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Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers and Sellers
When you’re buying a home, the two things you’re probably most concerned with are value and comfort. When you’re selling a home, you’re also thinking of value and comfort, but in a different way. Home inspections are helpful in figuring out how you can get the most value whether you’re buying or selling. Check out this comprehensive home inspection checklist, so you can be ready to get the most out of your investment.
Exterior Home Inspection Checklist
- Roofing
Examining the roof is a major checkpoint in home inspections. The inspector will check the roof’s age, and look for any signs of damage, deterioration, or warping. Ineffective roofs can cause serious damage to the home’s interior, so the inspector will determine whether or not the roof needs to be replaced before buying or selling the home.
- Chimney
If your home has a chimney, it will be inspected as well. The inspector will look for damage to the chimney’s foundational aspects and ensure it’s not a hazard to the home. If the chimney is cracked, chipped, or missing pieces, it will need to be fixed immediately.
- Gutters & Downspouts
If gutters or downspouts are missing or damaged, prepare to have them replaced. Missing or damaged gutters and downspouts can cause flooding and foundational issues as water isn’t being directed away from the home properly.
- Siding & Foundation
If the siding of the home is damaged or deteriorated, this could cause the value of the home to drop tremendously. Small issues such as a crack in the vinyl siding or peeling paint won’t lessen the value by much. However, any holes, cracks, or other damage to the foundation could mean serious future or current issues to the home.
- Windows & Doors
Windows and doors around the home will be checked for cracks, damage, or decay. Windows and doors should seal properly to keep outside air out of the home and should have no issues opening or closing. If windows are damaged or need caulking, prepare to do the work.
Interior Home Inspection Checklist
- Attic
While you may not use your attic much, it’s a huge factor in your home’s comfort and value. The attic needs to be properly insulated and ventilated. There should be no evidence of water damage or animal droppings. If there are signs of animals living in the attic, you may need an exterminator or an animal control team to remove them. You’ll also have to repair the area where they’re entering from.
- Surfaces
Conditions of all surfaces including walls, ceilings, floors, and countertops will be inspected. Stains, water damage, cracks, chips, or damaged trim will reflect negatively on the inspection and the home’s value. Cabinetry will also be inspected for the same.
- Fireplace
The fireplace will be inspected for evidence of improper operation or signs of animals living there. Your fireplace should be clean, free of debris, and able to open to the outside through the flu with no obstructions.
- Stairs
Stairs should be up to building code and should be sturdy enough to last the duration of the home’s life.
- Doors & Windows
The inspector will check doors and windows from the inside of the home as well to ensure a proper seal and weatherstripping as well as easy operation.
- Appliances
Any appliances staying in the home will be inspected. The dishwasher and washing machine will be checked for proper drainage, leaks, or damage. Garbage disposals are checked for rust or deterioration and proper operation. Stove tops, ovens, and microwaves are inspected for damage and proper operation.
Electrical
- Outlets
All outlets will be inspected for proper operation, protection, and voltage.
- Lights
All lights and light switches will be inspected for proper operation or damage. Light switches should also work properly.
- Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be checked for proper operation. If not working, the seller should expect to have to replace these. If there are no smoke detectors in the home, prepare to install them.
- Service/ Electrical Panel
The service panel will be inspected for loose cables, as well as overheating breakers or fuses.
Plumbing
- Pipes
Visible pipes will be checked for leaks or damage that could cause flooding to the home in the future.
- Water Heater
The water heater will be checked for age or signs of rust. The inspector should also check to ensure the hot water temperatures fall between certain degrees. The water pump will be tested for short cycling.
- Showers, Baths, & Sinks
Shower, bath and sink foundations will be checked for damage as this could also lead to flooding. The inspector will look for signs of mold growth that indicate inadequate ventilation in the space.
HVAC
During the inspection, the inspector should find no signs of rust on the HVAC system. They will check for good airflow, proper ventilation, and that the system itself is in good condition. It should also be turning off and on according to the thermostat’s settings.
If you’re in the market for a new system, contact Gulfshore Air.
- Ductwork
There should be no cracks, damage, or missing pieces of the ductwork. If there is damage to the ductwork, the inspector will require a licensed professional correct the issue.
For ductwork solutions in Northwest Florida, contact Gulfshore Air.
The inspector will check for an air purification system to ensure good air quality in the home. The air filter and the area around the outdoor unit should also be clean, which the homeowner can do before the inspector arrives.
What should the current homeowner do before an inspection?
- ☐ Clean the house and declutter so the inspector can easily make their way around
- ☐ Put pets away
- ☐ Check and change all light bulbs
- ☐ Replace filters in HVAC system
- ☐ Clean area around the outdoor HVAC unit
- ☐ Repair broken or cracked windows, screens, and frames
- ☐ Re-paint rooms where current paint is peeling
- ☐ Remove stains or replace carpets
- ☐ Replace or fix broken appliances
- ☐ Exterminate any infestations
- ☐ Trim trees or bushes that are close to or touching the house
- ☐ Get service or repair on your HVAC system to ensure it’s working properly.
Contact us
To get in touch with us about installing an air purification system in your home, or having preventative maintenance performed, visit our website at https://gulfshoreair.com/appointments/ or call us at 850-897-6540.
Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Niceville, FL. Our professional staff can answer any questions you might have.
Feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions or inquiries. Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Instagram!
