A thorough home inspection can save you thousands and prevent major headaches. Whether you’re buying, selling, or performing routine maintenance, spotting issues early is key. While many focus on surface-level details, the most critical components often hide in walls, floors, or ceilings. This guide covers key areas to prioritize for a safer, sounder home.
Foundation and Structural Integrity
Your home’s foundation serves as the literal bedrock for everything else. Even minor foundation issues can escalate into major structural problems that compromise your home’s safety and value.
Start your inspection by walking around the exterior perimeter of your home. Look for cracks in the foundation walls, particularly horizontal cracks or stepped cracks in brick or block foundations. Small vertical cracks are often normal settling, but any crack wider than a quarter-inch deserves professional attention.
Check for signs of water damage around the foundation, including efflorescence (white chalky deposits), rust stains, or damp spots. Poor drainage can lead to foundation settlement, basement flooding, and structural instability over time.
Inside your home, examine the floors for sagging, bouncing, or squeaking. These symptoms often indicate issues with floor joists, support beams, or the subfloor. Pay special attention to areas around load-bearing walls and columns.
Inspect the walls and ceilings for cracks, particularly where walls meet ceilings or where different materials join together. Door and window frames that stick, won’t close properly, or show gaps around the edges can signal structural movement.
Roofing, Doors, and Exterior Fixtures
The roof protects your entire home from the elements, making it one of the most critical systems to inspect thoroughly. Start by examining the roof from ground level using binoculars, looking for missing, cracked, or curled shingles.
Check the gutters for proper attachment and signs of water damage or ice buildup. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water infiltration, foundation problems, and landscape erosion.
Inspect all exterior doors and windows for proper sealing, smooth operation, and security features. Look for gaps around frames, damaged weatherstripping, or signs of air leakage that could impact energy efficiency.
Don’t forget about your garage door system. Examine the tracks, springs, and cables for wear or damage. If you notice any issues with operation or safety features, consider contacting professional garage door repair services, such as those available in Salt Lake City, rather than attempting DIY fixes on these high-tension systems.
Check exterior fixtures, including lighting, electrical outlets, hose bibs, and ventilation systems. All outdoor electrical components should have proper weatherproofing and GFCI protection.
Plumbing Systems
Water damage ranks among the most expensive and destructive home problems, making plumbing inspection crucial for any homeowner.
Begin by testing water pressure at multiple fixtures throughout the house. Turn on several faucets simultaneously to check for pressure drops that might indicate supply line issues or outdated plumbing systems.
Examine all visible pipes for signs of corrosion, leaks, or makeshift repairs. Pay particular attention to joints, connections, and areas where pipes pass through walls or floors. Look for water stains, rust marks, or mineral deposits that could indicate current or past leaks.
Test all drains for proper flow and check for slow drainage that might signal blockages or venting problems. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers while listening for unusual gurgling sounds that could indicate drain line issues.
Inspect the water heater for age, condition, and proper installation. Check the temperature and pressure relief valve, examine the venting system, and look for signs of corrosion or leakage around the base.
Don’t overlook toilets during your inspection. Check for stability, proper sealing around the base, and efficient flushing. A rocking toilet often indicates wax ring failure, which can lead to water damage and costly floor repairs.
Electrical Systems
Electrical problems pose serious safety risks, including fire hazards and electrocution dangers. Even if you’re not an electrical expert, you can identify many warning signs during your inspection.
Start at the main electrical panel and note the age and condition of the system. Panels with fuses instead of circuit breakers, or breaker panels from certain manufacturers known for problems, may need updating. Look for signs of overheating, corrosion, or amateur modifications.
Test all outlets throughout the house, including GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior locations. Use an outlet tester to check for proper grounding and wiring. Any outlet that doesn’t work, sparks, or feels warm requires immediate attention.
Check light switches for proper operation and examine light fixtures for secure mounting and appropriate wiring. Look for exposed wires, jury-rigged connections, or extension cords used as permanent wiring solutions.
Inspect the electrical meter and service entrance for damage, proper connections, and adequate capacity for your home’s electrical needs. Older homes with 60-amp or 100-amp service may need upgrades to handle modern electrical demands.
HVAC Systems
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems significantly impact comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality, making them essential inspection targets.
Change or examine all air filters throughout the system. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and can damage equipment. Check return air vents and supply registers for proper airflow and cleanliness.
Inspect ductwork in accessible areas like basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Look for disconnected sections, damaged insulation, or signs of air leakage that reduce system efficiency and increase energy costs.
Test your heating and cooling systems regardless of the season. Run each system long enough to ensure proper operation, adequate heating or cooling, and normal cycling. Listen for unusual noises, rattling, or grinding sounds that might indicate mechanical problems.
Examine the outdoor air conditioning unit for proper clearance, level installation, and clean coils. Remove any debris, vegetation, or obstructions that could restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
Check all thermostats for proper operation and consider upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats for improved comfort and energy savings.
Interior Elements
Interior inspection focuses on living spaces, safety features, and elements that affect daily comfort and functionality.
Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors by pressing the test buttons. Replace batteries in battery-operated units and ensure you have adequate coverage throughout the home based on current safety standards.
Examine stairs and railings for stability, proper height, and secure attachment. Check that balusters are spaced properly to prevent small children from getting stuck or falling through.
Inspect flooring throughout the house for damage, wear patterns, or soft spots that might indicate underlying problems. Pay attention to transitions between different flooring materials and check for proper installation.
Test windows for smooth operation, proper sealing, and security features. Look for fogged glass in double-pane windows, which indicates seal failure and reduced insulation value.
Check interior doors for proper operation, adequate clearance, and functional hardware. Examine walls for cracks, stains, or damage that might indicate moisture problems or structural issues.
Conclusion
Regular home inspections protect your investment and ensure safety by addressing both visible and hidden issues. For problems beyond your expertise, call qualified professionals. Schedule seasonal checks to catch issues early and avoid costly repairs. Keep detailed records, including photos and notes, as they’re valuable for insurance, warranties, and future property transactions.