The Complete Checklist for Home Inspection: What You Need to Know

A professional home inspector will focus on these ten problem areas when they inspect a home. In 88 percent of home inspections, at least one problem was identified as needing resolution.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it helps to get an inspection done by a professional in the industry. To help you prepare, here’s a checklist for a home inspection.

Who Pays for a Home Inspection?

In most situations, the buyer pays for the cost of a home inspection. They are the ones who are most interested in learning about any problems with the house. In some instances, it’s to the advantage of a seller to have a home inspection done before they list the house. 

Prepare for a Home Inspection

If you’re selling your home, a buyer will likely request a home inspection when they place their offer. One of the best home inspection tips for home sellers is to perform a quick once-over before the professionals arrive. You can address any minor issues right away.

A home inspection will help you prepare for the questions that might arise. You’ll have a chance to do some minor maintenance in advance. 

Why Have a Seller Home Inspection?

If you want to take care of any problems with your home before you list, have a certified home inspector check your home. This will eliminate any surprises and help you make adjustments for any items that might reduce the asking price of your home.

When considering tips for selling a home, a home inspection is one way to ensure you’re aware of problems with your home before you sell it. You must disclose certain deficiencies when listing your house for sale in some areas. If you reveal major issues in advance, you can list your home as-is and avoid negotiations over the issues.

When you make the inspection results available to prospective buyers, they will appreciate your honesty. It will speed up the sale as you won’t have to wait for the buyer’s inspector to complete the deal.

Main Areas Inspected

A professional home inspection will vary depending on the inspector and their professional certification requirements. Usually, the inspection and the report cover several main areas of the home. 

Here’s an example of what you might find in a home inspection checklist for sellers or buyers.

• Overall safety conditions or concerns
• Walls and ceilings
• Floors
• Windows and doors
• Basement
• Structural components, including the foundation
• Heating and air conditioning system
• Mechanical issues, including plumbing and electrical systems
• General roof condition and gutters
• Attic condition, including insulation

There are some items that a home inspector can’t cover. They might include things like the condition of flooring covered by carpets or sprinkler systems in your yard.

Checklist for a Home Inspection

It’s a great idea to use a checklist for a home inspection so you’re prepared when they arrive. When you put in the work to fix the problems ahead of time, you’ll get the best price for your home. 

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our other resources to help you buy or sell your home.