contingency period or within a week of going under contract. This gives you, the buyer, ample time to make a well-informed decision about the purchase. For some buyers, a Pre-Offer Inspection can be a useful tool, and this includes a walkthrough of the property by a professional home inspector before you submit an offer to the seller. A Pre-Offer Inspection can help you make a fair and competitive offer, streamline the negotiation process, and be well-informed about the condition of the home you are buying.

The home inspection report is more than a receipt of purchase. It’s your key to understanding the true condition of the home, letting you negotiate any necessary repairs or credits with the seller. It will also help you prioritize improvements and visualize future upgrades after you have settled in.

How to Find and Hire a Qualified Home Inspector

Finding a trustworthy and reputable home inspector is crucial to maintaining a stress-free and positive home inspection experience. Arguably, the best way to find a home inspector is by a referral from a trusted friend or family member though this is not always plausible. When considering a home inspection company, you should assess the variety of services offered to best address your specific needs, the number of 5-star ratings, and what’s included in the home inspection. These factors are essential in determining the overall value of the company and inspector.

WIN Home Inspection is highly rated and trusted with more than 32,000 5-star reviews. With more than 35+ essential services, WIN inspects every type of home and tests for a variety of specific health and safety hazards such as radon, mold, and poor air quality. During a WIN Full Home Inspection, your highly trained and professional home inspector will thoroughly examine over 300 components in your home. Moreover, we go beyond the traditional home inspection, offering a complimentary post-inspection consultation, Appliance Recall Summary, and access to our WIN Concierge Program with every inspection.

When selecting a home inspector, you should budget for the inspection and any subsequent repairs necessary thereafter. Depending on the size and location of your future home, your home inspection could cost you anywhere between $350 to $600.

A Buyer's Home Inspection Checklist: Exterior

During the exterior inspection, have this checklist handy to understand what the inspector is checking and to take any notes of your own.

• Foundation: Watch out for visible cracks and signs of water seepage.

• Roof: Look for stains, dark spots, moss, and missing shingles or tiles.

• Attic space: Seek signs of moisture, improper ventilation, and missing or damaged insulation.

• Rain gutters and downspouts: Ensure they are properly attached and direct water away from the house.

• Exterior stucco or paint: Look for cracks, peeling, or signs of water damage.

A Buyer's Home Inspection Checklist: Interior

During the interior inspection, have this checklist handy to understand what the inspector is checking and to take any notes of your own.

• Operating and permanent electrical panels, light switches, and power outlets: Make sure they're functional.

• Thermostats and HVAC system: Confirm that they're working correctly and have been maintained well.

• Plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heaters: Keep an eye out for leaks or corrosion.

• Permanent appliances: Test for proper function and estimate their age.

• Walls, ceilings, and floors: Look for cracks, water stains, and signs of structural concerns.

• Doors and windows: Ensure they open and close easily and are adequately sealed.

• Stairs, steps, and railings: Ensure they are sturdy and safe.

• Porches and balconies: Watch for signs of wear, damage, or safety hazards.

• Walkways and driveways: Check for cracks, uneven surfaces, and proper drainage.

• Basement: Check for signs of dampness, water intrusion, and adequate insulation.

• Garage: Make sure it functions correctly, has safety features, and has no signs of damage.

Additional Components to Keep in Mind During the Home Inspection

While not all inspectors will cover these items, it is essential to keep them in mind during the inspection:

• Trees and landscaping: Watch out for potential hazards like tree roots that could affect the foundation.

• Lawn sprinklers: Make sure they are working well and are not causing drainage problems.

• Sewer line: Ask about its age and condition.

• Swimming pool equipment: Check for proper function and upkeep.

• Fireplace and chimney: Check for signs of damage, proper ventilation, and cleanliness.

• Drainage: Examine the property's grading and water flow to prevent future issues.

• Odors: Be alert to unusual smells indicating potential mold, mildew, or other problems.

Making the Most of Your Home Inspection Report

Once you have your home inspection report, use it to help guide you in your decision making.

• Discuss any uncertainties with your inspector to ensure you understand the issues fully.

• Determine which repairs and improvements need immediate attention and which could be taken care of in the future.

• Use the report to potentially negotiate with the seller for necessary repairs or credits.

Protecting Your Interests with an Inspection Contingency

To safeguard your interests, it's wise to include an inspection contingency in your purchase contract. It allows you to back out to negotiate repairs, receive credits, or even back out of the deal if major issues come to light during the inspection. The contingency period typically lasts 5-7 days after contract signing.

Navigating Seller Disclosures

In most places, sellers are obligated to reveal any known defects in the property. Be sure to review these disclosures diligently and cross-reference them with the inspection report to make sure all potential problems have been addressed.

Preparing for the Home Inspection

Before your home inspection, consider these steps to ensure you are well-prepared:

• Understand the scope of the home inspection by reviewing a sample report.

• Make a list of questions and concerns for the inspector based on your initial walk-through.

• Be present during the inspection to observe, take notes, and ask questions.

While on this exciting journey of buying a home, you should remember the inspection serves as your trusted roadmap to making a smart purchase. It provides insights into the property's condition, guiding you to make an informed decision before you seal the deal. By embracing this comprehensive checklist and hiring a certified and professional home inspector, you will be well on your way to ensuring your dream home is indeed a safe and sound investment.