DIY Home Inspection Checklist

Download a printable PDF copy of this checklist here.

Introduction

Searching for your new home is an exciting and stressful process. This checklist guides you through observing key areas—structure, exterior, roof, interior, electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling, and insulation—with enhanced focus on moisture-related issues, drawing from industry standards and expert insights. Use the checkboxes and fill-in sections to document observations, compare component ages to average lifespans, and note potential red flags. Always follow up with a professional home inspection for a complete evaluation, testing and documentation.

Why Moisture Matters:

Water intrusion is a home’s primary threat, often originating from poor drainage, faulty roofing, or plumbing leaks. It can cause rot, attract pests like termites, and result in health risks via mold. Expert advice highlights checking for signs like stains, efflorescence, musty odors, and improper flashing around penetrations, as these indicate ongoing or past issues that could escalate into costly repairs.

How to Use This Checklist

• Inspect Systematically: Begin with the exterior (first line of defense against moisture), proceed to the interior, and conclude with the basement (a common area for hidden moisture issues and structural concerns).
• Use Checkboxes: Mark the condition of each item (Good, Fair, Poor, Not Applicable).
• Fill in Details: Record specific observations, including estimated ages compared to average serviceable lifespans (sourced from expert guidelines).
• Document Issues: Take photos and notes, especially for moisture signs like discoloration or dampness, to share with a professional inspector.
• Hire a Professional: Once you have decided to move forward, invest in a full home inspection to help uncover hidden issues and document the condition of the property in full detail.

Average Serviceable Life of Major Components

• Roof: Asphalt Shingles: 15–30 years | Metal: 40–70 years | Tile/Slate: 50–100 years
• HVAC System (Furnace/Air Conditioner): 15–25 years | Boiler: 20–35 years
• Water Heater: Tank (Gas/Electric): 8–15 years | Tankless: 20+ years
• Windows: 20–40 years | Electrical Panel: 25–60 years (up to 100 with proper maintenance)
• Plumbing (Pipes): Copper: 50–70 years | Galvanized Steel: 20–50 years | PEX: 40–50 years (potentially longer) | Cast Iron: 75-100 years

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The exterior acts as the building envelope, protecting against water entry. Experts stress inspecting for improper grading, damaged or absent flashings, and cladding condition and installation, as these are common sources of moisture intrusion that could lead to interior damage.

Overall Condition (maintained or neglected?)

Doors/Windows (proper installation, flashings, seals)

Moisture Risk: Poor seals or flashing can allow water penetration, leading to rot and mold; check for stains, warping and rot.

Exterior Cladding (siding, brick, defects, installation and moisture stains)

Moisture Risk: Cracks, gaps, or discoloration can indicate moisture concerns. Installation quality

Penetrations (vents, pipes sealed properly)

Moisture Risk: Unsealed areas are prime entry points for water, often causing hidden wall damage.

Wood-Destroying Insects (signs or conducive conditions, e.g., vegetation, wood piles, soil contact)

Hidden Damage: Wood destroying insects can cause costly structural damage. Exterior observations can uncover clues to situations that can lead to infestations.

Grading/Drainage (ground slopes away from home, roof drainage, downspouts)

Moisture Risk: Poor grading causes basement moisture concerns and potential foundation issues; ensure downspouts direct water at least 5-10 feet away.

Electrical Service (service size, type, condition)

HVAC Equipment (age, size, condition, location)

Details: Age and visible condition can help predict approximate remaining life.

Deck (age, construction quality, flashing, attachment)

Safety: A correctly constructed and maintained deck is crucial for family safety.

Chimney/Flue (condition, active or not, flashing)

Safety and Moisture Risk: It is important to ensure chimneys are properly flashed and can safety vent fireplaces and appliances.

Roof (age, material, quality of installation, ventilation, wear, approximate remaining life)

Details and Moisture Risk: Estimate the age, condition and ventilation of roof to determine possible moisture issues and estimate remaining life.

Notes:

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Interior issues often trace back to exterior moisture problems or internal leaks. Its important to look beyond the cosmetics, recent updates and staging when entering the home. Look for stains, recent paint and repairs that could be signs of hidden moisture and damage. Pay extremely close attention to “flips” and homes that were recently renovated.

Overall Condition/Recent Paint/Stains/Remodel (possible flip?)

Moisture Risk: Fresh paint may conceal stains from past or current leaks. Equipment and appliances in “flips” have often never been tested, inspected or fully installed.

Appliances (proper installation, functioning, tested?)

Windows and Doors (age, condition, quality, function, seals)

Details: Improper function of doors and windows can be a sign of settlement or poor installation. Age and condition can lead to costly repair or replacement.

Electrical System (up-to-date, Grounded, GFCI/AFCI protection, knob-and-tube)

Safety: All receptacles should be GFCI/AFCI protected where advised. All 3 prong receptacles should be grounded or protected. Determine if there is knob-and-tube wiring (and its condition).

Electrical Panel(s) (location, shut-off, proper installation, corrosion or hot spots, proper installation)

Safety: All electrical panels should be observed without removing the dead front (cover). Professional inspection is advised.

Interior HVAC Equipment (age, condition, type, # of zones, approximate remaining life)

Details: Estimate the age and condition of the system(s) to determine approximate remaining life and help determine when costly repair or replacement will be needed.

HVAC Distribution (ducts, radiators, vent location, functioning properly)

Details: Improperly vented bathrooms, kitchens and dryers can lead to concealed moisture concerns. Disconnected ductwork or inoperable radiators can lead to heating and cooling issues.

Plumbing System (age, leaks, repairs, pipe material/condition)

Moisture Risk: The age and type of the supply and waste plumbing can indicate the presence of past, current or near future issues that often lead to costly repairs or replacement.

Water Heater (age, location, condition, leaks)

Moisture Risk: Water heaters often leak when they fail. Age and condition can assist in approximate remaining life.

Attic (insulation, ventilation, vermin, mold)

Details and Moisture: Poor ventilation and insulation can cause efficiency, moisture and mold issues. Vermin are often located in attics.

Additional Notes:

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Basements are prone to structural defects and moisture accumulation from groundwater and/or poor water management. Pay close attention to structural concerns like foundation cracking, structural rot and wood destroying insects. Look for signs of efflorescence, moisture intrusion, elevated humidity and evidence of past flooding.

Odor/humidity (musty, damp, or other smells, RH%)

Moisture and Safety Risk: Musty odors signal mold or chronic dampness; test humidity levels if possible.

Moisture Intrusion (stains, efflorescence, dampness)

Moisture Risk: Efflorescence or stains indicate water seepage; can indicate current, past or ongoing moisture concerns.

Structural Concerns (cracks, bowing walls, structural rot, wood destroying insects etc.)

Structure: Foundation cracks, wood destroying insect damage, and structural defects can leak to costly repairs.

Shut-Off Valves/Clean-Outs (location, condition)

Details: Location and condition of plumbing shut-off valves and waste clean-outs is important.

Notes:

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Next Steps

• Review Your Findings: Compile notes and photos, prioritizing moisture-related issues, to discuss with a professional inspector.
• Hire a Licensed Inspector: Experts can use tools like moisture meters to detect hidden problems, ensuring a thorough evaluation.
• Learn More: Visit www.valueguardinspections.com for additional tips and to schedule a professional inspection.

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