Use this homeowner’s visual inspection checklist to spot issues fast. Walk the exterior: look for missing shingles, loose flashing, clogged gutters, siding damage, and foundation cracks or poor drainage. Check windows, doors, and trim for rot, failed caulk, smooth operation, and weatherstripping. Inside, scan floors, walls, ceilings, outlets, and HVAC supply. Review plumbing for leaks, slow drains, and water heater condition. In attic and crawl spaces, look for moisture, mold, insulation gaps, and pests. Next, you’ll see what to fix first.
Exterior and Structure Inspection
Start outside and work methodically from the roof down to the foundation. Scan shingles for missing, cracked, or curling pieces and note any sagging or soft spots. Check flashing at chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps that invite leaks. Clear debris and verify gutters and downspouts are secure, sloped, and unobstructed; look for rust, holes, and pooling below outlets.
Move to eaves, soffits, and fascia. Repair rot, peeling paint, or loose sections, and ascertain soffit vents aren’t blocked. Schedule inspections once or twice a year to catch issues early and maintain exterior integrity.
Then assess siding materials—vinyl, wood, brick, or stucco—for cracks, warping, rot, spalling, or moisture stains. Maintain at least six inches of clearance above soil and remove vines.
Finish at the foundation. Verify positive drainage, check for cracks, bowing, efflorescence, erosion, or root intrusion, and seal defects to preserve foundation stability.
Windows, Doors, and Trim
With the shell secure, turn to the openings that keep weather and pests out: windows, doors, and their trim.
Start with wood frames and trim—look for cracks, rot, bowing, or loose joints. Probe suspect lower trim and jambs with a screwdriver. Verify caulked joints, intact glazing compound at muntins and mullions, and straight, firm profiles. Refresh paint or stain and clear vines. Ascertain drip caps divert water, as improper drainage can lead to damp basements that compromise the integrity of your home. Consider using a digital reader like Nook to store and reference your checklist and manuals on-site.
For window maintenance, open every sash; it should slide smoothly without warping. Check panes for cracks and condensation between double panes. Replace failed glazing putty and worn weatherstripping. Test locks, latches, and hinges.
For doors, ascertain tight fit, square frames, smooth swing, and intact weatherstripping. Inspect thresholds and bottoms for moisture damage. Confirm door security with functional locks and deadbolts.
Interior Rooms and Surfaces
Inside, scan rooms methodically, beginning with floors, then walls, ceilings, and built-ins. Start by confirming surfaces are straight and level.
Check flooring materials—hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet—for stains, moisture, excessive wear, cracks, gaps, or separation; lift rugs and look under furniture. Ascertain stair treads and risers are solid and even. Homes built from 1965-1974 may contain aluminum wiring, which poses repair challenges and potential hazards. Regular sump pump maintenance helps prevent water damage that can affect flooring.
Evaluate wall condition: surfaces should be plumb with no bowing, discoloration, peeling paint or wallpaper, or significant cracks—especially around doors, windows, and corners. Note any patching that could signal prior issues.
Move to ceilings; look for flat planes with no sagging, staining, or radiating cracks, and confirm paint or texture is intact.
Test electrical: outlets, lights, and switches should function safely. Verify heating/cooling supply in each room.
Inspect fireplaces and built-ins for secure, damage-free construction and proper operation.
Plumbing System
After checking interior rooms and surfaces, turn your attention to the plumbing system, where small leaks or weak pressure can signal bigger problems. Regular inspections help catch issues early and prevent costly disasters. Start by confirming faucet functionality: steady pressure, smooth handles, and no drips at bases or aerators. Inspect caulking around sinks, tubs, and fixtures for cracks. Test the garbage disposal for smooth start/stop and unusual noises.
Check dishwasher and refrigerator supply and drain lines for kinks, leaks, or damage. Maintaining your plumbing system can greatly reduce the risk of water damage.
Scan visible pipes for pipe corrosion, cracks, and leaks, especially under sinks. Ascertain exposed supply lines are insulated. Operate shutoff valves to verify full travel. Examine hoses and flexible connectors for wear.
Evaluate drains for slow flow, pooling, or odors. Check P-traps and seals for leaks. Review the water heater for rust, moisture, age, and relief-valve operation.
Verify outdoor faucets and the main shutoff work.
Attic and Basement/Crawl Spaces
Before problems spread to living areas, inspect the attic and basement/crawl spaces for moisture, structural issues, and pests.
In the attic, scan the roof underside for water stains and check rafters and trusses for rot or damage. Evaluate chimney flashing and roof penetrations for deterioration. Confirm attic ventilation: clear soffit intakes and functioning ridge, gable, or mechanical exhaust, with pathways free of insulation blockages. Schedule a professional attic inspection at least once a year, as annual inspections typically cost $200 to $500 and can catch issues early.
Assess insulation type, depth, and coverage; target R-38 to R-60. Note settling, gaps, moisture, mold, odors, or open electrical splices. Look for droppings, nests, damaged insulation, and dead pests.
In basements and crawl spaces, look for basement moisture, visible leaks, mold, mildew, and efflorescence.
Inspect walls, floors, and supports for cracks or movement. Verify ventilation, and watch for rodent or insect activity.