Home Inspection Checklist: What to Look For Before You Buy 🔍

When you find a home you love, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and overlook potential problems. A professional home inspection is a crucial step that can save you from buying a money pit. While you'll hire a licensed professional for the official inspection, having your own home inspection checklist will help you spot red flags and give you a better understanding of a property's overall condition before you even make an offer. The Levi Group wants you to be as informed as possible when you buy a home in Northern Colorado.

Prioritizing the Big-Ticket Items 💰

When you walk through a home, a good home inspection checklist starts with the most expensive, major systems. Identifying issues here can give you significant leverage in negotiations or prevent you from purchasing a property with hidden six-figure repair costs.

• Foundation and Structure: This is arguably the most critical area. Look for large, horizontal cracks in the exterior brick or concrete, or a noticeable bowing or sagging foundation in the basement or crawlspace. While small hairline cracks are common, major structural defects can indicate serious drainage issues.

• Roofing: Always check the roof's condition. Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles. Also, pay attention to the flashing around chimneys and vents, as these are common areas for leaks. Always ask about the age of the roof; an older roof (typically over 15-20 years) may need to be replaced soon, which is a major expense you should factor into your budget.

• HVAC Systems and Water Heater: These systems are essential for comfort and function. Locate the furnace, air conditioner condenser, and water heater. Ask the seller or agent how old they are. HVAC systems typically last 15-25 years, and water heaters around 8-12 years. A system that is nearing the end of its life could lead to significant repair or replacement costs immediately after closing.

You can learn more about a typical home inspection process and the types of issues an inspector looks for on the American Society of Home Inspectors website.

Interior and Minor Systems Check 💧

Once the major structural and mechanical systems are evaluated, your home inspection checklist should move inside to focus on water, electrical, and general functionality. These smaller issues can still add up quickly.

• Water Damage and Mold: Check for signs of active or previous water intrusion. Look for discoloration or water stains on the ceilings and walls, especially near windows, under sinks, and in basements or attics. Musty smells can often indicate hidden mold or mildew.

• Plumbing and Drainage: Test the faucets in all bathrooms and the kitchen by turning them on full blast to check for adequate water pressure. Flush the toilets to check for quick and proper drainage. Slow drainage can indicate a clogged or deteriorating main sewer line, which is another costly fix.

• Electrical System: Inspect the electrical panel. It should look modern, be clearly labeled, and not show signs of rust or scorching. Also, test a few outlets in each room to ensure they are working and grounded, particularly in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, which should have GFCI outlets.

• Doors and Windows: Open and close all the doors and windows to ensure they operate smoothly and latch properly. Check for broken seals in double-pane windows, which can appear as fogging between the glass panes and dramatically reduce energy efficiency.

These checks are a good starting point for a home inspection checklist and will help you gather questions for your professional inspector. Before you get too far into the process, you may want to know how much house you can afford. This will ensure you are looking at properties well within your financial comfort zone. You can use our Affordability Calculator to get a clear picture of your budget.

Partnering with The Levi Group 🤝

Jason Levi and the team at The Levi Group are skilled at identifying potential issues during a walkthrough, and we can guide you on what to look for and what questions to ask a seller. Our goal is to help you find a home that is not just beautiful but also a sound investment. We'll recommend top-tier, licensed inspectors from our network and help you meticulously review the inspection report to determine your next steps, whether that means negotiating repairs, requesting a credit, or moving forward with confidence. We handle the complexities, so you can focus on your future.

Conclusion

A thorough home inspection checklist is your first defense against unforeseen expenses and stress after closing. By being informed and working with a professional, you can turn the nervous anticipation of buying a home into confident excitement. The Levi Group is dedicated to ensuring you purchase a home that is safe, sound, and a valuable asset for years to come.

Ready to buy with confidence? Visit our website to get the expert guidance you need throughout the entire inspection and closing process! 🏡