When you pick a home inspector, it’s important to understand what your home inspector should be looking for. You don’t need to understand the extreme technicalities and details in an inspection, but you should be aware of the things that should be inspected. HMP Home Inspections and Steve Pockett have 20+ years of home inspection and building inspection service experience, and are certified through PHPIC and NHI. Here is a list of 8 aspects of a home that every home inspection checklist should include, and aspects that HMP Home Inspections will definitely cover in our thorough and professional home inspections.
8 Things Every Home Inspection Checklist Should Include
1. Grounds and Exterior. During an inspection, a professional home inspector should first examine the home exterior and overall condition of the property. Areas of interest include grading and drainage, evidence of standing water or leaks, the integrity of the foundation and siding, the condition of the exterior paint and landscaping, and any damage to the deck, garage, patio, stairs, or driveway.
2. Roof, Windows, and Doors. The exterior structural components of the home are some of the most expensive to repair or replace, so a home inspector should carefully evaluate the condition and expected lifespan of these elements. On the attic and roof, your home inspector will likely focus on the shingles, gutters, exterior vents, flashing, soffits, chimneys, and fascia boards. When inspecting windows and doors, they’ll search for decay and rot, cracks, improper installation, lack of caulking, and other damage.
3. Attic. The attic is often overlooked when a prospective buyer visits a home, but it can hold important clues to the overall structural integrity of the property. The examiner will make sure they don’t find poorly installed insulation, structural damage, improper ventilation, and exhaust or plumbing pipes that end in the vicinity.
4. Basement/Crawl Space. Moving to the opposite end of the house, the basement or crawl space is another component of the home inspection checklist. The inspector will look for moisture and evidence of pests, as well as foundational, structural, and insulation-related issues. If your house has a crawl space, the area will be inspected for similar problems.
5. Interior Rooms. When it comes to interior rooms, you have to worry about more than choosing the perfect paint colour, since these inner spaces can reveal critical structural issues. The inspection checklist should cover the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, interior doors, paint and trim, lights and switches, outlets, temperature control, insulation, and fireplaces.
6. Kitchens. The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, so it’s important to ensure every feature is in tip-top shape. Some aspects of the kitchen to scrutinize include the size and functionality of appliances, the exhaust fan, the drainage and water flow, the safety of outlets, and the condition of cabinets and drawers.
7. Bathrooms. Bathroom problems can be a pricey proposition to fix, so an inspector will want to carefully examine the following areas: toilet, exhaust fan, sink, tub and shower, tiles, caulking, flooring, and fixtures. What’s more, the water flow and water pressure should be properly scrutinized, and the inspector should note any issues with plumbing and leakage.
8. Major Systems, Electrical, and Plumbing. Any home inspection must include a thorough evaluation of the heating and cooling systems, as well as the plumbing and electrical work. The examiner should first indicate the age and expected lifespan of all components, then pay attention to certain areas of concern. For the HVAC system, this includes airflow, ventilation, filters, ductwork, the condition of flues, and the presence of rust, asbestos, or odour. In regards to electrical systems, the inspector will examine wiring, the main service panels, cables, fuses, and breakers. Finally, they’ll check the plumbing system for pipe damage or leaks, and ensure the water heater and pump are working properly.
This article is referenced from Donna Boyle Schwartz at Bob Vila.com who provides a great rundown of aspects of the home inspection process for every home. Of course, addition and other home components, systems, and structures are inspected with HMP Home Inspections – and include the use of thermal infrared imaging, drones, and air quality inspection services with a detailed home inspection report at the end of every home inspection.
