A Checklist for Home Inspections

Learn what to expect from an inspection and tips to make sure your inspector doesn't overlook defects.

Even in a seller's market, smart home-buyers aren't going to make a purchase without having a property professionally inspected first.

For first-time home-buyers, an inspection is a crucial part of the process. It offers the chance to discover any flaws in a property and back out of a sale, if needed. Your real estate broker may recommend a trusted inspector. Otherwise, look for an experienced professional who can provide references, has positive reviews online and a good score with the Better Business Bureau. Also request a copy of their inspection form, so you can see what items are covered in a standard inspection.

Ensure lights are working and switches are covered.

A general home inspection will include a visual review of the electrical system. The cover to the electrical panel will be removed and wiring inspected to determine if the workmanship meets industry and state standards. If anything about the electrical system raises concerns, an inspector will recommend bringing in a licensed electrician for further review.

If a light doesn't turn on, inspectors note on their report that a buyer should bring in a licensed contractor to check the light fixture. You can't assume it is a burned out light bulb. Likewise, make sure all electrical outlets and switches have intact covers. While electrical receptacles are often in good condition in living spaces, inspectors often see cracked or missing covers in basements. It only costs 49 cents to buy a new one at the hardware store and installing them yourself can avoid another ding on the inspection report.

Perform routine maintenance tasks.

Replace the filters on furnaces and air conditioning units and make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

If buyers see these maintenance tasks have been neglected, they are going to assume other things aren't maintained either. Also keep in mind inspectors may check the condition of build-in appliances and will likely note any obvious maintenance defects in their report.

Clean out the mechanical room.

Take time to clean out the mechanical room and check for any problems with your HVAC system such as leaks. Inspectors are going to look for the big-dollar items. Keeping the room clean makes it easy for inspectors to get a clear look at a system's connecting pipes and check for required safety features.

Ensure appliances and fireplaces can be tested.

Inspectors want to test appliances but can't always do that if washers and dryers are full of clothes. They'll also want to see that a gas fireplace is in working order, but that means the pilot has to be lit. If an inspector can't test an appliance or fireplace, he may note that a seller should demonstrate it to the buyer before a sale. That means one more thing to put on your to-do list prior to closing, so it's best to ensure everything is accessible and in working order before an inspection.

Walk around the exterior.

Buyers should review the exterior of their house and look for peeling paint, loose siding and hanging gutters. Then, correct problems before they become an issue for a potential buyer. An inspector and buyer will be wary of standing pools of water or a crumbling foundation.

Check windows and doors.

Windows are one of the biggest bugaboos for houses that are 30 to 40 years old. Vinyl windows can become sticky and difficult to open. However, buying inexpensive silicone spray from a home improvement store is an easy way to ensure inspectors will be able to open and close all windows.

Clear out the tracks of sliding doors and lubricate those as needed as well. If you have wood-framed windows, be sure they don't have any soft or rotten spots. In addition to ensuring windows are working properly, an inspector will also look for gaps in the framing that should be caulked and rotted wood.

Cover up old water stains.

Long after a pipe or roof leak has been addressed, a stain may remain on the ceiling or drywall. If an inspector sees a stain, he or she will use a moisture meter to determine whether it is recent. However, even if there is no moisture found, the mere presence of a stain can make people leery of a home.

Look for mold.

Mold is another thing that can scare away a potential buyer. Check basements, attics, bathrooms and garages for mold. Fortunately, most mold can be killed with a fungicide found at home improvement stores. Adding a dehumidifier to a room will help reduce moisture and prevent future mold from growing in the area.

Declutter the interior.

While an inspector isn't going to be scoring your house on how it's staged, keeping the property clean and free of clutter will make it easy for all rooms to be accessed.

Be upfront about home issues.

Should your review turn up a problem that can't be easily fixed, notify a prospective buyer. You don't want a potential buyer to feel you're not honest or are trying to conceal known flaws. While it's always nice to be able to correct problems before an inspection, that's not always possible.