Buying a home is a significant investment. While a professional home inspection is essential before finalizing a purchase, conducting your own preliminary inspection can help you identify potential issues early on. In the video above, This Old House‘s Two-Minute Expert explains the five steps to examining a house like a pro. Following this DIY home inspection can help you determine if you’ve found a hidden gem or a money pit as you tour the property.
Getting Started With Your Home Inspection
While a DIY home inspection can’t replace a professional assessment, your own inspection can help you make an informed decision about whether to pursue a property.
Why Conduct Your Own Home Inspection?
Performing your own home inspection can save you time and money by identifying major issues before making an offer. It helps you determine a fair offer price based on the home’s condition and gives you a better understanding of the home’s overall condition and potential maintenance needs. As you house-hunt, conducting DIY home inspections allows you to assess multiple properties more efficiently during your search.
By being proactive and conducting an initial inspection, you can narrow down your choices and focus on properties that meet your criteria. It’s about being a well-informed buyer in a competitive market.
What To Bring for Your Inspection
Preparation is key, and having the right tools on hand will make your inspection more efficient and effective. To conduct a thorough inspection, gather the following items before heading to an open house:
- Binoculars for checking the roof for damage.
- Camera or smartphone to document potential issues visually
- Flashlight for dark areas like basements and attics
- Ladder, if available and safe to use, for closer roof inspections
- Notepad and pen for jotting down observations
- Tape measure for checking room dimensions
Step 1: Get the Big Picture of Your House
The first step in your DIY home inspection is to assess the property’s overall condition from the outside. This initial overview can reveal significant issues that may require further investigation. Start by walking around the property and observing the following:
- Foundation: Look for visible cracks or signs of settling.
- Landscaping: Assess drainage and potential issues with trees or shrubs near the house.
- Roof condition: Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles.
- Siding: Check for cracks, gaps, or signs of water damage.
- Windows and doors: Ensure they appear straight and properly aligned.
In the video above, the TOH expert emphasizes the importance of looking for crooked or loose parts, which may indicate foundation issues or inadequate support. This initial exterior sweep sets the stage for deeper exploration and identifies any glaring problems that might be deal-breakers.
Step 2: Focus on the House’s Details
After getting a general overview, it’s time to take a closer look at specific exterior elements of the home. Paying attention to these details can save you from future headaches and financial burdens.
Inspecting Windows and Doors
Pay close attention to the window sills and door thresholds, checking for signs of rot or water damage. Ensure caulking is intact and free from gaps that could let in moisture. Also, look for cracks in glass, foggy double-paned windows, or other damage to the windows and doors.
Windows and doors that are in good shape can prevent drafts and water infiltration, both of which can lead to bigger problems down the line.
Examining the Roof
Use binoculars to inspect the roof from the ground, looking for missing or damaged shingles and signs of sagging or unevenness that could indicate structural issues. Check the condition of flashing around chimneys and vents, and inspect gutters and downspouts for proper attachment and signs of leaks.
Step 3: Head Inside it the Interior
Once you’ve thoroughly examined the exterior, it’s time to move indoors and assess the home’s interior condition. This part of the inspection is where you’ll spend the majority of your time.
Assessing Structural Elements
Pay attention to these key areas inside:
- Ceilings: Inspect ceilings for water stains or signs of sagging, which can indicate a leaky roof or plumbing issues.
- Floors: Check for levelness and signs of sagging. Uneven floors can indicate foundation issues.
- Walls: Look for cracks, especially around windows and doors, which may indicate settling or structural problems.
Structural integrity is the backbone of any home. Identifying these issues early can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Examining Interior Finishes
Take note of the condition of the following finishes:
- Flooring: Assess the condition of carpets, hardwood, tile, or other materials. Look for wear and tear, stains, or water damage.
- Paint and wallpaper: Look for peeling, bubbling, or other signs of damage that may indicate moisture problems.
- Trim and molding: Check for gaps or signs of water damage. Well-maintained trim and molding are indicators of a home that’s been cared for.
Interior finishes might seem cosmetic, but they can also reveal underlying issues like moisture infiltration or neglect. Taking the time to evaluate these aspects can give you a clearer picture of the home’s overall condition.
Step 4: Let the Water Run to Check Plumbing
Plumbing issues can be costly to repair, so check the home’s water systems as you go through the house. Water damage can be insidious, so be thorough.
Inspecting Plumbing Fixtures
Test all faucets, showers, and toilets. Here are some factors to pay attention to:
- Condition of caulking and grout in bathrooms: Look at caulking around fixtures and tiles. Poor caulking can lead to moisture penetration and mold growth. Loose shower tiles could be hiding rotted floors or walls caused by leaks.
- Drainage speed: Turn on sinks and flush toilets to see how fast the water drains. Slow draining may indicate potential clogs or issues with the septic system.
- Signs of leaks or water damage around fixtures: Water stains, rust, or puddles of water around fixtures can indicate small leaks that could lead to significant damage over time.
- Water pressure: Turn on showers and sinks to ensure the water pressure is adequate throughout the house. Low water pressure may be a sign of a leak or clog in the system.
Leaks, poor water pressure, and slow drainage can all be signs of bigger plumbing issues that need to be addressed.
Checking for Water Damage
Look for signs of water-related issues throughout the house:
- Musty odors may indicate mold growth or water damage behind walls.
- Warped or soft flooring, especially near bathrooms and the kitchen, may indicate ongoing leaks.
- Water stains on ceilings or walls can indicate a leaky roof or plumbing issues.
Step 5: Do a House Systems Check
The final step in your DIY home inspection involves examining the home’s major systems. This includes electrical, heating, and cooling systems—critical components that need to be in good working order.
Electrical System
While you shouldn’t attempt to open the electrical panel, you can still observe the following:
- Age and type of electrical panel, checking if it meets current safety standards
- Condition of visible wiring for signs of wear or damage
- Functionality of light switches and outlets
- Presence of GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms for safety
An outdated or faulty electrical system can be a safety hazard and may require costly upgrades to meet current codes. Scorch marks at the breaker box or outlets are a sure sign you’ll need an upgrade.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Assess the home’s HVAC system by taking the following steps:
- Check the age and condition of the furnace and air conditioning units. Older units may need replacement, which can be expensive.
- Look for signs of proper maintenance, such as clean filters and the efficiency rating from the last maintenance visit.
- Test the thermostat and feel for consistent airflow throughout the house to ensure the system is functioning properly.
Efficient heating and cooling systems can have a massive impact on your electricity bills. When purchasing a home, make sure the systems are in good working order to avoid costly replacements or repairs.
Our Conclusion
Conducting your own home inspection can provide valuable insights into a property’s condition before making an offer. While it doesn’t replace a professional inspection, this DIY approach can help you make informed decisions during your house hunt. By following these five steps and paying attention to key details, you’ll be better equipped to identify potential issues and determine if a house is worth buying.