Home Inspection Checklist

When purchasing a home, you should have it inspected by a qualified, professional home inspector. That way the home is evaluated for any major structural or mechanical issues before you make a purchase.

So, what does that inspection include?

The American Society of Home Inspectors lists 10 major areas that any good home inspection checklist should include:

1. Structure: the skeleton of the house, its foundation, and framing
2. Exterior: walks, driveway, siding, drainage system, gutters, doors, and windows
3. Roofing: roof coverings, drainage, flashings, skylights, and chimneys
4. Plumbing: water supply drainage system, hot water heater, and fuel storage system
5. Electrical: service entrance wires, breakers and fuses, and disconnects
6. Heating: heating systems, vents, flues, chimneys, and heating energy source
7. Air conditioning: home cooling system, including central and through-wall cooling equipment
8. Interior: walls, ceilings, and floors that may have water stains or mold
9. Ventilation: adequate insulation and mechanical ventilation systems
10. Fireplaces: proper installation, chimney, and flue safety, as well as proper drafting

Now that you know what a good home inspection list should entail, you'll need to find the right inspector for the job. When searching for an inspector, you should have a list of questions prepared to help judge his or her qualifications and expertise. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, these are the questions you should ask a home inspector before retaining his or her services:

• What are you inspecting? (Refer to the list above.)
• How long have you been inspecting, and how many inspections have you done?
• What kind of experience do you have with residential inspections?
• Which repairs do you offer, if any, based on the inspection?
• How long will the inspection take? (A thorough inspection should take about two to three hours.)
• What is the cost?
• What sort of home inspection forms will I receive, and how long will I have to wait before receiving them? (Should be within 24 hours.)
• Will I be able to attend the inspection? (It's a good idea to be there, and it's a red flag if the inspector says no.)
• Do you maintain a membership in any inspector associations?
• Have you taken part in any continuing education programs lately?

We are committed to helping you reach your potential by providing personalized solutions. Our dedicated colleagues can help you find the right product to help you reach your goals. To learn more about mortgage solutions, please call 1-888-514-2300, visit us online, or find a loan officer.