Before hiring a home inspector, do this quick inspection yourself to see if this house is worth that next step.
When it comes to buying (or selling) a home, the most important step in the process is a thorough home inspection. Home inspectors help you find the things you may not have noticed during your quick walkthrough of the space. If you know how to inspect your home, you could save time by doing a more thorough once-over yourself before the inspector arrives, so you’re prepared with all the right questions.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t hire a home inspector. Doing so can honestly be one of the best decisions a home buyer can make. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few inspections first, so we’ve enlisted the help of professional inspector Paula Camarena to provide tips on things you can check on your own.
Plumbing
When learning how to inspect your home, inspecting the plumbing is crucial, says Camarena. “Leaky, broken or misdirected pipes can wreak havoc on a home’s infrastructure and sewer.” Test the drains and visually inspect for leaks. Run the faucets to see if the drains are clogged; this will also help you assess the water pressure.
Walls, ceiling and flooring
The most important things to check for are water damage, mold and mildew. If you are seeing any water damage or even discolored spots in your walls, ceiling, or flooring, you should take that as a sign of caution.
“Any number of underlying issues can cause damage to the walls, floors and ceilings of a property,” says Camarena, so it’s important to follow up on any damage you observe to find the cause. Visible water damage could mean serious problems within the walls or insulation damage.
Roofing
Water damage and leaks could either come from something inside the house or, more likely, from a leaky roof. “Past damage to your home may not appear in the living spaces,” says Camarena, “but evidence may be found on the roof or in the attic.”
Checking the roof—if you can—is well worth your time to ensure that nothing is leaking or that you don’t need extensive repairs.
Foundation
A home’s foundation isn’t the easiest thing to inspect, but you can look out for some signs when walking through the house. “Inspectors look for cracks, uneven floors and shifting,” says Camarena.
Look for problems with the floors, such as tilting, cracked tiles or separating hardwood planks. Foundation issues can also cause uneven drywall and cracks along the seams. If you’re also experiencing issues with doors or windows that stick or don’t latch properly, these could also be signs of foundational problems.
Lastly, look for bulges in foundation walls. If you plan on buying an older house, this may be a common issue.
Basement
Be especially wary of water damage in the basement. It can come from two sources: Indoor humidity condensing on cold surfaces or water coming in from the outside.
Water coming through the walls or floor from outside is a sign that the foundation drainage system may not be set up properly. If you’re seeing moisture due to humidity and condensation, you need to provide better ventilation to prevent a mold problem.
Electrical system
Typically, people will check the electrical system by switching lights on and off, since that seems to be the most reasonable way to check for any issues. But a real electrical inspection is more thorough and should involve the following, according to Camarena:
- Inspecting for proper installation and the use of appropriate wire types, especially in older homes;
- Checking for proper installation, GFCI protection, and the absence of any damaged or loose components;
- Inspecting the panel for proper labeling, breaker placement, and overall condition;
- Ensuring proper grounding throughout the home to prevent electrocution hazards.
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to conduct a thorough electrical inspection yourself, but one thing you can particularly keep an eye out for is the electrical outlets and switches. If they look brand new, that could mean the room was recently wired, and if that’s the case, you may want to check the outlets with a receptacle tester to make sure everything was wired correctly. A problem like reverse polarity or lack of grounding is a red flag to communicate to a licensed electrical inspector.
The HVAC system
“The inspector will visually check the condition of the furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, and other equipment, looking for signs of rust, corrosion, leaks, or damage. The inspector will also test the system’s ability to heat and cool, noting whether the system is operating correctly and if it is delivering the desired temperature. Inspectors also check for any safety concerns, such as proper combustion of fuel for gas-powered furnaces, and ensure that the electrical connections are safe,” says Canarena.
Like electrical inspections, it’s best to leave HVAC inspections to pros, but there are some basic checks you can make: the age of the furnace, for example. A furnace’s life span is around 20-25 years, and a well-maintained furnace can last up to 30 or 40. Make sure to check the date of the furnace to see how long it’s been running by looking for stickers that document routine service. You should also inspect all the filters and listen for any strange sounds when the system is running.
As you do this self-home inspection, these DIY home inspection tools will help in ensuring that the house is safe and ready to buy or sell.
FAQs
Should I get an inspection from a pro before buying a new home?
Yes. Apart from the fact that your lender may require it, a professional inspection gives you leverage when negotiating the sale price. It also gives the peace of mind that comes with having a handle on issues that are likely to affect you while living in the home.
If you hire a home inspector after your inspection, make sure to walk through the inspection with them. You can learn a ton about the house by simply being there as they discover things.