Home Inspection Checklist
Know what your inspector is checking — and what to ask about when they find issues.
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Exterior & Foundation
- ☐Foundation cracks (horizontal = serious, vertical/diagonal = monitor)
- ☐Grading slopes away from foundation (1 inch per foot for 6 feet)
- ☐Gutters and downspouts: attached, clear, extend 4+ feet from foundation
- ☐Driveway and walkway condition
- ☐Deck/porch: ledger board, posts, footings, railings
- ☐Garage: door auto-reverse, GFCI outlets, fire separation from living space
- ☐Siding condition: rot, gaps, missing sections
- ☐Window and door caulking
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Roof
- ☐Estimated remaining life of roofing material
- ☐Missing, curling, or cracked shingles
- ☐Flashing at chimneys, valleys, skylights, and penetrations
- ☐Gutters: rust, holes, proper slope, secure attachment
- ☐Chimney: crown, cap, mortar joints, liner
- ☐Attic: ventilation ratio, insulation R-value, signs of water intrusion or ice dams
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Electrical
- ☐Panel: capacity (100A minimum, 200A recommended), no double-tapped breakers
- ☐GFCI protection: all bathrooms, kitchen counters, garage, exterior, basement
- ☐AFCI protection: bedrooms (required in newer homes)
- ☐Smoke detectors: within 15 feet of bedrooms, on each floor
- ☐Carbon monoxide detectors: near sleeping areas, per local code
- ☐No knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring (safety hazards)
- ☐All outlets grounded and functional
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Plumbing
- ☐Water pressure: 40–80 PSI (test at exterior hose bib)
- ☐Water heater: age (10–12 yr lifespan), TPR valve, expansion tank if needed
- ☐No lead or galvanized supply pipes (replacement priority)
- ☐Drain slope: 1/4 inch per foot minimum
- ☐Visible leaks under sinks, around toilets, at water heater
- ☐Shut-off valves: operational at each fixture and main
- ☐Sewer clean-out access present
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HVAC
- ☐Furnace/heat pump age and condition (15–20 yr lifespan)
- ☐AC age and condition (10–15 yr lifespan)
- ☐Filter condition
- ☐Ductwork: insulated in unconditioned space, no visible leaks or damage
- ☐Registers: adequate supply and return airflow in each room
- ☐Combustion air supply for gas appliances
- ☐Exhaust fans: bathroom and kitchen vented to exterior (not just attic)
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Interior
- ☐Ceilings: water stains, cracks, signs of active leaks
- ☐Walls: cracks, moisture, efflorescence in basement
- ☐Floors: soft spots (rot/subfloor damage), uneven areas
- ☐Staircase: handrails secure, spindles 4 inches or less apart
- ☐Windows: operate, latch, fog between panes (failed seal)
- ☐Doors: operate and latch properly, weatherstripping
- ☐Bathroom: tub/shower caulking, tile grout, toilet secure to floor
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