Home Inspection Checklist: 200 Things to Check

1. Exterior & Structural Checks (Items 1–50)

The outside of a home tells you a lot about how well it's been maintained. Start your home inspection checklist guide here, because exterior issues often signal deeper structural problems.

Roof (Items 1–20)

• Check age and remaining lifespan of roofing material (asphalt shingles last 20–30 years)
• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for rust or gaps
• Check gutters and downspouts for proper slope and debris buildup
• Inspect the fascia and soffit boards for rot or damage
• Look for moss or algae growth indicating moisture retention
• Check for sagging or uneven roof planes (possible structural issue)
• Verify attic ventilation is adequate (prevents moisture damage)
• Confirm number of shingle layers — more than two may require full replacement
• Inspect skylights for proper sealing and cracks

Foundation & Grading (Items 21–40)

• Look for horizontal or stair-step cracks in the foundation (major red flags)
• Check that soil and landscaping slope away from the foundation at least 6 inches over 10 feet
• Inspect for efflorescence (white mineral deposits) indicating water intrusion
• Look for bowing or bulging foundation walls
• Check window wells for proper drainage
• Inspect exposed wood near soil level for termite or rot damage
• Verify basement walls for water staining or mold

Driveway, Walkways & Exterior Walls (Items 41–50)

• Check driveway for large cracks or heaving (indicates drainage or freeze-thaw issues)
• Inspect siding for cracks, gaps, or missing sections
• Check exterior paint for peeling, bubbling, or chalking
• Verify caulking around windows and doors is intact
• Inspect decks and porches for structural integrity, rot, and proper ledger attachment
• Check retaining walls for leaning or crumbling

2. Interior Systems: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC (Items 51–120)

These are the most expensive systems to repair or replace. Your home inspection checklist tips should prioritize these items above all others.

Plumbing (Items 51–80)

• Check water pressure at multiple faucets (40–60 psi is normal)
• Run all faucets simultaneously to test flow and drainage speed
• Inspect under sinks for leaks, corrosion, or amateur repairs
• Check water heater age (typical lifespan: 8–12 years for tank, 15–20 for tankless)
• Look for rust-colored water indicating old galvanized pipes
• Flush every toilet and check for rocking, running, or slow flushing
• Inspect visible pipes in basement or crawlspace for corrosion or insulation
• Check for polybutylene pipes (recalled due to failure risk) in homes built 1978–1995
• Verify that the main water shutoff valve operates correctly
• Check the water heater's pressure relief valve and drain pan

Electrical (Items 81–100)

• Identify the panel type — Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are known fire hazards
• Check that the electrical panel is properly labeled and has no double-tapped breakers
• Test every outlet with a plug-in tester for proper grounding
• Verify GFCI outlets in all wet areas (bathrooms, kitchen, garage, exterior)
• Check for aluminum wiring in homes built between 1965–1973 (fire risk)
• Ensure smoke detectors are present on every level and in each bedroom
• Verify carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• Check for exposed wiring or amateur DIY electrical work in attic and basement
• Confirm ceiling fans and light fixtures are properly secured
• Test all bathroom exhaust fans — they should vent outside, not into the attic

HVAC (Items 101–120)

• Ask for the age and service history of the furnace and air conditioner
• Run the heating system and verify all rooms receive warm air
• Run the AC and check that it brings temperatures down within 15–20 minutes
• Inspect ductwork for gaps, disconnections, or mold
• Check the air filter condition — a dirty filter suggests poor maintenance
• Verify heat exchanger is not cracked (carbon monoxide leak risk)
• Check flue pipes for proper venting and rust
• Inspect the condensate drain line on the AC unit

3. Interior Spaces & Finishes (Items 121–180)

Once major systems check out, go room by room. This section of your home buying inspection covers everything from floors to ceilings.

Kitchen (Items 121–140)

• Test all appliances — dishwasher, range, oven, microwave, refrigerator
• Run the garbage disposal and check for vibration or leaks
• Inspect cabinet doors, hinges, and drawer slides
• Check countertops for cracks, burns, or water damage near the sink
• Verify that the exhaust hood vents properly to the exterior
• Look under the sink for plumbing leaks and evidence of pest activity
• Check the backsplash for cracked or missing grout (moisture intrusion point)

Bathrooms (Items 141–160)

• Press on tiles around the tub and shower — soft spots indicate water damage behind walls
• Check caulking around tub, shower, and toilet for cracks or mold
• Test the shower pressure and water temperature range
• Inspect grout lines for staining or missing sections
• Check that the exhaust fan works and vents outside
• Look for floor softness near the toilet base (indicates subfloor rot)
• Verify that medicine cabinets and mirrors are properly secured

Bedrooms, Living Areas & Basement (Items 161–180)

• Open and close every window — check locks, balance, and ease of operation
• Check all interior doors for proper latching and signs of sticking (foundation shifts)
• Walk every floor looking for soft spots, squeaks, or uneven areas
• Inspect ceilings for water stains, cracks, or sagging
• Check walls for cracks wider than 1/4 inch (potential structural issue)
• Inspect attic access for insulation depth — current standard is R-38 to R-60
• Look for evidence of pest or rodent activity in basement and utility areas
• Test sump pump operation if present
• Check garage door auto-reverse safety feature

4. Home Inspection vs. Home Appraisal: What's the Difference?

Many buyers confuse these two. Both are critical for home buying and mortgage rates and real estate transactions — but they serve very different purposes.

5. Environmental & Safety Checks (Items 181–200)

These final home inspection checklist tips cover health and safety hazards that standard inspectors may not always test for. Consider hiring specialists for these items, especially in older homes.

1. Radon gas testing — the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (EPA recommends testing all homes)
2. Lead paint testing — required disclosure in homes built before 1978
3. Asbestos inspection — common in insulation, flooring, and tiles in homes built before 1980
4. Mold testing — especially in basements, bathrooms, and areas with known moisture issues
5. Well water quality test — if the home is on well water, test for bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals
6. Septic system inspection — essential for rural properties; full pump-out and inspection recommended every 3–5 years
7. Termite or WDO inspection — required by many lenders; termite damage costs Americans $5 billion annually
8. Oil tank sweep — underground tanks are a major liability in homes built before 1980
9. Chinese drywall check — a concern in homes built 2001–2009 with imported materials
10. EIFS/synthetic stucco inspection — prone to moisture trapping if improperly installed

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections

6. What to Do After Your Home Inspection

Once you have your inspection report in hand, review it carefully with your real estate agent. Prioritize issues by severity — safety hazards and structural problems should be non-negotiable repair requests, while cosmetic issues can often be accepted as-is