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Home Inspection Checklist

admin · October 8, 2026 · 7 min read

A home can look perfect during a viewing and still hide expensive problems behind fresh paint. This home inspection checklist walks you through the main areas to examine, from the roof down to the foundations, so you know what to look for yourself and what to ask a professional inspector or surveyor to check in detail.

This is general guidance only. Inspection standards, survey types and buyer protections differ between countries and regions, and a checklist is not a substitute for a qualified, licensed inspector. Always use a properly accredited professional and check official sources in your area for the rules that apply to you.

Before the Inspection

Preparation helps you get far more value from the inspection appointment.

Choose a qualified inspector. Look for proper licensing or accreditation where your area requires it, professional insurance and sample reports you can read in advance.
Understand what is included. Basic inspections often exclude things like pools, septic systems, chimneys, pests or specialist testing. Ask what extra checks are available.
Gather documents. Ask the seller or agent for the age of the roof, boiler or furnace, recent repair invoices, warranties and any permits for past renovations.
Plan to attend. Being there lets you ask questions in real time and see problems with your own eyes rather than only reading about them.
Bring a notebook and torch. Photos and notes help you remember which issue was in which room.

Exterior and Structure

The outside of the house tells you a lot about how well it has been maintained.

Foundations. Look for large or widening cracks, especially diagonal cracks above doors and windows, which can point to movement.
Walls and brickwork. Check for crumbling mortar, bulging sections, missing render or cladding damage.
Grading and drainage. The ground should slope away from the house so rainwater does not pool against the walls.
Gutters and downpipes. They should be firmly attached, clear of debris and discharge water away from the foundations.
Windows and doors. Look for rotten frames, broken seals, condensation between glass panes and doors that stick or do not close properly.
Decks, balconies and steps. Check for loose railings, soft boards, rust on fixings and signs of rot.
Trees and vegetation. Large trees close to the house can affect foundations and drains, and overhanging branches can damage the roof.

Roof and Attic or Loft

Roof repairs can be one of the biggest unexpected costs for a new owner.

Roof covering. Look for missing, cracked or curling shingles or tiles, sagging areas and moss build-up.
Flashing. Metal or lead flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights should be intact and sealed.
Chimney. Check for leaning stacks, damaged pots or caps and loose mortar.
Attic or loft space. Look for daylight through the roof, water stains on timbers, damp insulation and signs of pests.
Insulation and ventilation. Adequate insulation lowers energy bills, while good ventilation prevents condensation and mould.
Roof age. Ask how old the roof is and whether there are records of recent work.

Plumbing and Water

Water damage is often slow, hidden and costly, so spend time on this section.

Water pressure. Run taps and showers at the same time to test pressure and flow.
Hot water. Check how long hot water takes to arrive and ask the age of the water heater or boiler.
Leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets and behind appliances for drips, stains, warped cabinets or musty smells.
Drainage. Fill sinks and baths and watch how quickly they drain. Gurgling or slow drains may suggest blockages.
Pipe materials. Older properties may have outdated pipe materials. Ask the inspector to identify them and whether replacement is advisable.
Sewer or septic system. For older homes or those with large trees, a camera inspection of the main sewer line can be worth the cost. Septic systems usually need a separate specialist check.
Water source. If the home uses a private well, ask about water testing, which is often a separate service.

Electrical Systems

Electrical problems can be dangerous as well as expensive, so leave testing to qualified people.

Main panel or consumer unit. Ask the inspector about its age, capacity and condition, and whether it meets current standards in your area.
Wiring type. Older wiring may need upgrading. Ask for it to be identified.
Outlets and switches. Test a selection of sockets and switches and look for scorch marks, loose fittings or warm faceplates.
Safety devices. Check for residual current protection or ground-fault outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas, as required locally.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Confirm they are present, in sensible locations and working.
DIY work. Exposed connections, extension leads used as permanent wiring or messy junction boxes are warning signs.

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Heating and cooling systems affect comfort, safety and monthly bills.

Age and service history. Ask when the boiler, furnace, heat pump or air conditioning was installed and last serviced.
Operation. Turn the system on and confirm every room heats or cools properly.
Radiators and vents. Look for cold spots, leaks, rust or blocked vents.
Gas appliances. These should be checked by a properly registered gas engineer or equivalent professional where you live.
Extractor fans. Kitchens and bathrooms need working extraction to control moisture.
Energy rating. If your country provides energy performance certificates or ratings, read them for clues about running costs.

Interior Rooms

Walk through every room slowly and use all your senses.

Ceilings. Brown stains, bubbling paint or sagging plaster can indicate leaks from above.
Walls. Look for cracks, fresh patches of paint in odd places and signs of damp near skirting boards.
Floors. Notice soft spots, sloping, squeaks or lifting tiles, which can suggest structural or moisture issues.
Damp and mould. A musty smell, black spots in corners or peeling wallpaper deserve a closer look.
Kitchen. Test appliances that are included in the sale, check cabinet doors and look for water damage under the sink.
Bathrooms. Check seals around baths and showers, loose tiles and how well the toilet flushes.
Stairs. Handrails should be secure and treads should feel solid.
Basement or cellar. Look for tide marks, efflorescence (white powdery deposits), standing water and the condition of any sump pump.

Safety and Environmental Concerns

Some hazards need specialist testing, and the right checks depend on the age and location of the home.

Hazardous materials. Older homes may contain materials such as asbestos or lead-based paint. Ask whether testing is recommended and who can do it safely.
Radon. In some regions, radon gas testing is advised. Check official guidance for your area.
Pests. Termites, woodworm, rodents and other pests can cause serious damage. A separate pest inspection may be needed.
Flood risk. Check official flood maps or local authority information and ask about any past flooding.
Fire safety. Look at escape routes, especially from loft conversions or basement bedrooms.

After the Inspection

The report is only useful if you act on it.

Read the full report. Separate major issues, such as structural, roof or electrical problems, from minor cosmetic ones.
Get quotes. For significant defects, ask qualified tradespeople for written repair estimates.
Talk to your agent or lawyer. Depending on local practice, you may be able to renegotiate the price, ask for repairs or request a credit. Rules and contract terms vary, so get professional advice.
Check your deadlines. Many contracts include time limits for inspections and responses. Missing them can limit your options.
Keep the report. It becomes a useful maintenance guide once you own the home.

Quick Tips for Buyers

Visit the property in heavy rain if you can. Leaks and drainage problems are easier to spot.
Do not let a fresh renovation distract you. New finishes can hide old problems.
Ask the inspector what they would fix first if they were buying the home.
Budget for the unexpected. Even a good report will not catch everything.

Final Thoughts

A careful inspection is one of the best investments you can make before buying a home. Use this checklist to stay organised, ask better questions and understand the report, and always rely on a qualified professional for the final assessment of the property.