This list covers the major points a home inspection should cover.

 

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Siding:   Look for dents or buckling
 

Foundations:   Look for cracks or water seepage

Exterior Brick:   Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks

Insulation:   Look for condition, adequate rating for climate (the higher the R value, the more effective

the insulation is)

Doors and Windows:   Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weatherstripping

Roof:   Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts

Ceilings, walls, and moldings:   Look for loose pieces, dry wall that is pulling away

Porch/Deck:   Loose railings or step, rot

Electrical:   Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room

Plumbing:   Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, insufficient insulation

Water Heater:   Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating

Furnace/Air Conditioning:   Look for age, energy rating. Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. However, consider factors like payback period and other operating costs, such as the electricity to operate motors. 

Garage:   Look for exterior in good repair, condition of floor—cracks, stains, etc., condition of door mechanism

Basement:   Look for water leakage, musty smell

Attic:   Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof 

Septic Tanks (if applicable):   Adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area and the size of your family

Driveways/Sidewalks:   Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains

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