What Your Home Inspection Should Cover

• SIDING:  

  Look for dents or buckling

• FOUNDATIONS:  

  Look for cracks or water seepage

• EXTERIOR BRICK:  

  Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks

• INSULATION:  

  Look for condition, adequate rating for climate

• DOORS AND WINDOWS:  

  Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weatherstripping

• ROOF:  

  Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts

• CEILINGS, WALLS, AND MOLDINGS:  

  Look for loose pieces, drywall that is pulling away

• PORCH/DECK:  

  Loose railings or step, rot

• ELECTRICAL:  

  Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room

• PLUMBING:  

  Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation

• WATER HEATER:  

  Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating

• FURNACE/AIR CONDITIONING:  

  Look for age, energy rating; Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. However, other factors such as payback period and other operating costs, such as electricity to operate motors.

• GARAGE:  

  Look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor—cracks, stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism

• BASEMENT:  

  Look for water leakage, musty smell

• ATTIC:  

  Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof

• SEPTIC TANKS (if applicable):  

  Adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area and the size of your family

• DRIVEWAYS/SIDEWALKS:  

  Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains