Previously we posted an Exterior Inspection Checklist and a summary of our procedures for inspecting a house’s outdoor features, outbuildings and landscape elements. The list is based on more than 30 years of experience with home inspection in Frisco, McKinney and other North Dallas communities. including residential and commercial real estate in Frisco, Plano and Park Cities, TX. In this sequel we provide the analogous home inspection checklist for the indoor structures and systems.
The list below is derived from the Texas Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors. It defines “minimum levels of inspection required for substantially completed residential improvements to real property up to four dwelling units” codified in the Texas Administrative Code. It’s important to reiterate that the home inspection checklist items reflect minimum levels. Homeowners and prospective homebuyers should also obtain special inspections that are specific to their locale, the type of dwelling, local building codes, and the specific house being examined.
If you need a McKinney or Frisco home inspection, call AIS today to talk with one of our certified home inspectors (972) 342-9183
This Home Inspection Checklist below consists of two parts – A) Structures and Surfaces, and B) Major Systems.
Home Interior Inspection Checklist – Structure and Surfaces
Kitchen
_____ Working Ground Fault Circuit Interruption outlets
_____ Adequate water flow in sinks, no evidence of leaks under sinks
_____ Garbage disposal (if present) operates properly, no leaks
_____ Dishwasher (if present) drains properly, no leaks
_____ Cabinet doors and drawers fit and operate easily
_____ Exhaust fan vented to home exterior, works properly
Bathrooms
_____ Adequate water supply and pressure at all fixtures
_____ All drains work properly, with no obstruction of water flow
_____ Sinks, tub and shower show no signs of rust or corrosion
_____ Toilets operate properly and are securely attached to floor
_____ No signs of water damage, loose tile or wall surfaces
_____ No evidence of current or past leaking at base of tubs or showers
_____ Exhaust fan vented to home exterior, works properly
Attic
_____ No damage or decay in roof, wall or flooring structures
_____ No stains on underside of roofing or framing
_____ Adequate ventilation with unobstructed air entry and exit paths
_____ No exhaust vents terminating in the attic
_____ Sufficient insulation, correctly installed, with moisture barrier on the inside
Home Inspection Checklist — All Rooms
_____ Walls, floors and ceilings are flat, plumb and level
_____ Wall, floor and ceiling surfaces in good condition, no stains
_____ Interior doors fit and operate properly
_____ Interior door hardware latches properly and operates easily
_____ Light fixtures and switches operate properly
_____ Sufficient number of electrical outlets (per local building code)
_____ Electrical outlets are grounded and have proper polarity
_____ Functioning heating and cooling in each habitable room
_____ Fireplace (if present) dampers function properly. No stains or major cracks in masonry
Basement and/or Crawl Space Checklist
_____ No damage, decay or stains on visible structural wood
_____ Sills attached to foundation/slab with anchor bolts
_____ No evidence of damage from termites or other wood destroying insects (WDI)
_____ No evidence of moisture accumulation
_____ No damage or major cracking in foundation slab or walls
General Home Inspection Checklist (for all indoor areas)
_____ Smoke and CO2 detectors as required by local building codes
_____ Stair handrails appropriately located and in good condition
_____ Solid stairway treads and risers
Indoor Home Inspection Checklist — Systems
Plumbing
_____ No damage or sign of leaks in visible pipes and joints
_____ Drain pipes sloping down slightly toward the septic or sewage system
_____ Corrosion in galvanized pipes (if present) does not limit flow
_____ Water temperature exiting water heater between 118 and 125 degrees F
Electrical Systems Home Inspection Checklist
_____ All visible wiring in good condition with cover intact and no exposed splicing
_____ Fuses or breakers are not overheating
_____ No Knob-and-Tube wiring
_____ Electrical service panel has adequate capacity and circuit labels
_____ Cables attached to service panel with proper cable connectors
_____ No aluminum cabling in branch circuits
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) Systems
_____ No open seams on ventilation flues
_____ No asbestos insulation on pipes or ducts
_____ No rust around HVAC units
_____ No odor from combustion fuel
_____ All air filters are clean and air flow is adequate
The Interior Home Inspection Checklist above highlights the main items that need to be covered when inspecting the inside of a home. While the checklist is a useful tool for homeowners, this is not a substitute for engaging a certified real estate inspector who has the experience, professional training and specialized tools necessary to inspect a house. Only certified home inspectors can evaluate the items on the checklist to provide a thorough evaluation of the structure, systems and overall condition of your home.
Call AIS today to discuss your home inspection requirements (972) 342-9183