Hire a Pro or DIY: The Complete Home Inspection Checklist

Hunting for a new home is exciting, so it’s easy to get focused on your favorite parts of a property and dismiss its issues or repair needs. Although the formal home inspection is best left to the pros, our DIY home inspection checklist can help you get a sense of what inspectors are looking for. This can give you the confidence to bring up any of your own concerns or questions. Get to know a home’s good points, quirks, and deal-breaking red flags with this DIY  home inspection checklist.

Exterior Inspection Checklist

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Before inspecting a home’s interior and systems, most pro home inspections start from the outside. Get a general visual assessment of a home’s exterior elements, such as the foundation, landscaping, and drainage, so you can find any glaring repair needs or points of concern to mention to a professional home inspector. Speak to the sellers or their agent for any known structural issues in places where you can’t reasonably access.

Grounds

• Proper grading and downspouts as well as no signs of standing water

• No significant damage or signs of leaks from the septic tank or field

• Walkways, landscape, driveways and the rest of the yard are in good condition

• Tree branches don’t touch or hang over the roof

• Fences, sheds, and other detached structures don’t have rotting wood or signs of termites or other pests

• Deck and stair railings are secure and in good condition

Structure

• Visible foundation appears in good condition and doesn’t have any major cracks

• Brick, stucco, or siding is in good condition without significant damage or wear

• Exterior walls don’t show sagging or bowing

• No excessive cementing, tar, or caulking on the roof or other structures

• Exterior paint isn’t stained or flaking off  

• No wood-to-ground contact—this can cause rotting and attract termites

Roof

• No damaged or missing shingles

• Gutters are not sagging or rusted

• Two or fewer roofing layers

• Flashing around roof penetrations

• Chimneys are in good condition, flashed, and have no damaged bricks

Windows & Doors

• No broken glass

• Doors and windows latch properly

• No condensation inside double-paned windows

• Joints are caulked

• No damaged screens

• Thermal glass or storm windows installed

Interior Inspection Checklist

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The interior portion of a DIY home inspection considers not just structural condition but also the functionality and condition of the kitchen, bathroom, and other interior rooms. Even if basements and attics aren’t in heavy use, it’s important to consider factors such as insulation and venting that can affect the rest of your home.

Attic, Basement, and Crawl Space

• Adequate ventilation to exterior

• No signs of sagging walls, moisture, damage, or pests

• Insulation between crawl space and heated areas

Interior Rooms

• Floors, walls, and ceilings are straight and level without bowing

• Wall paint is intact

• Flooring has no significant damage or stains

• Trim or molding is properly installed

• Doors latch properly

• There are enough electrical outlets in every room

Kitchen

• Built-in appliances, such as the fridge, dishwasher, and stove, are operational

• Exhaust fan is operational and vents to the exterior

• Ground fault circuit interrupter for electrical outlets is within six feet of sinks

• Plumbing beneath sink is in good condition and shows no signs of leaks or nearby water damage

• Adequate water flow and drainage to and from the sink

• Cabinets and drawers are functional and without significant damage or wear

Bathrooms

• Visible plumbing appears in good condition and without signs of leaks or water damage

• Tub, sink, and shower drain properly

• Toilet is operational and stable; no stains around base

• Shower and tub caulking are in good condition

• Adequate hot and cold pressure for all fixtures

• Tile has no cracks

• Functional exhaust fans vent to outside

Miscellaneous 

• Smoke detectors, heat sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, and similar systems are functional and located in required areas

• Fireplace flue is clean and functional with no damage to masonry

• Stairway handrails are secure

• Stairway tread is secure

• Garage door operates properly and stops for obstruction

• No signs of asbestos

Checklist for Inspecting Your Home Systems

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Only a professional technician is fully qualified to provide an accurate assessment of your home’s crucial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. You can, however, look for obvious issues that you can point out to a professional home inspector later on. Make sure to ask the sellers or their agent about the known conditions of the home systems as well as any relevant replacements or repairs.

Electrical

• Service panel has adequate capacity, no fuses or breakers overheating, cables are attached properly

• Visible wiring in good condition

• Lights and switches work properly

• No knob-and-tube wiring

• No aluminum cables for branch circuits

• No exposed electrical splicing

Plumbing

• Water heater is appropriate size for home, shows no signs of rust, and vents properly to the exterior

• Visible pipes don’t show evidence of damage or leaks

• Drain pipes slope away and down toward main waste outlet to sewer or septic system

• Hot water temperature doesn’t exceed 125°F

HVAC System

• Heating and air conditioning work properly throughout the home

• Air filters are clean

• No gas odors

• No rusting around cooling unit

• Ductwork in good condition

• AC and furnace not older than 15 years

When To Do a DIY Home Inspection

You don’t need to get a professional home inspection on every home you look at—home inspection costs are best saved for homes that you’re seriously considering putting an offer on. In the early stages of house hunting, however, you can do a DIY home inspection as you get a tour through a home you really like to get a sense of any questions or concerns you can bring to the professional home inspection. 

DIY home inspections can also help point out any obvious issues that may be deal breakers for you, such as expensive foundation or roofing repairs. If you find any obvious deal breakers, you won’t need to hire a professional home inspector to tell you what you already know. 

Why Hire a Pro Home Inspector

Keep in mind that only professional technicians are fully qualified to evaluate certain structures and systems throughout a home. When it comes to making an offer, a professional home inspection can be included as an inspection contingency. Home inspectors are trained to unearth any issues that may be hiding, and having a deal contingent on the outcome of a home inspection can save you from costly repairs or legal expenses.