Any home inspection will vary depending on the specific home – as each home is different. However, there are eight essential categories.

1. Exterior

Defects on the exterior of the home are usually noticeable – even without the trained eye of a professional inspector. We’ll be looking for:

• Cracks, peeling, loose pieces or damage to the siding
• Stains, old paint or peeling paint
• Clearance between the ground and siding materials on the walls
• If the walls of the home are free from climbing vines & trees are planted far enough away from the home

2. Roof/Attic

Damaged or old roofs can lead to bigger issues, so we will inspect the materials and integrity of the roof and roofing materials. The attic’s condition can affect the roof, and vice versa, which is why inspecting both is necessary.

Roof Items:

• What kind of shingles are used
• Condition of shingles
• Proper use of flashing
• Excess roofing cement, tar, or caulk
• Chimney condition (has proper flashing, masonry condition, chimney is straight)

Attic Items: 

• Insulation is present and installed correctly
• Proper or adequate roof ventilation
• Plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents do not vent into attic
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• No evidence of damage or decay to structure
• Staining or water spots on ceiling
• Presence of intact or cut trusses
• General presence of moisture – especially near roof penetrations

3. Foundation/Grounds

If the home’s foundation is damaged, this can lead to costly repairs. Since the foundation of the home is essential to a home’s structural integrity, this is an item that will be inspected during every home inspection.

• Proper grading (drainage) away from base of home
• Downspouts and gutters in good condition and directed away from the home
• Detached garages, decks, etc in good condition & free from rotting or termite or other insect damage
• Driveways and sidewalks aren’t cracked/shifting
• No standing water near home or in yard

4. Interior

The interior of the home should be well maintained and free from damage. Every home will have typical wear and tear. However, the inspector will be looking for signs of abnormal damage – which could mean underlying problems.

• Walls and ceilings are painted & in good condition
• Cracks on walls or ceilings
• Windows latch, are intact, & sealed with caulk/weather stripping
• Doors leading to exterior are sealed & open/close easily
• Rooms are insulated & properly ventilated
• Walls and ceilings are free from moisture spots
• Flooring (especially hardwood) are level to the ground & free of moisture or soft spots

5. Structure

The structure of the home is the wooden framework that was built before drywall, insulation and anything else was added. The structure is often called the “bones of the house”, and if it’s damaged or built incorrectly the home may be unsafe.

• Foundation is in good condition – if the foundation is cracked or shifting this will affect the structural integrity of the home
• Door frames are straight allowing doors to swing in and out of the frame with ease
• Window frames are straight on all four sides & without gaps
• Ridge and fascia board lines are level & straight
• Baseboards around all interior walls are flush with the flooring & not lifting or separated
• Flooring (especially hardwood) is flat and not bowed or lifting
• Exterior walls are straight and free of bowing or sagging

6. Electrical

Electrical problems can be dangerous and costly to repair if there is severe damage, so we’ll be checking the electrical systems thoroughly. If we find defects in the home’s electrical systems, we’ll recommend having a professional electrician evaluate to determine the severity and cost to repair.

• DIY repair jobs – electrical systems should never be DIY jobs and this can cause significant damage to the entire system
• Light switches work & all bulbs light up (a bulb that isn’t lit may just need to be replaced, but can also mean faulty wiring)
• Absence of electrical faults in receptacles
• All cables are attached to service panel with cable connectors
• Visible wiring is in good condition, secured, protected, & without exposed splices
• Branch circuits are free from solid strand aluminum wires which are a safety hazard
• All wall outlets are working & intact (not pulled out of the wall)
• GFCI outlets are installed where required (bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms & anywhere a water source is present.)

7. Plumbing

Plumbing problems are some of the most expensive repairs – and not something you want to deal with. We will inspect all plumbing systems and determine if a professional plumber should be contacted for further analysis.

• Visible pipes intact, free from damage
• Pipes are free from signs of leaking or staining on surrounding materials
• Toilets are securely fastened and dry around the base & free of warped or water-stained flooring
• Water heater working properly, free of rust, vented properly
• Water heater is adequate size conditional to number of beds/baths
• Water pump produces steady flow and doesn’t short cycle
• All faucets (indoor & outdoor) in working condition, sealed, & without leaks
• Hot water temp is between 118°F to 125°F (not under or over)
• Water runs clear through all faucets
• All drains are clear, don’t bubble, and drain at reasonable pace

8. HVAC (Heating/Cooling System)

Although some homes don’t have an A/C system installed, most homes have a heating system. Your inspector will make sure the HVAC system is working, so you and your family will have a comfortable home.

• Type of system (boiler, forced air, etc)
• HVAC is in working condition
• Flues slope up to chimney, no open seams
• Ductwork isn’t damaged or old
• Separate flues for gas/oil/propane and coal/wood (if applicable)
• Absence of odor from gas
• A/C unit is working (if applicable) and free from rust
• Vents are clear and properly ventilated

Remember that each home is different, so there may be more items on our inspection list.

However, it’s safe to say that these eight categories will definitely be inspected. Go through each section and write down any questions for your inspector.

No home is perfect, so we’ll almost surely find defects. But that doesn’t mean that the home isn’t right for you. One key difference with Kincaid Home Inspection Services is we always are happy to explain the issues, and even talk about common remediation options or techniques.

We’ll talk you through our findings and help make sure you understand the current condition and what you might want to negotiate for.