Home Inspection Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers

Once you've found your dream home using our house hunting checklist, it's time for another step in the homebuying process: the home inspection. We've updated our printable home inspection checklist to make room for modern updates like smart technology and to prepare you for the latest things you may see during your inspection. After all, home inspections have evolved over the last few years, with drones sometimes completing the roof inspection and thermal imaging to check for leaks. The future is here!

Related: Need to hire a real estate pro?

What Is a Home Inspection?

Your home inspection is an excellent opportunity to uncover major red flags and defects, structural and otherwise, that may need immediate attention. It can also reveal potential issues that may require work down the road. Sometimes, it can expose significant problems that may influence your decision to follow through with the home purchase.

Hiring a licensed, qualified home inspector who is knowledgeable in building codes, permitting, and other local ordinances is the key to an accurate and thorough home inspection report. Fortunately, you don't have to search for one yourself. Your agent or lender can recommend an experienced home inspector and help you schedule an appointment. Discuss any concerns about the home inspection or requests for specific items or areas you want to be covered with the home inspector before the appointment.

Your home inspection cost will vary based on where you live, the size of your home, and how old it is, but don't skimp. The fee is typically folded into your closing costs, so you're not paying for the inspection up front. It's important to get the most thorough home inspection report possible. You'll save money down the road if you uncover an issue that can be fixed now vs. a lingering issue you discover later (like accumulated water damage or a pest infestation, for example).

For the best results, schedule your inspection so that you can accompany the home inspector — and be sure to bring along your home inspection checklist. Joining the home inspector during the examination gives you a chance to ask questions about the home's condition, how things work, and any worries you may have. Treat your home inspection as an opportunity to understand everything you can about the house so you can feel confident purchasing it (or backing out and continuing your search). Home inspectors are valuable resources who can provide information that will help you understand the scope of upkeep the home will require if you do end up purchasing.

Quick tip: Save yourself future hassle and ask your home inspector where the water and gas shutoff valves are located, how the circuit breaker box works, and how each of the home's systems operates. Write down this information in the notes section of your house inspection checklist.

What to Expect During Your Home Inspection

Your home inspection will cover the whole house — inside and out. It can identify red flags like unpermitted remodels, builder oversights, and defects in materials and installations. It can also reveal structural issues and unsafe conditions like dry rot and pest infestations.

Your home inspector will carefully document and photograph areas of concern. Sometimes, the inspector may call in a specialist to investigate a problem further. Make sure you understand everything in the home inspection report and are clear about what needs to be repaired immediately and what can wait.

Your Printable Home Inspection Checklist

Print or download our printable home inspection checklist so you can document the inspection and take notes. Your home inspector will prepare an official inspection report for you, but it may take several days for you to receive it. Think of your home inspection list as a personal home maintenance guide to help you keep track of required upkeep and areas that may require future attention.

View our home inspection checklist for buyers PDF.

After Your Inspection

After the inspection, you and your agent will review any defects that require immediate attention and discuss whether you or the seller should pay for them prior to closing. For example, if your inspection reveals roof damage, you may be able to negotiate seller credit in exchange for paying for a new roof.

While negotiating your purchase, you may ask the seller to include a First American home warranty plan in the sale. With home warranty coverage, you may be protected from unexpected repair or replacement costs associated with malfunctioning covered items — making your new home experience a breeze. Want to learn more? Ask your real estate agent about home warranties for real estate today.

Related: What is a home warranty?

Print Checklist

FAQs About Home Inspections

What things are big red flags in a home inspection?

Foundation issues, mold, pest infestations, and damage to major systems like plumbing and electrical are a few red flags that should be noted during a home inspection. If your home inspection reveals red flags like these, talk to your inspector and your agent about repair or replacement recommendations.

What is an inspection checklist?

Your inspection checklist is not an official inspection form — it's simply a form you can use to follow along during your home inspection and note anything the inspector finds. This way, you can keep track of any issues you may need to address, as well as any maintenance tips or other information about your home's appliances and systems you may want to note for later reference.

What are the main parts of a standard home inspection checklist?

A typical home inspection covers all the home’s major systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. It also looks for structural and foundation damage, including the roof and chimney(s), and any interior issues. You can download our PDF above to see what's included in a standard home inspection. Bring it along with you to your scheduled home inspection to record important information.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.