Home Inspection Checklist

Structure

Here are the major items an inspector will examine during a pre-purchase home inspection. Take the time to go over the items highlighted in this checklist so you can be prepared for any questions about the physical history of the home including the structure.

√ Foundation and Basement

• What is the construction: poured concrete, concrete block, brick or slab?
• Any cracks? Are the cracks superficial or large enough to make the structure unsound?
• A home inspection should note any bulges or irregularities in the basement walls. From the outside examine anything unusual that might be visible above the soil level.
• What is the condition of the slab or basement floor? Are there large cracks in the concrete? Moisture or dampness?
• Does the floor drain work? Is there a working sump pump?
• If there is a crawl space, do you notice any moisture? Is there a vapor barrier?
• Are columns and posts in the basement straight? Any missing?
• If you can see the floor joists above, are any sagging?

√ Exterior Walls and Siding

• Are the exterior walls straight - both horizontally and vertically? Check the operation of doors and windows. Ones that don't open easily or not at all might indicate a problem with that wall.
• Look at the bricks, clapboards, siding, stucco, etc. Are there cracks, missing mortar, areas of peeling paint, evidence of past repairs? Stains? Visible areas of rot?
• Check the exterior doors, including garage doors. Are they in good shape? Do they open and close well? Have they been maintained?
• Examine the windows and skylights. Do they open and close easily? Any signs of leakage? Any broken panes or ripped screens?

• Are all the trusses/rafters in the attic in good condition? Any missing or broken? Note if there is any charring or evidence of previous fire damage, if any.
• Any moisture stains, mold or signs of leakage?
• If used for storage, is the attic floor support adequate?
• Note the level of insulation. Is there enough to provide a minimum r-value for the climate?
• Is there adequate ventilation through ridge, roof and soffit vents?
• Are the shingles/shakes/tiles on the roof in good repair? Any missing or broken? What is the age of the roof compared with its recommended useful life?
• Does the roof sag - either along the ridge line(s) or anywhere on the surface?
• Check the flashing in the roof valleys and along the chimney. Is the flashing in good repair or is it ripped or pulling away?
• Is the chimney straight? Is the mortar intact? How about the chimney cap - are there any cracks or signs of crumbling?
• Take a good look at the gutters and downspouts. Do they look well maintained? Do the gutters slope properly towards the downspouts? Any sign of leakage? Do the downspouts empty out a sufficient distance from the foundation of the house?

Are you satisfied that you can pass a home inspection on the structural soundness of the home? Great! Following these staging home selling tips will help you win with home buyers.

Ready to go to the next checklist (home staging) "Home Inspection - Mechanical Systems ? Or would you prefer to return to general tips on Preparing a Home for Sale from Home Inspection Checklist - Structure ?