Things You'll Need:
- Pen
- Paper
- Flashlight
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Step 1
Examine the exterior. Circle the house looking at the landscaping of the house, chimneys, siding, bricks, window seals, doors, condition of the porches and other eye-catching attributes of the house. Make sure you are writing down the honest condition, including the good and the bad. A home inspection should be a realistic estimation of the house.
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Step 2
Check the roof. Write down if you can see any deterioration from the ground. Note if there are dips or sags visible from the road. Note if there are shingles missing or if there are any holes in the shingling.
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Step 3
Check the chimney. Note if there are any visible splits in the exterior of the chimney. Note if the mortar needs work done.
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Step 4
Check the mortar and gutters. Note if any of the gutters are rusted, if there are cracks in the gutter line or there are any missing pieces of the gutter. Note the condition of the walls and if there are any missing sections of the exterior walls.
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Step 5
Check the basement. Note if there are any areas of the basement where water has visibly flooded or rodents have made their presence known.
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Step 6
Check the floors, walls and ceilings. Note if there are any stains from water, if there is any missing wallpaper, how many holes are in the walls or ceilings and if there are any markings on any of the interior structures of the house. Write down the overall condition of the interior structures, including any problems.
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Step 7
Check the fixtures. Test all the light switches and faucets. Make notes about the condition, caulking and water pressure as well as if there are any leaks.
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Step 8
Check the electronics and mechanical systems of the house. Note what kind of heating and air-conditioning systems are installed in the house. Note what the water pipes in the house's piping system are made of. Note any upgrades in the systems you as an owner have made to the house.
