A home inspection is one of the most important steps in buying or selling a house. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or preparing to list your property, knowing what inspectors look for can help you avoid costly surprises.
Use this ultimate home inspection checklist to prepare your property and understand what could cause a home to fail an inspection.
🔍 What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a detailed visual examination of a property’s structure and systems, conducted by a licensed professional. It typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the home’s size and age.
✅ Complete Home Inspection Checklist
Here’s what a certified inspector typically examines during a standard home inspection:
🏠 Exterior
- Roof condition and shingles
- Gutters and drainage
- Siding and paint quality
- Windows and doors (cracks, seals, function)
- Driveways, walkways, patios
- Foundation cracks or movement
🛠️ Structure
- Foundation stability
- Wall alignment and structural integrity
- Evidence of settling or shifting
⚡ Electrical System
- Electrical panel and wiring condition
- Functioning outlets and switches
- GFCI/AFCI protection in wet areas
- Visible signs of overloading or outdated wiring
🔥 HVAC System
- Furnace and air conditioning operation
- Air filters and ductwork
- Signs of gas leaks or CO risks
💧 Plumbing System
- Water pressure and drainage
- Water heater condition and age
- Visible leaks or corrosion
- Proper venting and pipe materials
🚽 Bathrooms & Kitchens
- Functionality of faucets, sinks, tubs, and showers
- Water damage under sinks
- Cabinet stability
- Appliances (sometimes checked if included in the sale)
🧱 Interior Rooms (Updated)
- Ceilings, walls, and floors (cracks, stains, or unevenness)
- Signs of water damage, mold, or musty odors
- Windows and doors (proper function, seals, drafts)
- Stairs, handrails, and flooring safety
- Proper insulation and ventilation
- Mold Inspection/Removal – Check for visible growth or hidden moisture behind walls
- Radon Inspection – Especially important for basements and lower-level rooms
- Asbestos Inspection – Older homes may contain asbestos in ceilings, walls, or insulation
- Lead Inspection/Testing – Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint or plumbing
- Fire Damage Inspection – Look for charred areas, smoke damage, or residual odor
- Water Damage Restoration Signs – Discoloration, sagging drywall, or bubbling paint
🧯 Safety Features
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Proper handrails, stairways, and egress windows
- Attic and crawlspace access
⚠️ Things That Can Fail a Home Inspection
While inspectors don’t “pass” or “fail” a home per se, major red flags can cause a buyer to walk away or renegotiate. Common deal-breakers include:
- Foundation issues or structural damage
- Roof leaks or extensive wear
- Electrical hazards
- Major plumbing problems
- Mold, mildew, or water intrusion
- Termite or pest infestation
- Outdated or damaged HVAC systems
💲 How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The cost of a home inspection typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on location, home size, and additional services (e.g., mold, radon, sewer scope). For larger homes or properties with additional systems (like a pool or septic), expect higher fees.
⏱️ How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
- Small homes (<1,500 sq. ft.): ~2 hours
- Medium homes (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.): ~3 hours
- Larger or older homes: ~4+ hours
After the inspection, a home inspection report is typically delivered within 24–48 hours.
📄 What’s Included in a Home Inspection Report?
A home inspection report includes:
- Summary of findings
- Photos of problem areas
- Notes on safety concerns
- Recommended repairs
- Maintenance tips
This report helps buyers decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or request repairs.
🛠 Should You Get a Pre-Listing Inspection as a Seller?
Absolutely. A pre-listing inspection helps you:
- Identify issues before buyers do
- Make repairs on your timeline
- Avoid surprises during escrow
- Justify your asking price
🔎 Choosing a Home Inspection Company
Look for a home inspection company that is:
- Licensed and insured
- Highly reviewed
- Experienced with your property type
- Uses modern home inspection software with visual reports
- Offers same-day or next-day delivery of results
Search for “home inspection near me” or “top-rated home inspection companies” and review recent customer feedback.
📌 Final Tips for Buyers and Sellers
- Always attend the inspection if possible — it’s a great learning opportunity.
- Don’t panic over minor issues; almost all homes have them.
- Use the report as a negotiation tool, not just a checklist.
🏁 Final Thoughts
A professional home inspection gives you peace of mind and negotiation power. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding this checklist helps you protect your investment and avoid delays in the transaction process.
💬 Need a trusted home inspection company?
Contact our certified team today to schedule a detailed inspection and get a same-day report, so you can move forward with confidence.