Fillable Printable Professional Home Inspection Checklist Free

Professional Home Inspection Checklist Free

Home Inspection Checklist

While hiring a professional home inspector is recommended (and often required by law) before buying or

selling a home, you can conduct a basic walkthrough yourself using this handy home inspection checklist.

The following questions highlight common issues found by professional home inspectors and will help

guide you as you analyze the overall condition of your home.

INTERIOR

Attic

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there signs of leaking and water damage?

• Does the attic feel damp or poorly ventilated?

• Is the attic easily accessible? Are pull-down stairs and latches

in good repair?

Bathrooms

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Flush the toilet. Does it run properly?

• Run the faucets, bathtub and/or shower. Is the water pressure

adequate? Do ﬁxtures work properly? Is there leaking? Are

there signs of drain clogging?

• Is there working ventilation in the bathroom (such as a fan)?

• Are there signs of mold?

• Are the ﬂoors stained or warped? Are there any loose tiles?

• Step ﬁrmly around the toilet, sink and tub/shower. Does the

ﬂoor feel soft in any areas?

• Are there signs of damage or cracking anywhere inside

the tub/shower?

• Is the caulking surrounding the tub/shower in good repair?

Ceilings, Walls & Floors

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are ﬂoors level or is there sloping and warping?

• Are there cracks or areas where drywall is pulling away on

the walls? Note which rooms.

• Do any ceilings, walls or ﬂoors have water spots or

weak areas?

• Are electrical outlets and switches on the walls in good

condition?

Basement & Water Heater

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there signs of water damage, pooling or leaks?

• Examine the water heater and note the make and model.

Is the oﬀ switch easily accessible?

• If gas-only, is it vented? Is the water capacity suﬃcient for

household needs? Is it functioning properly?

• Are there signs of rotting or termite damage on

exposed beams?

• Does the basement smell musty?

Doors and Windows

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Do doorknobs and latches open and close properly?

• Do windows open and shut properly?

• Are there signs of leaking, mold or mildew on windowsills?

• Is paint peeling around windows or doors?

• How old are windows?

• Is the caulking in good condition?

• Is glass cracked?

• Are walls straight and erect, both vertically and horizontally?

Garage

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there any functionality issues with the garage door?

• (For garages attached to the home) Are there signs of

uneven settling? Is it pulling away from the house?

• Are there stains and/or cracks in the ﬂoor?

Kitchen

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Do faucets leak?

• Is ventilation over the stove or other major appliances

present and in working condition?

• Look under the sink. Are there signs of leakage? Are pipes in

good repair?

• What is the condition of cabinets? Are they attached securely

to walls?

• Are cabinet doors in working condition?

Stairs

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there handrails on all staircases?

• Are there any signs of rot or damage?

Electrical, Heating & Cooling Systems

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Note make and model of electrical, heating and cooling

systems, and look them up with the manufacturer. What are

the life expectancies and maintenance timeframes for each?

• Is the fuse box easily accessible and free of rust and

other damage?

• Note the number of outlets in each room. Is this suﬃcient

for household needs?

Fireplaces

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• What is the condition of the mortar? Is it crumbling or loose?

• Is there creosote (a black, oily residue) buildup in the ﬁrebox

or chimney ﬂues?

• Is there any smoke staining?

EXTERIOR

Driveway & Walkways

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there large cracks or crumbling?

• Are there uneven areas?

• Are there visible stains?

• Are major entryways to the home easily accessible by

walkways?

• Does the driveway slope away from the home? If not, is there

a water drain?

Porches, Decks & Balconies

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Is the foundation for the deck in good condition?

• Are railings secure and sturdy?

• Are there signs of termite damage or rotting?

• Are supporting beams for balconies showing signs of

damage and rot?

• Are balconies sloped away from the home exterior? (This is

important for proper water drainage.)

Roof

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Is the peak of the roof straight and level?

• Are the shingles showing signs of damage such as breaking,

buckling or curling? Are any missing?

• Do you see any signs of water pooling?

• Are chimneys straight and erect? Or is there leaning?

• Is sealing around skylights and chimneys showing signs of wear?

• Is there a rain cap on the chimney?

• How old is the roof?

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Are there signs of termite damage or rotting wood?

• Are there dents or other signs of wear in aluminum siding?

• Are there signs of damage to bricks and mortar?

This is not a replacement for a professional home inspection. Additionally, a

specialist is needed to inspect for radon, asbestos, lead paint, pest/rodent

infestations, toxic mold, water quality and electromagnetic exposure levels, as

these areas are not covered by a typical home inspector.

Resources: Closing.com & American Home Inspector Directory

Gutters & Drainage Systems

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• Is there pooled water in the yard or around the home’s

foundation?

• Are rain gutters clear of debris?

• Are gutters ﬁrmly attached to the roof and the side of the

house, or are there sagging and detached sections?

• Are downspouts extended away from the foundation?

Lot, Landscaping & Foundation

Overall Condition GOOD AVERAGE NEEDS REPAIR

Notes

• What is the grade or slope of the land lot? (Downgrades can

cause ﬂooding.)

• Walk around the entire home. Are tree roots disrupting the

foundation in any places?

• Are tree limbs interfering with cable or power lines?

• Are sprinklers and irrigation systems in working condition?

• Are grass and other landscaping elements overgrown?

• Is there moisture, crumbling or cracking along the foundation?

Siding