If you’re buying a home, the last thing you want is expensive surprises. A licensed home inspector will help you know if the home you’re buying is in good condition—and if not, you won’t be left in the dark.
With an average cost between $300-$500, this is one step in the homebuying process you don’t want to skip. Some buyers waive the right to a home inspection to speed up the closing process or stand out in a competitive market, but in most cases, it’s best to include an inspection contingency in your offer.
Whether you’re buying your first home in Boise, ID or settling into retirement in Bozeman, MT, this home inspection checklist will help you know what to expect from the home inspection once you’ve found the right place.
Home inspection checklist for buyers
If your offer has been accepted, the next step for the buyer is likely the home inspection. Home inspectors look for any signs of age, wear, or concern on visible and accessible areas of the home that could affect safety down the line.
Use this list during your home inspection to understand what’s being checked, and what to keep an eye on in your walkthrough.
Home exterior
- Roof condition: missing shingles, aging, damage
- Gutters and downspouts: secure, clear, draining properly
- Siding and trim: rot, cracks, peeling paint
- Windows and doors: proper sealing, damage, ease of opening
- Yard grading and drainage should slope away from house
- Driveways, walkways, steps, and patios: cracks, uneven surfaces
- Decks, porches, and railings: structural safety and stability
- Visible foundation: cracks, signs of moisture
Home interior
- Floors are level, solid, with no soft spots
- Doors and windows can open/close easily and lock securely
- No stains or water marks on ceilings or walls
- Interior stairs and railings are secure, not loose
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working
- Walls, ceilings, and floors have no…