Home Inspection Checklist

When you’re buying a home, what you see isn’t necessarily what you get. The house in question 
will be presented in its best possible state a
​ fter being staged​ with fresh paint, polished floors 
and tasteful décor. 

What you can’t see is the foundations, plumbing, electrics or hidden mold in the ceiling. A home 
inspector will highlight any potential issues or areas for concern so the prospective buyer can 
make an informed choice when buying the house. 

For owners of a house that may have dated wiring and plumbing issues, this could be a 
problem. But need not worry, we will run through the main areas that every home inspection 
covers so you can be prepared. 

1. Foundation 

The home inspector will check the foundation for any obvious cracks or depth issues. This 
includes the interior and exterior walls to ensure they haven’t shifted, moved or cracked. 

2. Structure  

The home inspector will check the structure of the house and ensure that there is adequate 
drainage away from the home. They will check for signs of standing water, or areas that may be 
at risk of flooding. 

3. Exterior 

The exterior of the house will be checked, including the septic tank. They will check for any 
evidence of pests like rats, mice or termites. They will note any cracks or paint peeling on 
external walls. 

The roof will be checked to make sure it is maintained and function. The chimney and guttering 
will also be checked. 
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4. Interior  

Any strange or obvious odors are checked upon. Appliances will be checked if they are going to 
be included in the purchase of the house. Insulation and cold spaces will be required to have 
adequate insulation in them. 

All electrical outlets will be tested for safety. The flooring will be checked for both safety and 
damage. Windows, doors and other entry and exit points are assessed for functionality. 

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need to be in the correct areas with adequate 
quantities. As H
​ ome Inspection Hub customers​ know, smoke alarms must be installed and 
working properly in any homes or properties you own 

The attic and storage areas require adequate ventilation and insulation. 

5. Plumbing/HVAC 

The whole heating and plumbing system should be free from leaks. It should function to heat or 
cool the house as necessary. The water pump and other accessories like the well and pipes are 
tested. 

All rooms should have enough air, heating, and cooling flowing to them. There should be no 
smell of a gas leak at all. 

6. Electrics  

All cables should be secured or protected. There shouldn’t be any exposed wires in the home. 
The service panel should be in an accessible location and in good working order. 

Inspect the Inspector! 

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Make sure you hire a registered and qualified home inspector to do the job. If you are the owner 
of a home for sale, ensure the potential buyers use a qualified home inspector too. 

Don’t Worry About a Home Inspector  

If you have maintained your home and have been honest with the potential buyers, then there is 
nothing to worry about when it comes to a home inspector. 

If you know of any problems with your home, its best to be upfront and honest with the buyers 
and the inspector. The issues may be minor or fixable and the sale of the house could still go 
through.