Buying a new home is one of the most exciting milestones in life. But before you start unpacking your boxes and pinning decor ideas to your Pinterest board, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: a thorough home inspection. Addressing potential issues early on can save you from unexpected expenses and legal headaches down the line.
This guide provides the ultimate home inspection checklist, helping you spot possible issues and ensuring your dream home is everything you’ve hoped for.
What Should Your New Home Inspection Checklist Include?
A professional home inspection will cover most of these areas, but having your own checklist ensures nothing is missed. Here are the key areas you should prioritize when evaluating your new home.
1. Structure of the Home
Inspecting the structural integrity of your house is crucial. This includes the following:
- Roof: Check for missing shingles, leaks, or sagging areas. These can indicate water damage or poor craftsmanship.
- Floors and Walls: Look for uneven floors or cracks in walls, which might suggest foundational issues or settling problems.
- Foundation: Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for cracks, sinking, or pooling water near the foundation.
Structural problems are often some of the most expensive to fix, so discovering these early can save you significant costs down the road.
2. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Ensure your home’s HVAC system works smoothly. A full inspection should include:
- Testing both heating and cooling functions.
- Checking for dirty or clogged filters.
- Examining ductwork for any leaks.
- Listening for unusual noises the system might make.
An inefficient HVAC system not only creates discomfort but can also lead to skyrocketing utility bills.
3. Lead-Based Paint
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance it could contain lead-based paint. Testing the paint in older homes is critical, especially if you have children, as lead exposure can cause serious health problems.
4. Pests
Unwanted housemates like termites and rodents can cause havoc if left unchecked. During your inspection:
- Keep an eye out for droppings, chewed wood, or sawdust that could indicate termites or mice.
- Look for damage to wiring, insulation, or other materials around the house.
- Check under sinks and in basements or attics to ensure there’s no evidence of nesting.
A pest inspection is highly recommended to confirm that the property is pest-free and your move-in is stress-free.
5. Accessibility
An important part of any home inspection checklist is evaluating whether the house caters to accessibility needs, especially if you or someone in your household has mobility challenges. Key elements to check include:
- Wide doorways and hallways.
- Ramps where needed.
- Bathroom safety features like grab bars.
- Smooth, even flooring transitions.
6. Safety Items
A safe home is a happy home. Some key safety features to verify in your home inspection checklist are:
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these are present and functioning.
- Smoke Detectors: Do a quick test to confirm they’re operational.
- Emergency Exits: Check that all windows and doors can open easily from the inside in case of an emergency yet lock securely.
- Electrical Safety: Inspect junction boxes, outlets, and the electrical panel for any exposed wires or potential fire hazards.
7. Plumbing
Leaks and clogs are common issues but can lead to major problems if ignored. Make sure to:
- Inspect under sinks for water damage and mold.
- Test faucets and showerheads for adequate water pressure.
- Flush toilets to ensure they drain properly, without leaks or unusual noises.
8. Exterior Features
Finally, don’t neglect the exterior! Inspect the condition of:
- Driveways and walkways.
- Landscaping and drainage.
- Fencing and any outdoor structures.
Any uneven surfaces, standing water, or rotting fences could indicate upkeep challenges you’ll need to address.
How Amanica Can Make This a Breeze
Feeling overwhelmed? We get it. Inspections require a sharp eye and attention to detail that many of us simply don’t have the time or expertise to manage. That’s where Amanica comes in.
At Amanica, we offer a variety of expert property inspections to simplify this process:
- Move-In/Move-Out Inspections: Make sure you start with a clean slate and avoid liability for pre-existing issues.
- Exterior Inspections: We’ll review everything from your roof to your foundation.
- Annual Inspections: Gain peace of mind knowing your property is regularly assessed to maintain its value.
- For-Cause Inspections: If you suspect something’s wrong but aren’t sure what, we can help pinpoint the issue.
- HOA Compliance Inspections: Stay ahead of any HOA requirements and avoid fines or penalties.
With Amanica, you gain access to experienced inspectors who know exactly what to look for. Plus, we make inspections painless by providing comprehensive reports and actionable recommendations.
Secure Your Dream Home with Amanica
Following a thorough home inspection checklist is the key to ensuring your new home is everything you’ve dreamed of. From discovering hidden pests to verifying safety measures, running through this checklist will save you time, money, and stress.
If you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the experts, Amanica is here for you. Book an inspection with us today, and rest easy knowing every detail of your new home has been meticulously reviewed.
