We recommend that you prepare yourself for the home inspection by making a list of areas of the home you want checked before the inspector arrives. Your checklist should include:
- Foundation
- Roof
- Attic space
- Rain gutters and downspouts
- Exterior stucco or paint
- Electrical panel, light switches, and power outlets
- Thermostats and heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system
- Plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heater
- Appliances
- Walls, ceilings, and floors
- Doors and windows
- Stairs, steps, and railings
- Porches and balconies
- Walkways and driveways
- Basement
- Garage
What A Home Inspection Includes
While the scope of an inspection can vary, one thing is consistent: Inspectors are chiefly concerned with a home’s physical components. That covers a lot of systems, but it does not include everything. Components that might be left out include:
- Trees and landscaping
- Lawn sprinklers
- Sewer line
- Swimming pool equipment
- Fireplace and chimney
- Drainage
- Odors
- Internet service
- Floors covered by carpeting
- Roof or outdoor hardscape covered by snow
- Mice, rats, or other rodents
- Wood-destroying pests, such as termites or carpenter ants
Home Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Inspectors can only report what they can see, not what’s inside walls, behind the seller’s furniture or moving boxes, or buried underground. If the home has an easily-accessible crawl space, the inspector usually will enter and check out the foundation. If the home is full of the seller’s belongings, the inspector won’t be able to inspect as much as if the home is vacant
Using Home Inspection Report
If the inspector finds major problems or a longer list of minor issues than you’d expected, you might want to talk to your realtor about the next steps that can be taken. If you have any questions please discuss them with us. It is not considered ethical for the inspector to give you a list of people working in the trades. This keep us unbiased with no other motives but to give you the highest quality inspection possible.
Inspectors typically won’t estimate repair costs or the remaining useful life of appliances or other systems for you. If you’re concerned about particular items, you might need to get your own repair and replacement bids from local contractors and home improvement stores. There are some occasions, especially in hot markets, where sellers only accept non-contingent offers, meaning, the buyer agrees to buy without any inspections.
Takeaways
Your home is one of the biggest, most valuable purchases you’ll ever make. Home inspections help ensure you’re making a good investment.
Service Area:
Serving Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Denver, Pueblo and the rest of Front Range