Home Inspection Checklist: 15 Essential Areas Every Buyer Should Review

Thinking of buying a home? It’s exciting—until you realize just how much can hide behind fresh paint and new carpet. The stakes are high. A missed crack or leaky pipe today could mean big headaches tomorrow. Every homebuyer deserves peace of mind before the keys hit their hand.

At Ashi's Inspectors, our goal is simple: empower buyers to see what matters most. This checklist isn’t about scaring you—it’s about giving you the tools to ask good questions, spot early warning signs, and feel confident at every step of your home_inspection.

Why Home Inspections Matter

A home isn’t just walls and a roof. It’s a system. Like a car, one worn belt or rusty pipe can affect everything else. The right inspection helps you avoid costly surprises and negotiate repairs before closing. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), nearly 86% of buyers request a home_inspection for good reason.

The Essential Home Inspection Checklist

Let’s walk through the 15 areas every buyer should review—what to look for, common red flags, and smart questions to ask.

Exterior Inspection 🏡

What to Look For:

• Cracks in siding or foundation
• Peeling paint or warped boards
• Damaged stucco, brick, or stonework
• Rotten wood, especially near ground level

Red Flags:

• Gaps around windows/doors (drafts, pests)
• Unlevel walkways or steps (trip hazard)
• Standing water near foundation (drainage issue)

Quick Tip: Walk the perimeter. Tap suspicious wood—if it sounds hollow, it could be rot.

Roof Inspection ⛅

What to Look For:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Sagging rooflines
• Moss or heavy debris buildup

Red Flags:

• Water stains on ceilings inside the house
• Rusted or damaged flashing
• Granules in gutters (shingles deteriorating)

Seasonal Advice: Schedule roof inspections before winter to avoid leaks from ice dams or snow.

Basement Inspection

What to Look For:

• Dampness or musty smells
• Cracks in walls or floor
• Efflorescence (white powder) on masonry

Red Flags:

• Visible mold or mildew
• Standing water or signs of flooding
• Bowed foundation walls

Quick Tip: Touch the walls. Cold or damp spots often hide leaks.

Attic Inspection

What to Look For:

• Adequate insulation and ventilation
• Signs of pests (droppings, nests)
• Water stains or wood rot

Red Flags:

• Mold on rafters or insulation
• Blocked vents (overheating risk)
• Sagging roof sheathing

Energy Efficiency Inspection near you can identify insulation gaps that drive up energy bills.

Plumbing System Inspection 🚰

What to Look For:

• Leaks under sinks, around toilets, or near water heaters
• Water pressure at all faucets
• Corrosion or stains on pipes

Red Flags:

• Slow drains (possible clogs)
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Outdated piping (e.g., lead or galvanized steel)

DIY Tip: Check the water meter. If it moves when all water is off, there might be a hidden leak.

Electrical System Inspection ⚡

What to Look For:

• Modern circuit breakers, not old fuses
• GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors
• Secure, unfrayed wiring

Red Flags:

• Flickering lights
• Warm electrical panels or outlets
• Two-prong outlets (no ground wire)

Refer to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for residential safety standards.

HVAC Inspection

What to Look For:

• Age and condition of furnace/AC
• Clean filters and ducts
• Adequate airflow from all vents

Red Flags:

• Unusual noises or odors
• Uneven temperatures between rooms
• Rust or corrosion on units

Quick Tip: Ask for maintenance records if available.

Appliance Inspection 🍳

What to Look For:

• Working dishwasher, oven, microwave, and refrigerator
• No visible rust or heavy wear
• Secure connections and cords

Red Flags:

• Strange noises or smells when operating
• Water leaks near appliances
• Appliances included “as is” (ask why)

Foundation Inspection

What to Look For:

• Cracks wider than a pencil
• Uneven floors above
• Doors/windows sticking or misaligned

Red Flags:

• Gaps between walls and floors
• Signs of recent patching (could hide issues)
• Water seepage after rain

Tip: Use a marble or ball to check for sloping floors.

Gutter Inspection

What to Look For:

• Clear, securely attached gutters and downspouts
• No sagging or overflow marks
• Downspouts direct water away from foundation

Red Flags:

• Rust, holes, or leaks
• Standing water in gutters
• Water stains on siding or foundation

Seasonal Reminder: Clean gutters before fall/winter to prevent ice dams and water damage.

