Pre-Home Inspection Checklist Before Buying: Your First Step to Home Ownership

Compared to other home inspection checklists that are tailored for specific purposes (e.g. safety, long-term maintenance), a pre-home inspection checklist before buying focuses on finding issues that may affect the ultimate decision: to purchase or not purchase.

Let’s explore what a buyer's home inspection checklist covers, what should be prioritized, and how it gets you closer to your dream home.

Pre-home Inspection Checklist Before Buying, What Does It Cover?

Here’s a checklist of key areas and problems which inspectors evaluate during pre-purchase inspections:

Exterior

Roof

• Shingles or tiles (missing, cracked, curling, damaged flashing)
• Flashing around chimneys and vents
• Gutters and downspouts (clogging, damage, proper drainage)
• Chimney (cracks, leaning, deterioration)
• Skylights (leaks, damage)

Walls

• Siding (damage, rot, insect infestation)
• caulking and sealant (cracks, gaps)
• Foundation (cracks, settling, water intrusion and damage)
• Brickwork (cracks, crumbling)

Windows and Doors

• Operation (sticking, difficulty opening/closing)
• Energy efficiency and seals (air leaks, drafts)
• Frames (rot, damage)
• Glazing (cracks)

Gutters and Downspouts

• Proper drainage and connection to the drainage system
• Clogging and damage

Landscaping

• Drainage efficiency and direction (away from the house)
• Overgrown vegetation hanging over the roof or near the house (fire hazard)
• Potential for erosion

Driveway and Walkways

• Cracks
• Settling
• Uneven surfaces
• Potholes

Interior

Foundation

• Cracks
• Settling
• Moisture stains
• Bowing walls

Basement and Crawlspace

• Moisture and water damage
• Mold
• Mildew
• Structural supports
• Pest infestation

Walls and Ceilings

• Cracks
• Water stains
• Bulging
• Loose plaster or drywall

Floors

• Levelness
• Damage
• Squeaking
• Buckling
• Water damage

Attic

• Insulation levels and energy efficiency
• Ventilation
• Moisture
• Pest infestation
• Structural members

Plumbing

• Water pressure
• Leaks
• Dripping faucets
• Toilet function
• Water heater (age, condition)
• Pipes (corrosion, leaks)

Electrical

• Panel box (capacity, grounding, wiring)
• Wiring (age, condition, proper grounding, aluminum wiring)
• Outlets functionality
• Lighting fixtures
• Overall safety and code compliance

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Age, functionality, and efficiency
• Proper ventilation
• Cleanliness of ductwork
• Filter condition

Kitchen

• Cabinets (damage)
• Countertops (cracks, damage)
• Sink (leaks) and plumbing
• Garbage disposal and built-in appliances (functionality)

Bathrooms

• Plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers)
• Ventilation
• Caulking
• Water damage and potential for mold/mildew

Safety Systems

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers

Other Areas

• Garage (structure, doors, electric opener, storage)
• Deck or patio (condition, railings, structural integrity)
• Pool and spa (condition, safety features)

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers

When reviewing a pre-home inspection checklist before buying, prioritize major issues like foundation cracks, roof damage, water intrusion, and faulty electrical or plumbing systems that pose safety risks.

These red flags can be deal breakers, if repair costs exceed your budget or affect the house’s habitability. There’s no harm in ignoring minor cosmetic flaws or easily fixable problems, but always weigh the costs against the overall price and property’s condition.

How Does a buyer's home inspection checklist Help You?

A house inspection checklist for buyers helps with different aspects of your homeownership journey, for instance:

• Uncovers hidden problems you might miss in your initial viewing.
• Offers leverage for negotiating repairs, credits, or price reductions based on findings in the report.
• Helps estimate the costs and budget for necessary repairs after purchase.
• Prevents costly surprises and ensures a safe and functional house.
• Gives you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.

In short, it provides crucial information to decide whether to close the deal or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use buyer's home inspection checklist?

Before your professional home inspection, ideally during the initial walkthrough.

What to look for during home inspection as a buyer?

focus on serious structural issues, water damage, safety hazards, and functionality of major systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC).

What if I find major problems during my pre-inspection?

This gives you the leverage to renegotiate the price or walk away from the deal.

Where can I find samples for pre-home inspection checklist before buying?

Online real estate resources, home inspector websites, or your agent can provide examples. Here’s a PDF checklist template that you can use too.

What should I do with the checklist after the inspection?

Compare your findings with the inspector's report to understand the home's condition completely.

Conclusion

Having a buyer's home inspection checklist isn’t mandatory, but it's highly recommended. It helps you be more proactive and prepared. However, it’s not a replacement for in-depth inspections conducted by professionals.