Professional home inspectors examine and accurately report the condition of a property, they do not evaluate the homes fair market value, instead they perform a visual examination of the physical structure and systems. Home inspectors disclaim against defects that are not visible, such as problems below floors, behind insulation, in walls and even behind or hidden by personal property. When problems or symptoms are discovered, the inspector may recommend repairs or preventative measures to assure your property remains trouble free.

Tip: Home inspection companies examine and recommend repairs and then want to do the repair work. Not too hard to realize they have a conflict of interest. Many times repair recommendations have many good solutions, some more extensive (read expensive) than other choices.

We know of one story where the soil was too high and touching the foundation and the wood exterior walls by about six inches. The Home inspection company noted that this invites term ites or other pests and recommended lifting the foundation six inches. The cheaper solution was to remove the soil and do a little grading around that are of the property.

Solution to conflict of interest:
1. Do it yourself
2. Hire your own contractor
3. Hire a home inspection company that only makes recommendations and does not repair

Buyers should use the lists when looking at property, not to replace a professional home inspection but to get to the short list. Sellers should consider paying for a home inspection before listing the property for sale. If there is some extensive work to be done, you can bid it out for yourself, before scaring away a buyer. Either way depend on an accurate home inspection before entering an agreement to purchase or sell.

Basement/Craw Space:

Wet Basement_____
Mold_____
Cracks on the interior foundation_____
Any settling_____
Any standing water_____
Stains indicating standing water_____


Floors:
Water damage near radiators_____
Dry or split wood near fireplace_____

Walls:
Settlement_____
Bulges_____
Water stains_____
Peeling wall paper_____
Peeling paint_____

Wiring:
Test all outlets/light bulbs_____
Look for GFI in bathroom and kitchen
Look for GFI in work shop and garage
Check all outlets for cracked switch plates
Check for blown fuses_____
Check for smoke damage on walls/floorboards
Are there breakers, and not fuses_____

Are the circuits labeled_____
Any sign of corrosion_____

Wiring:

Is copper wire mixed with older aluminum wire? Are Exposed splices_____
Evidence of burning_____
Frayed Wire_____

Fireplace:

Check for damage near fireplace_____
Check flu_____
Check carpet near fireplace_____
Check for smoke damage to exterior of fireplace_____
Check for bulges/soft spots_____
Check funder the house for wet or dry rot floor boards_____

Heating & Cooling Systems:

Age_____
Duct system sealed and insulated_____
Asbestos involved_____
Well Vented system_____
Thermostats in good working order_____
Attic insulated and well vented_____

Plumbing:

Check for leaks near fixtures
Check for water damage to walls_____
Check for damage to tiles/grout_____
Check for mold on walls/ceiling_____
Check for water damage near tubs/showers_____
Check for water damage near near toilets_____
Water heater age_____
Water heater leaks_____
Water heater insulated_____
Water heater strapped down_____

Bathroom/Kitchen:

Check all faucets/toilets_____
Water damage near toilets_____
Water damage near Tub/Shower pans_____
Below sinks_____
Exhaust fan working_____
Bathroom well vented_____
test all toilets/sinks/shower,tub faucets_____
Test all appliances_____