Discover a home’s hidden secrets with our DIY 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Adequate ventilation to exterior
No signs of sagging walls, moisture, damage, or pests
Insulation between crawl space and heated areas
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
