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| 21 Point Home Inspector Report Checklist Continues... |
4. Foundations
An integral part of any building. The home inspector will check for bowing, bulging or other irregularities like
shifting foundations, cracks, flaking or damaged masonry or soft mortar. The report would usually point out any
water markings and efflorescence (a white crystalline, powdery substance on the surface of concrete, brick clay
tile etc). The home inspector should also check to see if the house is bolted to foundations for earthquake safety.
5. Soffit's and Fascia
The home inspector will usually state whether the soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic. The home
inspection report may reveal details of any loose or missing sections, paint problems, and if there are any visible
signs of rot.
An integral part of any building. The home inspector will check for bowing, bulging or other irregularities like
shifting foundations, cracks, flaking or damaged masonry or soft mortar. The report would usually point out any
water markings and efflorescence (a white crystalline, powdery substance on the surface of concrete, brick clay
tile etc). The home inspector should also check to see if the house is bolted to foundations for earthquake safety.
5. Soffit's and Fascia
The home inspector will usually state whether the soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic. The home
inspection report may reveal details of any loose or missing sections, paint problems, and if there are any visible
signs of rot.
6. Porches and Decking
The home inspector will usually thoroughly inspect porches and decks (including the underside) for signs of
rotted wood, wood-earth contact, paint problems, cracking or flaking masonry, and report on any separation from
the house.
7. Stairs and Walkways
When selling a house it pays to keep stairs and walkways (inside and out) free of obstructions. This not only
looks better, but can be a safety issue when access is cluttered. The home inspector will check that railings are
steady.
8. Improper Or Faulty Drainage
Flooding, dampness, or puddles of water near a property can cause problems, especially if there is wood close
to the ground. Having the ground level slope away from the property can sometimes resolve the problem of
standing water.
Another good precaution is to have rain gutters that carry the water from the roof away from the house.
9. Roofing
Although leaks may not be visible on the ceilings of rooms, a home inspector will usually check the attic for
evidence of roof leaks. Common areas for leaks are areas around flashings such as skylights, chimneys, and
vent pipes. Although these areas have probably been sealed with a black mastic compound, the mastic
deteriorates over time and leaks can result.
The home inspector will often look for loose flashing's, particularly at the chimney and roof-to-wall connection.
The home inspector will also probably look to see if the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses...and to see
if the roof ridge (peak) is sagging in any way, or whether it is straight and level.
Any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles would normally be noted by the home inspector. Deterioration of
the shingles could include warping, broken edges, rounded corners or slits becoming wider than would normally
be expected. The home inspection report might also note if there any visible roof vents, or if there are trees
overhanging the roof (potentially adding weight and blocking spoutings).
The home inspector might also report if the wooden roof decking appears rotten or delaminated under the last
row of shingles.
10. Fireplace and Chimney
If the house has a fireplace and chimney then it will probably be mentioned in the home inspection report. The
report might highlight the need for repairs if the masonry cap is cracked or broken, or if any bricks or mortar is
crumbling or missing, or if the chimney is showing any signs of leaning or even collapsing. Chimneys should also
be checked for obstruction.
11. Kitchens and Bathrooms
These two well used areas of the house will come under close scrutiny with the home inspection report noting the
condition and signs of wear and tear. The home inspection report will likely mention special features and
highlight any problems like staining and rot under the counter-tops, caulking in the tub or shower area, leaking or
faulty faucets, water damage on walls around the shower, poor water pressure and cracks in floors, walls or
fixtures.
The dishwasher drain may be clogged and need to be cleaned. Locate the flexible hose that drains the
dishwasher into the garbage disposal and then out the sink drain. When this become clogged, water will come
out of the overflow vent on top of the sink. YUK!
Some of these things are easily repaired and it is usually best to fix minor problems rather than have them show
up on a home inspector's report and potentially delay, or lose you the sale, or affect the final selling price for
your property.
Many toilet bowls rest on a wax ring that can deteriorate over a period of time. A faulty wax ring can cause the
bowl to move. Although it may not be that noticable, it could show up on a home inspection report.
Here is how you can check for a faulty wax ring. This might sound a bit strange, but stand facing the toilet bowl
with one leg on each side of the toilet bowl. Squat down a little, and using the inside of your knees, grab the toilet
bowl. Rock from side to side, and if the toilet bowl moves, it needs a new wax ring.
12. Water Heater Strapping
When a home is sold, the water heater must be strapped to prevent it from falling down in an earthquake and
starting a fire. You may need to check that the strapping technique used on your water heater complies with the
current code in your area. Also check for rust or leaking around hot water heater.
