Whether you are buying or selling a home you need to know what the home inspector will be looking for. This is especially important if selling is on the horizon. You’ll want to make sure that any problem areas are addressed prior to going on the market. Need help with walking you through the process or finding vendors, give me a call. Lisa Kaplan Gordon, of Realtor.com recently posted an informative summary of items inspectors generally review. The link to her full article is below.

• Grounds: Inspectors are looking for current or future water issues such as standing puddles and faulty grading or downspouts which all lead to moisture intrusion into the home. They check out landscaping to see if trees and shrubs are in good condition and evaluate pathways, retaining walls, sheds, and railings.
• Structure: Is their evidence of foundation issues? Are the sides straight? Is their moisture intrusion?
• Roof: The inspector’s looking for defects in shingles, flashing, and fascia, all of which can cause ceiling drips; loose gutters; and defects in chimneys and skylights.
• Exterior: The inspector will look for siding cracks, rot, or decay; cracking or flaking masonry; cracks in stucco;  and adequate clearing between siding and earth, which should be a minimum of 6 inches to avoid damage from moisture (although dirt can be in contact with the cement foundation).
• Window, doors, trim: Assure that windows and doors are in good working condition. The inspector will see if frames are secure and without rot, caulking is solid and secure, and glass is undamaged.
• Interior rooms: Inspectors are concerned about leaning walls that indicate faulty framing; stained ceilings that could point to water problems; adequate insulation behind the walls; and insufficient heating vents that could make a room cold and drafty.
• Kitchen: Inspectors make sure range hood fans vent to the outside; ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection exists for electrical outlets within 6 feet of the sink; no leaks occur under the sink; and that appliances function properly.
• Bathrooms: Inspectors want to see toilets flushing, drains draining, showers spraying, and tubs securely fastened.
• Plumbing: Inspectors are evaluating pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure and temperature as well as locate the main water shut-off valve.
• Electrical: Inspectors will check if the visible wiring and electrical panels are in up to code,  that light switches work correctly, and that GFCI protection is in appropriate locations.

Read Lisa Kaplan Gordon’s full article on Realtor.com.

See a previous Love Now Sell Later post with a quick video on the home inspection process.