Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Amid the excitement of finding your dream home, it’s easy to overlook the small—but critical—details that could end up costing you thousands later. This is where a thorough home inspection becomes crucial.
A home inspection isn’t just a formality—it’s your opportunity to uncover any hidden problems, assess the real condition of the property, and negotiate repairs or pricing before signing on the dotted line.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, here’s a comprehensive home inspection checklist to guide you through what to look for—inside and out—before buying a property.
1. Exterior Inspection
✅ Roof and Gutters
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Check for missing, curled, or cracked shingles.
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Look for signs of water damage, mold, or algae.
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Ensure gutters are securely attached and draining away from the home.
✅ Walls and Paint
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Examine the exterior walls for cracks, stains, or signs of dampness.
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Check for flaking paint or watermarks—these could indicate underlying damage.
✅ Foundation
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Inspect for large cracks or signs of shifting.
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Be cautious of uneven floors or sticking doors/windows inside the house, which could hint at foundation issues.
✅ Doors and Windows
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Confirm all exterior doors and windows open, close, and lock properly.
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Inspect window frames for rot or rust, and check seals for drafts or moisture.
✅ Drainage and Grading
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The ground should slope away from the house to prevent water accumulation.
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Look for water pooling near the foundation, which can lead to structural problems.
2. Interior Inspection
✅ Ceilings, Walls, and Floors
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Check for cracks, water stains, or sagging in ceilings and walls.
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Tap on walls to check for hollow spots in plaster or drywall.
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Walk around to feel for soft spots, creaks, or uneven flooring.
✅ Doors and Windows
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Make sure all interior doors open and close properly.
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Windows should move smoothly and lock securely.
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Look out for condensation between double-glazed windows—this indicates seal failure.
3. Plumbing System
✅ Water Pressure and Flow
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Turn on taps and showers in multiple locations to test water pressure.
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Check how fast hot water arrives and whether the temperature is consistent.
✅ Pipes and Leaks
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Look under sinks and around toilets for signs of leaks or water damage.
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Older homes may have outdated pipes (like galvanized steel) that could need replacement.
✅ Water Heater
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Check the age, capacity, and location of the water heater.
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Look for corrosion, leakage, or strange noises.
4. Electrical System
✅ Outlets and Switches
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Test every outlet with a small device like a phone charger.
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Ensure switches function correctly and are not warm to the touch.
✅ Electrical Panel
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Check for proper labeling and signs of tampering or overloading.
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Confirm that the amperage matches the home’s needs (usually 100–200 amps in modern homes).
✅ Lighting Fixtures
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Verify all fixtures work and are securely mounted.
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Be wary of flickering lights, which may indicate deeper wiring problems.
5. HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
✅ Functionality
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Turn on both the heating and cooling systems—even in off-seasons—to check operation.
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Listen for strange noises and check airflow strength from vents.
✅ Age and Maintenance
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HVAC systems usually last 10–15 years. Ask for maintenance records.
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Dirty filters or visible dust may signal neglect.
✅ Ventilation
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Ensure the home has proper airflow and no rooms feel stuffy or damp.
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Look for vents in every room, and ensure bathrooms have working exhaust fans.
6. Kitchen and Appliances
✅ Cabinets and Countertops
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Check for signs of wear, warping, or water damage.
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Open every cabinet and drawer to test function and spot pests or mold.
✅ Appliances
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If appliances are included, ensure they work properly: test the stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
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Check the fridge and freezer temperatures if they’re staying.
7. Bathrooms
✅ Fixtures
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Turn on faucets, flush toilets, and run showers to check for leaks and pressure.
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Ensure drains work efficiently without gurgling or slow emptying.
✅ Tiles and Grout
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Inspect tiles for cracks and check if grout is clean and intact.
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Look for signs of mold, especially in corners and around tubs.
✅ Ventilation
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Confirm that fans work properly or there’s a window for ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
8. Basement and Attic
✅ Water and Moisture
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Look for signs of water intrusion like damp walls, stains, or mildew smells.
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Consider a moisture meter if you’re unsure.
✅ Insulation and Structure
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Inspect the attic for sufficient insulation and visible roof issues.
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In basements, check for exposed wiring or plumbing issues.
9. Pests and Infestations
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Check for signs of termites, rodents, or other pests (droppings, chewed wires, holes).
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Look for wood damage around baseboards, doors, or attic beams.
If you’re unsure, consider hiring a licensed pest control inspector in addition to your general home inspector.
10. Safety Checks
✅ Smoke and CO Detectors
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Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functional.
✅ Staircases and Railings
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Ensure staircases are sturdy and railings are secure.
✅ Emergency Exits
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Especially important in multi-level homes—ensure there’s a clear way out from every floor.
Bonus Tip: Hire a Professional Inspector
Even if you do your own inspection, a certified home inspector has the tools and training to identify hidden issues that you might miss. Always request a detailed inspection report and go through it carefully before moving forward with the purchase.
Conclusion
A home inspection is more than a checkbox in the buying process—it’s your safeguard against unexpected costs and your chance to make an informed decision. From the roof to the foundation, every component plays a role in the home’s value and livability.
By following this comprehensive home inspection checklist, you’ll walk into your new home with confidence and peace of mind.
This detailed guide is brought to you by Hexahome, your partner in modern property solutions, and Hexadecimal Software, driving digital innovation in the real estate sector with smart tools for home buyers, agents, and developers.
