1. Grounds and Exterior. During an inspection, a professional home inspector should first examine the home exterior and overall condition of the property.
2. Roof, Windows, and Doors. The exterior structural components of the home are some of the most expensive to repair or replace, so a home inspector should carefully evaluate the condition and expected lifespan of these elements.
3. Attic. The examiner will make sure they don’t find poorly installed insulation, structural damage, improper ventilation, and exhaust or plumbing pipes that end in the vicinity.
4. Basement/Crawl Space. The inspector will look for moisture and evidence of pests, as well as foundational, structural, and insulation-related issues. If your house has a crawl space, the area will be inspected for similar problems.
5. Interior Rooms. The inspection checklist should cover the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, interior doors, paint and trim, lights and switches, outlets, temperature control, insulation, and fireplaces.
6. Kitchens. The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, so it’s crucial to ensure every feature is in tip-top shape. Some aspects of the kitchen to scrutinize include the size and functionality of appliances, the exhaust fan, the drainage and water flow, the safety of outlets, and the condition of cabinets and drawers.
7. Bathrooms. Bathroom problems can be a pricey proposition to fix, so an inspector will want to carefully examine the following areas: toilet, exhaust fan, sink, tub and shower, tiles, caulking, flooring, and fixtures. What’s more, the water flow and water pressure should be properly scrutinized, and the inspector should note any issues with plumbing and leakage.
8. Major Systems, Electrical, and Plumbing. Any home inspection must include a thorough evaluation of the heating and cooling systems, as well as the plumbing and electrical work.