Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: 11 Key Things to Look for That Are Commonly Overlooked

Home inspections are essential for buyers to find any potential problems in their soon-to-be home. In fact, 86% of inspectors find an issue with the home they’re assessing. 

A home inspection checklist is crucial for buyers to ensure they get a good deal. This list will help you avoid home buying mistakes and make the process easier overall. Keep reading to learn more about a home inspection checklist for buyers, keep reading! 

1. Foundation

One of the best tips for buying a home is always to check the foundation for damage. The home’s foundation is the most crucial structure that holds everything up. Always check for cracks or damage that may need significant repairs. 

2. HVAC

Heating and air conditioning are significant contributors to the comfort of your home. Always ensure they work to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Consider these tips during your inspection of your HVAC. 

3. Plumbing

Plumbing can be found throughout the home and needs to be checked for leaks or damage. Always run water to ensure drainage works in sinks, showers, washers, etc. 

4. Wiring

Wiring is an integral piece of the home that needs to be done correctly for safety reasons. Check outlets and switches throughout the house to see if they work. Find an electrition to double-check the wiring panels and cables if you’re unsure. 

5. Flooring

Depending on the flooring in the home, you’ll want to examine each room. Always look for soft spots, loose tile, or other damage. If any damage is found, check around the area to see what caused it. 

6. Walls

Always inspect the walls of the home and make sure they are straight. Waviness or dents could be a sign of water damage or mold, meaning there could be more severe damage in other places of the home. 

7. Appliances

If your purchase includes appliances, you’ll want to make sure each one works correctly. You can renegotiate the price if they don’t work as promised since they are out of commission. 

8. Water Flow

Your potential home needs to have water that flows smoothly. The water should also have good and consistent pressure throughout each faucet. 

9. Toilets

Each toilet in the home needs to perform correctly when tested. There should be no overflowing, leaking, or wobble to the toilet. 

10. Roof

The roof is essential to inspect for sagginess, aging, mold, leaking, etc. Any of these problems could result in a total roof replacement, potentially costing thousands of dollars. 

11. Safety Features 

There should be safety features throughout the home like smoke detectors, cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Test each safety feature to ensure they work well and do not need replacement. 

A Critical Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers

A home inspection checklist for buyers can streamline the process and keep you from spending extra money. Knowing what to look for when buying a home will help you make smarter decisions overall. 

If you’d like to read similar home improvement articles, visit our site today!