The Complete Home Inspection Checklist

If you intend to list your home on the market, then it’s only a matter of time before your property will need an inspection. Real estate agents recommend making the home inspection a contingency to any offer — that way, if the inspector discovers significant problems, the buyer can renegotiate or withdraw. They are a necessary part of the buying and selling process because they ensure the property is safe and up to code.

Instead of letting the impending inspection fill you with dread, you can follow a home checklist to see how your property is likely to fare. You can begin addressing common problems to ensure your house passes with flying colors. Remember that you must fix issues rather than cover them up or hide them from the inspector. Under the duty-to-warn law, you are legally required to disclose known hazards on the property.

1. Look for Mold

Mold is a red flag for buyers. When inspecting your home, pay special attention to the bathroom, attic and basement since mold grows in places with high concentrations of humidity. You should also review areas that might have previously experienced a leak or flooding. It’s best to tackle the issue head-on using bleach and cleaners. However, you should contact a professional if there’s an infestation or considerable growth.

2. Repair the Roof

Inspectors check a property from top to bottom, which means they will be looking at your roof. If it’s still in decent condition, you can simply replace cracked or missing shingles and caulk any cracks that appear troublesome. While you’re on the roof, you should clean the gutters and install guards. It’s best to repair any existing leaks and damage before listing the property on the market.

Completing these steps will improve your home’s energy efficiency and boost curb appeal. You can hire a professional to complete the work if you feel uncomfortable on the roof. If you’ve had the same roofing for more decades than you can count, it may be time for a replacement.

3. Fix What’s Broken

The inspector will report any appliances and systems that are broken. While inspections aren’t technically rated on a pass or fail scale, these issues could scare off buyers. Additionally, you can get into serious trouble if you know your electric or other systems are not up to code and fail to report it.

You should fix apparent problems — like plumbing leaks — immediately. Still, sometimes you may be better off dropping the asking price to accommodate for these upgrade costs rather than trying to repair them all before selling. It’s best to speak with your real estate agent if you’re uncertain about how to proceed.

4. Regrade the Yard

Standing water and soggy ground are unpleasant to look at and the sign of a larger problem. Improper drainage can lead to soil erosion and indentations where the water lays. If you notice these indicators on your property, you’ll need to hire an expert to regrade. This is one of the most common problems found during housing inspections and can have devastating long-term impacts. If left untreated, the issue can cause flooding, foundation damage and landscaping problems.

While fixing your yard’s drainage system, it would be worthwhile to complete some simple landscaping. Even minor projects can increase your home’s value and curb appeal.

5. Inspect the Foundation Cracks

If there’s one thing that scares buyers, it’s foundation cracks. It’s ironic since many gaps may not present an actual problem, especially if they’re a result of the house settling over time. The best thing to do is hire a professional to give you their opinion. If it’s not a major structural flaw, you may be able to patch and paint, but if it is a significant problem, you’ll want to know as early as possible to consider your options.

6. Learn About Lead Paint

In the United States, any homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead paint. Some inspectors test for it, while others do not. If your house was built before this time, it’s likely the buyers may schedule an additional test to ensure there is no lead present. If you know it’s there, you are obligated to report it. The substance is highly toxic and can cause severe health problems, including brain damage and seizures.

These symptoms typically arise after someone — or something — disturbs the paint. It’s possible to reduce the risks by painting over these surfaces, but many homeowners choose to strip them. Since there are several options, you are usually better off adjusting the price to reflect the hazard instead of paying to have it removed.

Preparation Is Key

This home inspection checklist will help you formulate a plan. While these scenarios may seem intimidating, knowing what to expect will help you craft a fair selling price. As you prepare to accept an offer, you’ll already have an understanding of what to expect when the inspector arrives at your doorstep. Keep in mind that this list is not inclusive of every detail they will check, so if you would like a more thorough report, you may want to schedule a pre-listing inspection.