Search



FAQs

Home inspection?
Just wondering what the major issues are that we should be checking out on a house that we are thinking about purchasing. Home inspection list would be helpful! Thanks!

Here ya go: General Any major changes to the property? Agreed upon modifications or repairs completed? Receipts/warranties/guarantees provided by repair contractors? Pest control clearance provided? Roofing Indications of roof leakage? Gutters and downspouts secure? Signs of roof surface, flashings, vent or chimney damage? Exterior Evidence of cracks, paint peeling or other visible defects? Trip hazards, cracking in the walkways, driveway or steps? Plants/vegetation growing on the exterior of the home? Stairway, deck, porch and other railings secure? Cracks or indications of retaining wall failure? Signs of inadequate surface drainage? Openings into the building at trim, flashings, chimneys, etc.? Signs of soil movement in areas around perimeter of the home? Basement Are all accessible areas dry? Are there any indications of current or prior water damage? If there is a sump pump, is it operational? Indications of foundation cracking or movement? Musty odors or signs of mold or mildew? Interior Stains, cracks or damage to interior walls, ceilings or floors Cracked or broken windows? Windows and window latches operate properly? Doors and door latches operate properly? Stains or leaks at kitchen, bathroom or laundry sinks? Interior staircases have safe, secure handrails? Smoke alarms in hallways, on each floor, in each bedroom? Kitchen and Bathrooms Are all appliances functional? Cabinets, countertops, sinks or floors damaged? Water Pressure is ok at sinks, shower and tub spout? Any sign of water leaks under sinks? Are all ceramic tile floors and wainscoting intact and well grouted? Garage Garage door functional? Fire-rated doors provided at all interior entrances? Automatic door opener reverse properly? Fire-rated surfaces at house walls, attic and sub floor areas? Indications of dampness or mildew? Electrical All light fixtures operational? All electrical outlets functional? All smoke detectors provided and functional? Doorbell operational? GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, exterior and garage? GFCI devices functional? Any visible dangling or exposed wiring? Extension, lamp cord, or zip cord used as permanent wiring? Plumbing Adequate water flow at fixtures and drains? Faucet or drain pipe leaks? Adequate water pressure? Ample hot water provided? Clothes washer and dryer functional? Water heater adequately strapped? Water heater has popper pressure/temperature relief? Heating/Cooling System functional? Serviced recently? Is there adequate heat/cooling distribution to each room? Are there large differences in temperature between different rooms? Fireplace Safety check on older fireplaces and chimneys? Dampers operational? Fire boxes need repair? Spark arrestor and rain cap installed? Further, I would visit the house on a rainy day of you can. Look for water puddles on the lot, any drainage concerns, and see if you can get in the attic as well. Look for any truss or sheathing discoloration - anything black is not good - that is an indicator of mold. Good luck!

Is it possible to have a home inspection done on a repossessed home?
My fiance and I are interested in purchasing a foreclosed home. The realtor is trying to get us to buy it without having a home inspection done, but I wasn't born yesterday. My question is, will the bank that owns the home agree to turn the utilities on so that we can have an inspector run tests on them? So many expensive things could be wrong with the house (septic, electric, etc) and I don't want to purchase it without knowing what we're getting into.

NOT enough info. Many foreclosed homes are sold AS IS without opportunity for any inspections, viewings, etc. If you don't have the stomach for that, look elsewhere for a home rather than capitalizing on some one else's misery. Sometimes, inspections can occur, but generally NOT if the former owner is still in possession of foreclosed home. Doesn't hurt to ask, and you're wise to be cautious when making your biggest investment. As to utilities being turned on, probably not IF they've been turned off. If owner is not in possession, then the bank probably has them turned on.

Site updated : November 21, 2009

Latest Home Inspection Articles and Headlines

Latest Home Inspection Blog Posts

New Jersey Home Inspection by 4 Seasons Home Inspection

4 Seasons Home Inspection, LLC serves residents throughout New Jersey.

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspection: Diagnosing the Ailments of a House

No home is perfect. Even a newly constructed residence can have flaws. It is not so much the issue of a place having flaws but the impact of the flaw. For instance how serious is the problem, does it pose a health or safety risk, and what are the costs to repair or replace the problem?

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspection: In the Attic

The attic is a major interior area that is usually overlooked by both sellers and buyers. It can actually have some defects that could impact the whole house. So in any home inspection, whether you are the buyer or seller, make sure the attic is included in the evaluation.

