Home Inspection checklist for Buyers

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Find Your Inspector -- Make sure you   choose an InterNACHI®-Certified Home Inspector to inspect your home. Buying a home is the biggest purchase   you’ll ever make. For Your Protection,   Get An Inspection!

Read the Fine Print -- Be sure to   read the complete pre-inspection contract. Know exactly what your home inspection will, and will not, cover.

Set the Stage -- It is   important to note that the inspector can only inspect elements of the home   that are accessible. After making your   choice and booking the inspection, be sure to request that the seller unlock   any inaccessible areas, and make sure that the components of the home, such   as gas, electricity and water are turned on so that the house can receive a   full inspection. While this may not   guarantee accessibility, it will greatly increase your chances of a thorough   and complete home inspection.

Take the Time -- A typical   standard home inspection usually lasts a couple of hours, depending on the   size and condition of the home. Arranging for someone to watch your pets and children is a good   idea. If you must bring your children   with you, try to bring along another adult to help you focus on the   inspection.

Come Prepared -- Wear   comfortable clothing and shoes. Your   inspector will likely be inspecting some small, dark or dirty spaces, so   ensuring that you’re dressed appropriately will allow you to follow along and   obtain some helpful information or explanations along the way. Plan for inclement weather as well, and be   sure to have weather appropriate attire to accompany the inspector around the   exterior of the home. Consider   bringing a flashlight of your own to help illuminate dark corners.

Be Considerate -- If by chance   the owner of the home is on site during the inspection, avoid making negative   remarks about the home, its décor or furnishings. Avoid moving or shifting items in the home   that could break or damage the owner’s possessions. Be courteous and respectful of the homeowners   and their property.

Be Realistic -- Remember that   no home is perfect, and that a home inspection will always find defects   throughout the home. A home inspection   aims to help you understand the current condition of the home and how to care   for the property going forward. There   is no pass or fail.

Take Notes -- If there are   items which concern you during the inspection, consider jotting down a few   quick notes, so that you can formulate any follow-up questions for the   inspector. Asking questions will help   you understand the context around any defects which are noted in the report.

Review the Report -- Take ample   time to review the report prior to initiating the next steps in the purchase   process. Ensure you understand any   dates or estimated repair schedules and familiarize yourself with any   technical terms located within the report.

Prioritize the Findings -- Don’t allow   yourself to get overwhelmed by the results. Try prioritizing any issues as noted by the inspector into a separate list   of immediate concerns or safety issues, items that can be deferred to a later   date and items that are minor in nature. Further breakdown each category by estimated cost to determine if   there are any significant defects that could impact your negotiations.