Interior of The Home
Your interior inspection is the next step. Once you enter the front door of what might be your next home, there are many things you should give a close look. Here are some things to include on your DIY home inspection checklist for the interior of the home.
Attic and Basement
Attics and basements are fantastic bonuses in any home, especially when it comes to home storage and organization. However, these damper spaces are prone to damage that could result in larger problems throughout the rest of a home. In the attic, check the underside of the roof for obvious signs of decay or water damage. Be wary of open electrical splices and appliance vents.
In the basement, be sure to look out for signs of water damage. Signals that you could have an issue down here are odors of mildew and mold. Those odors are your first red flag. In unfinished basements, inspect exposed foundations, making sure there are no cracks or holes.
Ensure there are no signs of termite damage to wooden foundations. When identifying termite damage, look out for blisters in wood flooring, large cracks, hollowed-out wood, and insect droppings.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Make sure all bedrooms and bathrooms have a heating and/or cooling source in the form of proper ventilation. Walls should be flat and level, and there should be a sufficient amount of electric outlets.
Flush toilets, test all faucets and try showerheads to check for leaks, adequate water pressure, water flow, and temperature. Fixtures should be securely attached, and inspect the condition and cleanliness of the caulking and tiles in the shower/bathtub. Look for indicators of leaks —past and present—by checking underneath the vanity and toilet for stains.
Ideally, bathrooms will have a ventilation system in the form of a fan or dehumidifying system. Make sure it’s in good working order. Lack of proper ventilation increases the chances of mold and mildew.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any home, a place to make memories, share stories, and break bread together. Before committing to any new home, make sure the kitchen is in good enough condition to make these dreams a reality. Run the water to make sure there are no leaks, that the water pressure is adequate, and the water supply is reliable.
Test built-in appliances, like dishwashers, refrigerators, and exhaust fans, to ensure they operate smoothly. Test drawers and cabinets to make sure doors are securely attached.
In-Home Systems
Identifying problems in systems that make homes run smoothly, like septic tanks, breaker boxes, HVAC systems, and air conditioning units might be harder with an untrained eye. Find out when the systems were last replaced, serviced, and professionally inspected. Make sure there are no exposed wires, rusty pipes, or odors of any kind.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be in working order, the garage door should go up and down like a breeze, and water heaters should be recently inspected and in working order. Think of your home in layers, and carefully examine each one.