Click Here to Read More

Ten Questions That Are Important To Ask A Home Inspector

If you are in the process of buying a home or thinking about buying a home, one of the most important aspects of the buying process is the Home Inspection. Once you have a property under contract you should under all circumstances find a certified home inspector to thouroughly inspect the property.

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspection Protects A Buyer

Let's say that you want to buy a new house. Already you should be thinking about getting a home inspection. Maybe you are looking for a new place for permanent residence or even a vacation house for summer. Either way, you want a house that meets the standards of quality and structure so that you wo

Click Here to Read More

A Home Inspection Finds Problems You Need to Know About

Whether you're buying or selling a home, that home needs to be inspected by a professional home inspector. It's his job to find problems that need to be dealt with.

Click Here to Read More

Your Home Inspection - What Can You Expect to Be Inspected, Part 3

Not getting a home inspection of the dwelling you are buying could cost you much more than the fee for the service. Getting an inspection before you buy is a small investment compared to the purchase cost of your house.

Click Here to Read More

Seller Tips: How to Handle the Home Inspection Process

A home inspection may be one of the most stressful parts of selling your Coppell home, as a deal essentially comes down to a good home inspection. The offer has been made and accepted, so now it’s time for the buyer to call in a home inspector to check out your home, from top to bottom. [...]

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspections Services Serving Louisville KY & Indiana

At K & I Inspections, we focus on helping you make an intelligent Real Estate decision. Over 350 items are covered in our easy to read, comprehensive computer report. We inspect seven days anywhere in the Louisville Metro area and there is never an extra charge for nights or weekends

Click Here to Read More

Louisville Home Inspector Solo Rehabbing Pros And Cons Posted By Daniel Mc Grey

Rehabbing houses on your own has advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide on whether you are going to fix and flip a property on your own or hire a group of workers, here are a few things you might want to consider.Going solo on re

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Buying Gutters? Considering Gutter Types Posted By: QW HON

It is time to consider replacing gutters if they are leaking or so badly damages and bent that they no longer work properly. Removing old gutters and replacing them makes significant differences in the look of the home, not to mention its ability to keep rain away from windows and siding. There a

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Basic Repair For Gutters Posted By: QW HON

Gutters need to function properly. If they do not lay flush against the home, they are unable to catch enough of the rain, which could cause the home to be at more risk for rain damage, especially over time. Some basic gutter repair can help you to cut down on the actual risk your home faces. You

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Gutters: What Is The Truth About These Systems? Posted By: QW HON

Gutters are now available in a wide range of designs and styles. Some of the newest models feature what is called a “guard” or a “shield.” These are screens or other devices placed over the top of the actual gutter opening. The goal of these is to reduce the amount of debris t

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Are Seamless Gutters Worth The Money? Posted By: QW HON

Seamless gutters are one of the more popular options on the market today. Unlike other types of gutters, these do not have the “seams” or cuts in them that traditional gutters do, does this matter. From the gutter installation to the gutter repair needed, seamless can be the better rout

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Tips For Buying Gutters Posted By: QW HON

Gutter purchases can be a great way to invest in your home. If it has been some time since you have upgraded your system to the home, consider the following tips. When you purchase the right product and install it properly, gutter repair will be less. In addition, the home’s system will not

Click Here to Read More

Louisville home inspector Getting Ready To Sell Your Home Roof Maintenance Cleaning Posted By M

When youre getting your home ready to sell it is vital to ensure that your entire house is immaculate before it goes on the market. One area that is often overlooked but dramatically affects the street appearance of your home is your roof.A dirty roof with an abundance of moss and algae on it loo

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspection Software, MMA Gear, Reverse Craigslist Software

Home Inpsection Software IQ6000 was developed after very much frustration while taking advantage of the many other home inspection software programs and with over 25 years experience performing home inspections, drawing from my experience, I have created IQ6000. IQ6000 was produced to be exceedingl

Click Here to Read More

Home Inspection Software, MMA Gear, Reverse Craigslist Software

Home Inpsection Software IQ6000 was developed after very much frustration while taking advantage of the many other home inspection software programs and with over 25 years experience performing home inspections, drawing from my experience, I have created IQ6000. IQ6000 was produced to be exceedingl

Click Here to Read More



Click Here to Read More