Easy Do-It-Yourself Home Inspection

The first thing you do when you visit a house or a property that you want to buy is to inspect it. You may hire a professional home inspector for this, but you can also do it yourself. Home inspection should also be done at least once a year to make sure that your home is still safe to live in.

Here are the areas you want to check when doing a home inspection for a new house or a maintenance inspection for your home. You will need a pair of binoculars, flashlight, gloves, screwdriver, notepad and pen, and a camera to document problems.

Outside the House

• Gutters and Downspouts. Make sure that that there are no clogs, cracks, or damaged elbow.
• Paint. Check for peeling, cracking, and flaking.
• Chimneys. Remove any blockage in the chimney's opening such as bird's nest and dry leaves. Also check the bricks and mortar around the chimney and make sure that there are cracks or broken pieces.
• Roofs. Look for any broken or missing shingles. You might also want to cut branches that hangs or rests above the roof.
• Foundation. Should be 8 inches below the siding and has to slope away from the house. Be wary of hairline cracks and consult a professional for larger cracks.
• Driveways and Garage. Search for loose and cracking asphalt.
• Windows. Look for weather rotted caulk that is peeling or flaking away.
• Decks, Stairs, and Porches. Watch out for loose and broken boards and missing screws. See also any signs of termite damage which include tunnels in wood or winged insects.

Inside the House

• Walls and Ceilings. Keep an eye for any molds, meadows, and stains.
• Kitchen Backsplash and Counter. Look for open space between the backsplash and counter near the sink.
• Bathroom. Feel for loose tiles around a tub or sink. Also search for damaged grout and cracked tiles
• Water Pipes. Should have no sign of corrosion and discoloration.
• Appliance. Check the working condition of your appliances

For more detailed explanation on each areas you should look out for visit Workshop.