Your Home Building Inspection Checklist

What building Inspectors generally search for…

Sellers may not always be thrilled to have their homes inspected. However, it does offer them the opportunity to get on top of any concerns as well it can make it easier when selling your home.

So, understanding what you can anticipate from the home inspection can go a long way to seeing your home pass a home inspection with flying colours.

Fundamentals of a Home Inspection

Home inspectors will generally spend approximately 2 hours analysing the following aspects of a home:

• Structural elements such as foundation, walls, ceilings and floors
• Roof and gutters
• Exterior elements
• Windows and doors
• Electrical system
• Interior plumbing system
• HVAC systems

Their objective is to identify issues within the home’s structural integrity, along with its appliances. Inspectors will concentrate on different components that may be nearing the end of their lifespan or have been either neglected or damaged, causing them to become hazardous.

The results are written up into a comprehensive report that potential buyers can use to aid in their house-buying decision.

Your Home Inspection Checklist: 

Knowing what a home inspector will check gives you an opportunity to repair any damage and attend to any kind of problems ahead of an inspection.

1. Structural Elements

Home inspectors invest a good amount of time making certain the house will stay standing for the foreseeable future. In doing so, they will certainly check ceilings, walls, the roof, and its foundations.

Ensure your walls and ceilings are level and straight with no discolorations or cracks. Keep an eye out for indications of water damage or mould/ mildew and repair any issues when they first appear.

Sticking doors throughout the home can suggest considerable problems with the homes’ foundations, as can large cracks in the wall surfaces as well as uneven floors. If this is the case, you will need to have a professional investigate.

2. The Roof

Generally, during a home inspection they will look for issues with sagging, problems with tiling, mould as well as indications of water damage and leaks. They will certainly also check out your gutters.

Be sure to fix up any loose, missing, or cracked tiles, clear your gutters and repair leaks, if you have a chimney ensure its not damaged or blocked.

3. Exterior Elements

Inspectors will look at the outside of your home. Besides cosmetic concerns, they’ll be looking to see if there’s any evidence of past or present water or termite damage.

Fix any damage to exterior sidings and trims as well as paint the exterior walls and frames if necessary. With stucco, repair any loose or damaged areas. Check your waterspouts and rain gutters, as well as make sure that water is receding from your home properly.

4. Windows and Doors

Heat can easily escape the home if windows and doors are not properly sealed. Furthermore, if they’re damaged, they can be a reason for concern.

Examine the caulk around all windows and doors and if necessary, reseal. Additionally, change defective handles or latches, secure wood trims and frames, as well as replace any cracked glass panels.

5. Electrical system

All electrical systems will be extensively inspected to guarantee that everything is up-to-code and safe. Inspectors must examine extensively when it comes to electrical systems, as outdated or malfunctioning wiring can be fatal.

If required, have an electrician update the wiring throughout your home, as well as circuit breakers and grounding to ensure everything is up to code. Likewise, inspect that all exhaust fans, power outlets and light fixtures are functioning properly. Finally, test all your smoke alarms.

6. Plumbing system

A decent home inspector will examine a homes entire plumbing system e.g., pipework, sump pumps, and even septic tanks if applicable.

Make certain that you have excellent drainage throughout the house, look for outdated or leaking pipework. Ensure all toilets, sinks, showers and baths are all working efficiently with no leaks.

7. HVAC systems

Inspectors generally look at the age of Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, any leaks, issues with pressure, sediment accumulation as well as rust.

If your system isn’t working properly, be sure to have it checked and then repaired by a professional.  It’s well worth changing any filters in the HVAC before the inspection, if you have a home with a chimney or fireplace make sure there is no damage. If the system is in bad shape, consider replacing the whole thing, or be prepared to potentially reduce your homes sale price.

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