Well Water Inspection 💧

What to Look For:

• Wellhead secure and above ground
• No pooling water or mud near well
• Water runs clear from taps

Red Flags:

• Metallic, rotten egg, or chemical odors
• Staining in sinks or tubs
• Water pressure drops or surges

Ask about recent water quality testing (EPA recommends annual tests).

Deck and Patio Inspection

What to Look For:

• Sturdy railings and steps
• No loose or rotten boards
• Secure, rust-free fasteners

Red Flags:

• Wobbly posts or stairs
• Termite damage
• Large cracks in concrete patios

Tip: Gently push railings and steps—any give is a concern.

Garage Inspection

What to Look For:

• Functional doors and openers (test safety reverse)
• No gas or chemical smells
• Fire-rated door between garage and house

Red Flags:

• Cracks in floors or walls
• Exposed wires or open junction boxes
• Signs of pests or water entry

Check for proper venting if water heater or furnace is present.

Fire Safety Inspection 🔥

What to Look For:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen/garage
• Clear exits from all rooms

Red Flags:

• Missing or expired detectors
• Blocked or painted-shut windows
• Old or missing fire extinguishers

Refer to local fire code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

Interior Inspection

What to Look For:

• Doors and windows open/close smoothly
• Even floors, no sagging or soft spots
• No visible cracks or bulges in walls

Red Flags:

• Water stains, peeling paint, or bubbling plaster
• Moldy smells (hidden moisture)
• Drafts or cold spots

Quick Tip: Open every window and door—don’t be shy.

Quick Safety Checklist

• Check all smoke and CO detectors.
• Test every faucet and flush all toilets.
• Open and close every window and door.
• Look for exposed wires or open electrical boxes.
• Confirm fire extinguisher is present and up to date.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some issues are easy to spot—a dripping faucet, a busted screen, a missing smoke detector. Others hide in plain sight, like slow leaks behind walls or wiring that doesn’t meet modern code. If you’re unsure about foundation cracks, roof structure, or anything electrical, it’s time to bring in a professional. Certified inspectors use specialized tools (like moisture meters and thermal cameras) and follow industry standards from groups like ASHI and InterNACHI.

What Pros Do On Arrival

A professional home_inspection begins with a methodical walk-through. Inspectors:

• Review the seller’s disclosure and past repairs
• Test GFCI and AFCI outlets
• Use ladders and cameras to inspect roofs, crawl spaces, and attics
• Check for signs of pests, water damage, and structural movement
• Test heating/cooling systems, water pressure, and appliance operation

They’ll provide a detailed written report (with photos) highlighting key findings, safety concerns, and areas needing further evaluation.

Prevention & Maintenance

Think of your home as a living system. Regular TLC can save you thousands. Clean gutters every fall. Replace HVAC filters seasonally. Check for leaks after heavy rain. Inspect caulking around windows and doors every year. A routine Energy Efficiency Inspection near you can flag areas where insulation or appliances are costing you money.

Costs & Time Factors

A typical home_inspection takes 2–4 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and condition. Specialized inspections (radon, mold, sewer scope) may require extra time. Costs vary by location and the scope of services—budget for specialty add-ons if the home has a pool, spa, septic system, or well.

When It’s an Emergency

If you find standing water in the basement, smell gas, or see exposed live wires, act fast. Shut off water or power if it’s safe. Call utility services or emergency responders. For carbon monoxide alarms, evacuate and call authorities immediately. Don’t wait—serious issues can escalate quickly.

FAQ

Q: Should I attend the inspection?
Yes! Walking through with your inspector helps you understand issues firsthand and lets you ask questions in real time.

Q: Can I do all this myself?
You can spot many surface problems, but only a professional has the tools and training to check systems behind the scenes.

Q: Are inspections required by law?
Not always, but most lenders and insurance companies strongly recommend a home_inspection before closing.

Q: What if the inspector finds problems?
You can negotiate repairs, request credits, or walk away—your contract and local laws will guide you.

Local/Seasonal Considerations

If you live in a region with heavy winter storms, inspect roofs and gutters every fall to prevent ice and water backup. In humid or coastal climates, check for mold and wood rot more frequently. For homes with wells or septic systems, schedule annual water quality and septic inspections as recommended by the EPA and state guidelines.

A home purchase is a major milestone. Equip yourself with the right checklist—and the right inspector—so you can move in with confidence, not worry.

Call Ashi's Inspectors now — or reach us anytime at  877-741-4181 .