When you have finally found that Ohio home you have been searching for, the one that is perfect for you and your family, there is one final step to take before you can call it your own!
That step is to get a home inspection, and it is one of the most important steps when buying a home.
Choosing to skip this step isn’t recommended, and you could end up buying a money pit & paying thousands of dollars on repairs. You could also purchase a house that is unsafe to live in because of foundation issues, water damage, or even asbestos and lead.
We at Integrity Home Evaluation Services know that the inspection process can be confusing to buyers, so we have made a home inspection checklist of each element that we look at during the process of a home inspection!
Roof/Attic
The Integrity Inspector will examine the roof for damaged shingles and flashing, signs of water damage, and the overall condition. Roof repairs and replacements are typically costly, and a thorough roof inspection is the best way to avoid unexpected costs in the future.
The attic is inspected to ensure that it is properly ventilated and insulated. During the attic inspection, the inspector will also look for signs of water damage – usually from a leaking roof.
Roof coverings
Gutters
Downspouts
Flashing and trim
Any signs of leaks
Roof condition
Structure
Foundation
Your home inspector will do a visual examination of the foundation, looking for cracking and shifting.
We will check to make sure that water drains away from the home & does not pool near the foundation.
Foundation issues are one of the most expensive defects to repair, and sometimes they are not possible to fix & the house has to be rebuilt completely.
Any visible cracks
Trees near the foundation
Crawlspace
Basement
Floor structure
Lot
We will inspect the lot that the property is on for proper grading and drainage.
Integrity inspectors also assess the quality of any walkways and driveways on the property for safety and functionality. If there is any cracking or shifting the inspector will note this.
Drainage
Any soggy areas
Walkways
Driveways
Eaves
Soffits
Fascia
Built-in Appliances
Major appliances that come with the home such as refrigerators, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and washers/dryers will be tested and checked to make sure that they are in working order.
If the appliances do not come with the house, we will check to make sure that they are working anyway, to confirm that the connectivity is working & will work with future appliances you bring.
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Oven
Washer
Dryer
Structural Elements
We examine the construction elements of the home to determine if the home was built correctly, and remained secure over the years. We look at visible structural elements and report any evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure and window alignment.
Doors
Windows
Flooring
Heating/Cooling
The entire HVAC system will be tested. The furnace will be examined for integrity, and problems like cracks or wear and tear that may indicate it needs replacement.
Air ducts and air conditioning systems will also be examined and tested. We will check the condition of the air filters in each system to make sure they are clean and don’t need to be replaced.
H/VAC
Other heating/cooling systems
Electrical
The home inspector will test all of the electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures in the home to make sure they work properly.
They will also examine the fuse box, wiring systems, and other electrical systems to ensure that they are up to code, and safe.
Switches
Outlets
Ceiling fans
Electrical panel
Service drop
Mast
Meter & base
Grounding
Plumbing
The plumbing systems within the home will be inspected and tested.
This includes water pressure, hot & cold water, functionality of all sinks, bathtubs, showers, & any other plumbing systems.
The pipes, water heaters, etc. will be examined for quality, signs of wear, leaks, and other potential issues.
Any unusual noises?
Water pressure
Sinks
Tubs Faucets
Shut-off valves
Garage
The main elements that we inspect in the garage include testing for proper ventilation, appropriate framing, and electrical components to ensure everything is up to code.
Slab
Walls
Ceiling
Vents
Garage Door
Lights
Openers
Windows
Roof
Your inspection may differ from the generic checklist above, depending on the type of home you’re in and where you live.
If you decide to have additional inspection services like mold and radon testing, this can also affect the price.
Going over this checklist will help you on your inspection day when you are walking through the home with the inspector, so that you know what it is they are looking for!