13. Heater Air Intake
If your heater is in the garage, it sits on a platform and takes in air from the house through that platform. Check
your local regulations, because you'll probably find that this platform must not have any holes in it. Depending on
where you live in the world, the rules will probably require that the heater be sealed where it sits on the platform.
This is so that no air from the garage can get into the furnace, causing a carbon monoxide hazard.
14. Furnace
Make sure thermostat is operational and check venting.
21 Point Home Inspection Checklist Continues - click here for points 15 to 21
Back to previous page with Home Inspector points 1 to 3
The home inspector will usually thoroughly inspect porches and decks (including the underside) for signs of
rotted wood, wood-earth contact, paint problems, cracking or flaking masonry, and report on any separation from
the house.
7. Stairs and Walkways
When selling a house it pays to keep stairs and walkways (inside and out) free of obstructions. This not only
looks better, but can be a safety issue when access is cluttered. The home inspector will check that railings are
steady.
8. Improper Or Faulty Drainage
Flooding, dampness, or puddles of water near a property can cause problems, especially if there is wood close
to the ground. Having the ground level slope away from the property can sometimes resolve the problem of
standing water.
Another good precaution is to have rain gutters that carry the water from the roof away from the house.
9. Roofing
Although leaks may not be visible on the ceilings of rooms, a home inspector will usually check the attic for
evidence of roof leaks. Common areas for leaks are areas around flashings such as skylights, chimneys, and
vent pipes. Although these areas have probably been sealed with a black mastic compound, the mastic
deteriorates over time and leaks can result.
The home inspector will often look for loose flashing's, particularly at the chimney and roof-to-wall connection.
The home inspector will also probably look to see if the roof sagging between the rafters or trusses...and to see
if the roof ridge (peak) is sagging in any way, or whether it is straight and level.
Any signs of deterioration of asphalt shingles would normally be noted by the home inspector. Deterioration of
the shingles could include warping, broken edges, rounded corners or slits becoming wider than would normally
be expected. The home inspection report might also note if there any visible roof vents, or if there are trees
overhanging the roof (potentially adding weight and blocking spoutings).
The home inspector might also report if the wooden roof decking appears rotten or delaminated under the last
row of shingles.
10. Fireplace and Chimney
If the house has a fireplace and chimney then it will probably be mentioned in the home inspection report. The
report might highlight the need for repairs if the masonry cap is cracked or broken, or if any bricks or mortar is
crumbling or missing, or if the chimney is showing any signs of leaning or even collapsing. Chimneys should also
be checked for obstruction.
11. Kitchens and Bathrooms
These two well used areas of the house will come under close scrutiny with the home inspection report noting the
condition and signs of wear and tear. The home inspection report will likely mention special features and
highlight any problems like staining and rot under the counter-tops, caulking in the tub or shower area, leaking or
faulty faucets, water damage on walls around the shower, poor water pressure and cracks in floors, walls or
fixtures.
The dishwasher drain may be clogged and need to be cleaned. Locate the flexible hose that drains the
dishwasher into the garbage disposal and then out the sink drain. When this become clogged, water will come
out of the overflow vent on top of the sink. YUK!
Some of these things are easily repaired and it is usually best to fix minor problems rather than have them show
up on a home inspector's report and potentially delay, or lose you the sale, or affect the final selling price for
your property.
Many toilet bowls rest on a wax ring that can deteriorate over a period of time. A faulty wax ring can cause the
bowl to move. Although it may not be that noticable, it could show up on a home inspection report.
Here is how you can check for a faulty wax ring. This might sound a bit strange, but stand facing the toilet bowl
with one leg on each side of the toilet bowl. Squat down a little, and using the inside of your knees, grab the toilet
bowl. Rock from side to side, and if the toilet bowl moves, it needs a new wax ring.
12. Water Heater Strapping
When a home is sold, the water heater must be strapped to prevent it from falling down in an earthquake and
starting a fire. You may need to check that the strapping technique used on your water heater complies with the
current code in your area. Also check for rust or leaking around hot water heater.
13. Heater Air Intake
If your heater is in the garage, it sits on a platform and takes in air from the house through that platform. Check
your local regulations, because you'll probably find that this platform must not have any holes in it. Depending on
where you live in the world, the rules will probably require that the heater be sealed where it sits on the platform.
This is so that no air from the garage can get into the furnace, causing a carbon monoxide hazard.
14. Furnace
Make sure thermostat is operational and check venting.
21 Point Home Inspection Checklist Continues - click here for points 15 to 21
Back to previous page with Home Inspector points 1 to 3
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