Interior Home Inspection Checklist

Professional home inspectors examine and accurately report the condition of a property, they do not evaluate the homes fair market value, instead they perform a visual examination of the physical structure and systems. Home inspectors disclaim against defects that are not visible, such as problems below floors, behind insulation, in walls and even behind or hidden by personal property. When problems or symptoms are discovered, the inspector may recommend repairs or preventative measures to assure your property remains trouble free.
Tip: Home inspection companies examine and recommend repairs and then want to do the repair work. Not too hard to realize they have a conflict of interest. Many times repair recommendations have many good solutions, some more extensive (read expensive) than other choices.
We know of one story where the soil was too high and touching the foundation and the wood exterior walls by about six inches. The Home inspection company noted that this invites term ites or other pests and recommended lifting the foundation six inches. The cheaper solution was to remove the soil and do a little grading around that are of the property.
Solution to conflict of interest:1. Do it yourself2. Hire your own contractor3. Hire a home inspection company that only makes recommendations and does not repair
Buyers should use the lists when looking at property, not to replace a professional home inspection but to get to the short list. Sellers should consider paying for a home inspection before listing the property for sale. If there is some extensive work to be done, you can bid it out for yourself, before scaring away a buyer. Either way depend on an accurate home inspection before entering an agreement to purchase or sell.
Basement/Craw Space:
Wet Basement_____Mold_____Cracks on the interior foundation_____Any settling_____Any standing water_____Stains indicating standing water_____Floors:Water damage near radiators_____Dry or split wood near fireplace_____
Walls:Settlement_____Bulges_____Water stains_____Peeling wall paper_____Peeling paint_____
Wiring:Test all outlets/light bulbs_____Look for GFI in bathroom and kitchenLook for GFI in work shop and garageCheck all outlets for cracked switch platesCheck for blown fuses_____Check for smoke damage on walls/floorboardsAre there breakers, and not fuses_____
Are the circuits labeled_____Any sign of corrosion_____
Wiring:
Is copper wire mixed with older aluminum wire? Are Exposed splices_____Evidence of burning_____Frayed Wire_____
Fireplace:
Check for damage near fireplace_____Check flu_____Check carpet near fireplace_____Check for smoke damage to exterior of fireplace_____Check for bulges/soft spots_____Check funder the house for wet or dry rot floor boards_____
Heating & Cooling Systems:
Age_____Duct system sealed and insulated_____Asbestos involved_____Well Vented system_____Thermostats in good working order_____Attic insulated and well vented_____
Plumbing:
Check for leaks near fixturesCheck for water damage to walls_____Check for damage to tiles/grout_____Check for mold on walls/ceiling_____Check for water damage near tubs/showers_____Check for water damage near near toilets_____Water heater age_____Water heater leaks_____Water heater insulated_____Water heater strapped down_____
Bathroom/Kitchen:
Check all faucets/toilets_____Water damage near toilets_____Water damage near Tub/Shower pans_____Below sinks_____Exhaust fan working_____Bathroom well vented_____test all toilets/sinks/shower,tub faucets_____Test all appliances_____
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