Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers (2026)

Home inspection checklist: What do home inspectors look for?

A home inspector examines a home’s interior, exterior and systems. However, this list is not exhaustive and should not replace the checklist provided by an inspector.

1. Exterior grounds

The exterior grounds portion of a home inspection should include driveways, walkways and patios. Good inspectors look at the types of materials used and their current condition. They look for:

• Termite damage
• No standing water
• Driveway, fences and yard in good condition
• Stairs, decks and other outdoor structures are secure
• Proper grading and downspout drainage

2. Foundation and structure

A home inspector should evaluate the structural soundness of the home and its weight-bearing components, like:

Some inspections include landscaping and other features, but this will depend on your inspector.

• Sides not bowed or sagging
• Doors and windows appear square
• Indirect evidence of foundation issues, such as settling, internal cracks, curling rot or decay
• No damaged or missing siding and soil proximity, which can invite termites and other pests
• Joints around frames are caulked
• Drop caps over windows
• Storm windows or thermal glass intact
• Damaged, loose or missing shingles and the condition of the gutters
• Soundness of any chimneys
• No visible evidence of damage or decay

3. Home interior

In this portion of the evaluation, inspectors should look for problems that could cost money to repair inside of the house. They consider:

• No stains on floors, walls or ceilings
• Attic has adequate insulation and ventilation
• No smells that could indicate a mold problem or combustible gas
• Windows and doors latch properly
• Light switches work properly
• Enough three-pronged electrical outlets for each room
• No cracking or evidence of backdrafting around fireplace
• Damage and fire rating of garage
• Presence and functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

4. Heating and cooling systems

Home inspectors must also check for issues with the furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, ducts and thermostat. They look for:

• Good airflow throughout home
• No rust around cooling unit
• Clean air filters
• Adequate ductwork
• No asbestos in heating pipes or air ducts
• Separate flues for gas and wood or coal

5. Plumbing

A home inspector should examine fixtures, supply lines and drains during the plumbing portion of the inspection, like:

• No damage to visible pipes
• No leaks in pipes
• Adequate water flow
• No rust around pipes
• Floor under sinks in good condition
• Toilet operates properly
• No stains around shower or bath
• Age, condition and proper installation of the water heater

6. Electrical systems

Safety is the main concern for home inspectors when they evaluate electrical systems. They consider:

• Secure, protected wiring
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for electrical outlets near sinks
• Automatic garage door opener works
• Service panel at adequate capacity
• No aluminum cables for branch circuits

» MORE: First-time homebuyer mistakes and how to avoid them

Add-on home inspections to consider

Just because a standard home inspection doesn’t go over every detail thoroughly doesn’t mean you can’t order additional inspections or request add-on services. Ask your inspector if they offer add-on inspections or if they recommend another expert who can conduct a specialized check.

Here are a few additional inspections you might want to consider:

Radon testing

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be harmful in high concentrations. Radon testing can identify if the property has elevated levels of radon, allowing buyers to address any potential health risks.

Mold inspection

A mold inspection assesses the presence of mold within the property. Mold can lead to health problems and can also be an indication of moisture issues within the home.

Termite and pest inspection

While your standard inspection will include a quick check for termite damage, a full termite inspection can unveil harder-to-see damage and issues. Also, a pest inspection can identify other pests or infestations, such as rodents, ants or other insects, that may require attention.

Septic tank inspection

For properties with its own septic tank, your tank should be checked and certified before closing. The inspector will look at the health of the tank as well as issues around the tank, such as water buildup.

Chimney inspection

A chimney inspection evaluates the condition of the chimney and its flue, ensuring it is safe and free from structural issues or blockages.

Lead-based paint and asbestos inspection

For older homes, lead-based paint and asbestos were commonly used in materials. An inspection can determine if either is present, which can pose health risks if disturbed.

Pool and spa inspection

For homes with pools or spas, a specialized inspection can assess their condition, safety features and compliance with regulations.

Well and water quality inspection

If the property has a well, a well inspection can assess its condition and functionality, while a water quality inspection checks the water for contaminants.

Soil inspections

Soil inspections are evaluations conducted to assess the properties of the soil on a property. This testing is important if you’re considering building a new home, but it’s also important if you’re purchasing a home on a hill or if your area is known for soil issues.

What home inspectors don’t look for

Home inspections are primarily visual checks, so there may be some problems your inspector doesn’t catch. Some things inspectors may not look for include:

• Pests
• Sewer line issues
• Septic system issues
• Paint, wallpaper or finish appearance
• Mold or mildew
• Ground under the home
• Electrical work (such as the wiring within the walls)
• Building code violations
• Close-up roof details (depending on how high the roof is and how safe it is to access)
• Swimming pool cracks and dents

While many inspectors will check the structural integrity of a chimney, they might not examine if it has internal damage or needs to be cleaned. Additionally, home inspectors will not move furniture or inspect inaccessible or dangerous areas.

Your inspector will not be able to give you estimated costs for repairs or future predictions about what can go wrong with your home. They will also not be able to recommend contractors or engineers or give you advice on what to do with any issues. Their reports are meant to be thorough and factual on things they can see.

Is a home inspection worth it?

While home inspections are not a requirement for many buyers, it’s best not to skip them.

“A home inspection can give buyers peace of mind knowing that they are making a sound investment,” said Adie Kriegstein, a licensed real estate salesperson at Compass, a real estate platform, in New York.

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime, and it's important to ensure that the property is worth the investment,” Kriegstein said. “A thorough inspection can provide buyers with the information they need to make an informed decision and feel confident in their purchase.”

If you forgo the inspection, there is a possibility you’ll discover costly damage later on, such as a broken heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system or damaged roof. If you purchase your home and discover an issue later, you won’t have waived your rights with the seller. Discovering these issues before signing the final mortgage papers gives you an opportunity to back out of the sale without consequences, request that repairs be made or request for a price adjustment on the home.

It can be hard to pay an additional $200 to $500 for a home inspection, especially when you’re already paying thousands of dollars to secure your new home. However, this cost is small compared to the safety net it provides against expensive and usually unseen home damage.

» MORE: How to negotiate after a home inspection

FAQ

Bottom line

A home inspection adds another cost to the homebuying process, but it’s generally worth it. It helps catch problems while they’re still the seller’s responsibility, potentially saving you from costly repairs. An inspection also gives you an idea of what upkeep to expect. Home inspectors can’t catch everything, but this extra step helps ensure you move into a house that won’t cost you a lot in early repairs and maintenance.