DIY Inspection: Things to Look for During Your Buyers Walkthrough
Grab our DIY Inspection checklist to help you choose the perfect home.
Structure and Exterior
- Cracking at openings, corners
- Size and direction of any cracking
- Decay / moisture damaged siding - trim
- Moisture staining at openings and penetrations
- Connections and condition of decks and patio enclosures
- Potential areas of termite or moisture issues
- Damaged windows, door, fences, etc.
- General condition of perimeter fences, lot grading, vegetation, etc.
Roof Structure and Coverings
- Type of roof covering
- Sellers disclosures, available permitting and age of roof
- General overall condition
- Torm or damaged shingles
- Patch repairs
- Moisture stains on inside ceilings
- Damaged or worn flashings
- Excessive moisture stains below roof - wall junctions
- Decay or moisture stains to attic sheathing particularly at roof penetrations
- Damaged or altered roof structure supports
- Condition of insulation, ductwork, and electrical wiring within attic
Electrical Inspection
- Type and size of electrical system
- Location of main panel and general surrounding conditions
- Visible owner alterations or additions
- Damaged receptacles, light switches, or fixtures
- Loose wiring and fixtures
- Improper or exposed wire connections at updated systems and appliances
Plumbing Inspection
- Type and condition of current piping and drainage
- Accessibility of water shut off and meter
- Visible owner alterations or additions
- Condition of exposed piping and any evidence of leakage
- General condition of bathroom fixtures
- General condition of kitchen fixtures
- Stains to floor covering around bathroom fixtures
- Improper plumbing connections to water heater or fixtures
- Maintenance - permit history if available
Interior
- General overall condition of finishes and fittings
- Moisture stains around windows and penetrations below splash zones
- Evidence of recent painting, baseboard replacement, or other alterations
- Ceiling stains or patch repairs
- Evidence of wood boring issues to flooring or trim
- Buckled, lifting, or cracked flooring
- Doors or windows not closing properly
- Cracking to drywall, particularly above openings
- Uneven, sagging, or deflecting floor structures
- Recent repairs and updates
HVAC
- General overall condition of kitchen appliances
- Rusted, leaking, or aged water heaters
- General overall condition and installation of pool or well pump equipment
- Stains to exterior walls from unmaintained sprinkler systems
- General condition of pool enclosure, safety devices, lighting, etc.
- Condition and operation of garage door and safety controls