New Home Inspection Checklist

Either copy this new home inspection checklist and do the walk through yourself, or you can hire a local professional engineer to perform an inspection for you. They charge about $200 and give you a detailed report a few days after the inspection. If you go this route, make sure you have enough time between inspection and closing to receive and review the report.

If you decide to use the new home inspection checklist and walk through the house, do it a couple of days BEFORE the closing.

The first thing you should do when entering the house is to turn the heat/air conditioning on to make sure it works. It'll take a while to tell, so do this first and inspect other things while the system is warming (or cooling) the house.

Check to make sure the lights all work - try the switches and make sure the breakers are all in the "on" position at the panel. Bring a radio, or other device that you can plug into outlets in every room to make sure they are receiving power. Ring the doorbells to make sure they work.

Turn on appliances and check for leaks. Make sure the counter tops and cabinets are not damaged and open everything to see that the hardware is working properly. Run water in all the sinks and tubs to check the pressure. Flush the toilets. You will be able to visually tell if anything is wrong.

Make notes of anything you find that bothers you, or that you have a question about. Make sure everything is put back the way you found it before you leave. When you get to the closing, make sure you get the operating manuals for all the appliances and equipment.

If there is anything you don't understand, or can't locate, make an appointment to meet your builder at the house so that you can be shown where everything is and how it works. This applies to the cesspool (if there is one), all valves, switches, and mechanical devices. Find out how to access EVERYTHING.

Okay, here's the new home inspection checklist:

GROUNDS -

Driveway (as expected)

Landscaping (as expected)

Grading (If you have wood siding, it shouldn't be touching the soil. The soil should slope away from the house enough that you can visually see it.)

If there's a sprinkler system, make sure it's working.

EXTERIOR -

Condition of Siding (no damage)

Condition of Roof (as expected)

Condition of flashing (at chimney and vents)

BASEMENT/FOUNDATION -

Condition of Walls (Are the walls clean and free of cracks or signs of moisture?)

Insulation (If you asked for insulation between the basement and first floor, as you should have, make sure it's there.)

HVAC SYSTEMS -

As discussed above, make sure it all works.

If you expected the system to have various zones, see that they are in place.

Ducts should be insulated to minimize heat loss.

Make sure thermostats are not located directly above heat registers.

ATTIC -

Insulation (as expected)

Ventilation - make sure it's adequate and as expected.

Plywood sheathing on floors (as expected)

INTERIOR -

Doors all open and close freely. Hardware is on properly and keys work.

Walls and ceilings are finished properly - paint should be evenly applied. (as expected)

Windows work properly and easily. Make sure there is no cracked glass.

Closet interiors all have what you expected.

Trim work is as expected (any bad joints in the moldings).

KITCHEN -

See that cabinet doors are aligned properly.

If you are providing appliances, make sure the spacing for them is correct.

Make sure electrical outlets are above the counter (as expected).

Test the range hood & lights.

BATHROOMS -

Make sure all the plumbing works and water pressure is good.

Fixtures and faucets are what you expected.

No damage to vanity or counter top.

Tile is properly grouted and sealed (as expected).

FLOORING -

As you walk, pay attention to any bad squeaks.

Are all floors laying flat?

Are there any open seams?

Is there any damage (liked cracks in ceramic tile)?

A new home inspection checklist should be used to make sure everything is working properly, and also to familiarize yourself with your new home.

Here are a few websites for inspectors:

find me an inspector in the Atlanta area

we inspect 4 you also for the Atlanta area

home inspections USA anywhere in the US.

As always, if you have any questions about a new home inspection checklist, contact me by clicking here.

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