According to data from the National Association of Realtors, only 19% of home buyers waived an inspection in 2024. That’s down from an estimated 22% a month earlier and 21% a year earlier.
The importance of an inspection is becoming clearer. What may not be known is the importance of one of the best tools necessary to get it done right.
Read on to learn what a property inspection checklist is and how to use it.
Home Inspection Benefits
Not all homeowners take the time and energy to get an inspection. They don’t realize the benefits they’re missing out on.
It helps buyers get the best prices and keeps your property clean and compliant for years to come.
Identifying Problems
The clearest of all home inspection benefits is the quick identification of issues. A full new home inspection is the best way to spot them before you move in. It also works with rental or commercial investments.
They can be found early before they balloon into major problems. You’ll save money when buying a property and get more when selling it.
Negotiating Real Estate Purchases
Property evaluation is a tricky business. Valuations involve crunching numbers and looking at market trends. When combined with inspections, they can help buyers negotiate lower sales prices.
You’ll also know when to withdraw from a sale if the property’s issues are too extensive. It prevents you from making the wrong real estate purchases.
You can even negotiate who pays for the inspection. It’s typically a buyer’s responsibility, but a motivated seller may be willing to pay.
Positive Relationships with Tenants
A rental property inspection checklist does more than ensure you get the best rental property. It also helps you maintain a positive relationship with the tenants there.
They expect a safe and well-maintained property. It’s also one of their legal rights. An inspection checklist helps maintain this right and keeps them on the property.
Evidence and Protection from Liability
A property inspection can help you spot legal issues such as health and safety violations.
It’s important evidence for disputes or court battles. It keeps everyone accountable with a clear picture of the property’s actual condition.
Helping Create Maintenance Schedules
Most checklists have an extra section for notes on what areas need maintenance. This can help you develop a schedule for maintenance and repairs.
It’ll also help prevent maintenance or repairs from doing more harm than good. A pre-drywall inspection keeps a potential extension from becoming a nightmare.
What to Include in a Property Inspection Checklist
A well-crafted property inspection checklist makes the process easier for inspectors, sellers, and buyers.
Knowing what to include is key. Having the right information sets the process up for success. It makes it more likely to be comprehensive and complete.
Property Details
The property’s condition isn’t the only thing that must go on the checklist. It also needs to include basic details such as:
- Address
- Inspection date
- The inspector’s name
This information is important for future records.
Exterior Inspection
The checklist must have information about everything’s condition. That includes inside and outside the property. It should also include detailed information about what to look for in these areas.
When it comes to the outside of the property, that may include:
- Roof
- Walls
- Gutters
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation
- Driveway
- Landscaping
- Yard
- Garage
- Patio
- Deck
- Pool or spa
Interior Inspection
A home provides shelter from the outside, so an inspector needs to go inside as well.
They’ll go through every room. Along the way, they’ll note the condition of:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Doors
- Windows
- Lighting
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Bathroom fixtures
- Fireplace
- Attic
- Basement
Utilities
A property’s utilities are key to living comfortably. The checklist needs detailed information about how each one should work.
The most important utilities to check include:
- Electricity
- HVAC
- Gas
- Plumbing
- Water
- Sewer/septic
- Trash
Safety Features
Homes have several important safety features to check, including:
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency exits
- Stair railings
The checklist needs to include all necessary details that the inspector should look for. Are they working? Are they damaged in any way?
It also needs an extra area at the bottom. It allows inspectors to record notes and any recommendations for maintenance or replacements.
The Property Inspection Process
All parties should prepare for an inspection. Sellers should review the property to ensure it’s in the best possible condition. Look for safety issues and make sure all exits and entrances are clear. Clean up inside and out. It’s like a pre-inspection to ensure the real one goes well.
The property inspection process takes an average of two to four hours. It depends on the size of the house.
As the buyer, you should be present with the professional inspector. This is the time to ask them any important questions that have been on your mind.
You’ll also learn more about the property’s condition and maintenance needs. Bring paper to write notes and take photos of any issues you notice.
What to Do With a Home Inspection Report
When inspectors have finished the checklist, they’ll give you a home inspection report. It outlines the property’s features and any damage. There may even be photographs of areas that need special attention.
They’ll walk you through the findings, from major structural issues to minor wear and tear. Focus on safety hazards and then move on to the more minor issues.
Keep the report in storage. It can be useful evidence in legal issues or for planning future maintenance.
Get a Property Inspection Today
Create a property inspection checklist. It makes performing a property inspection easier and more comprehensive. You’ll know the condition of everything and what needs work. It can even help you negotiate and protect you from legal liability.
Central Florida Building Inspectors has provided thousands of high-quality property inspections yearly since 1988. We go above and beyond other companies and look for issues they won’t, such as pests and gas leaks.
Our certified inspectors will leave you feeling informed about your property. Our personable customer service team will help you along the way. Contact us for an inspection today.
