Merrell Institute and Appraisal Education Network School

631-563-7720   fax: 631-563-7720 

	Preliminary Home Inspection Checklist for single family homes
	for those entering the field and those looking at a home

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects.

BASIC INFORMATION

• check the existing condition of all systems and equipment
• look for unusual features that may increase or decrease appeal of the home
• examine the general quality and condition of the structure
• inspect routine repair and maintenance items
• bring a powerful flashlight to use in basements and crawl spaces
• bring a stepladder to check attic, underside of the roof, and light fixtures

DOORS, STAIRS, AND WALKWAYS

• make sure that all doorways, stairs, and walkways are free of obstructions
• all stepping stones should be firm
• railings should be steady
• check external doors for good weather-stripping and thresholds
• make sure doors are level, easy to open and close, with good hardware

DRAINAGE

• make sure that spouts drain away from house
• yard should slope away from the house to draw water away
• earth should be at least 6-8 inches below top of concrete foundation
• make sure gutters are well-attached and in good condition
• look for a wet basement or crawl space

FIREPLACE

• check for crumbling mortar around brickwork
• look at stability of chimney
• check for obstructions
• make sure flue is lined with terra cotta (brick is in violation of most codes)
• check to see if there is a working damper in the fireplace

FLOORS

• check for water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures
• test for soft spots in floor
• check under house for water-damaged floorboards and supports
• check the condition of the floors or carpet
• check for moisture damage to parquet floors

FOUNDATION

• check for cracks, shifting or settling
• see if house is bolted to foundation (earthquake safety)
• make sure mudsill is in good condition and dry
• check if foundation has been retrofitted
• look for structural problems like cracks in the basement floor

HEATING AND COOLING

• make sure furnace thermostat is operational
• check the furnace venting
• find out the ages of the heating and cooling equipment
• ask about any problems the occupants may have had with the systems
• run both the furnace and air conditioning to check output
• check for attic insulation -- walls probably will be insulated too

IMPROVEMENTS

• find out if the owners have remodeled or made improvements to the house
• inquire about the competence of the company who provided the service
• check the licensure and credentials of the builder, owner, or technician

MISCELLANEOUS

• check that kitchen appliances and faucet are operational
• check for asbestos, radon gas, and lead
• check for cracking or peeling paint
• check for attic ventilation (1 sq. ft. for each 150 sq. ft. of floor space)

PESTS

• look for termite and beetle holes in wooden supports and under house
• check attic vents for hornet or wasp nests
• check for rodent droppings in cupboards and under house
• look for chew holes in roof, eaves, and wiring from squirrels

PLUMBING

• check for leaks around pipes and fixtures
• test water pressure (turn on more than one faucet at once)
• test hot water pressure (same method)
• check walls around shower and for water damage
• look for rust or leaking around hot water heater
• make sure water heater is up to code
• check the water pressure and see if there is enough hot water
• find out the age of the water heater
• ask whether the hot water system has been updated in any way

ROOF

• check for leaks or conditions that might lead to leaks
• make sure no trees touching or overhanging the roof
• look for dry rot or other problems around overhangs
• check condition of shingles
• find out the age of the existing roof

SWIMMING POOL

• make sure cleaning and filtering system works properly
• test thermostat
• check for leaks or cracks

WALLS AND CEILINGS

• check the condition of drywall walls and ceilings
• pay particular attention to the condition of taped joints
• look for waves or cracks in the walls or ceilings
• look for water spots from leaks in the roof
• look for settlement cracks in walls

WINDOWS

• check for dry rot on panes, sills and frames
• check for cracks in glass
• make sure windows open properly
• check that windows seal tightly and check caulking
• check for moisture damage inside
• see if bedroom windows are large enough to escape through in case of fire
• open the windows to ensure that they are not painted shut
• check casement window to see if the hardware is working properly
• see whether double-hung windows have broken sash cords

WIRING SYSTEM

• test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly
• check to see if system is updated -- 3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc.
• look for GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in bathroom and kitchen
• look for broken or loose outlets
• test light fixtures
• check blown fuses, overloaded circuits, broken outlets, or flickering lights

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