Before putting their home on the market, prudent homeowners will do a thorough examination of their home and address any issues as a result of the inspection.  I have compiled a checklist below for you, as the homeowner, to conduct a step-by-step examination. 

Alternatively, you can hire a qualified home inspector at a cost as low as $350 depending on the size of your home.  Having an inspection report readily will give comfort to buyers and alleviate offers being conditional on inspections.  Also, homeowners can address issues identified in the inspection report before the listing the home for sale.

Buyers typically submit offers with a condition being fulfilled with a satisfactory home inspection report.  Problems identified in the report can result in requests for repairs, re-negotiation of price and delay.  Worst of all, the deal can be called off.

Handy homeowners can repair any items they are able to.  When it comes to a big job, hiring professional trades people may be a wise choice.  Major items in your examination checklist should include the following and remember, water damage in a house is the #1 concern in any prospective buyer’s mind.

Roof

It may not be safe for homeowners to climb up on to the roof especially if you have a slate roof, the shingles can split and cause injuries.  With a pair of binoculars, you can generally get a pretty good view of missing or damaged shingles.  Professional inspectors use binoculars to check roof conditions too.  Water penetration to the building envelope caused by a damaged roof can lead to other problems such as mold.  The removal of mold and reconstruction of walls could be very costly.  Bent and drooping gutters should also be checked and fixed. 

Trees and Lawn

Take a good look at the roots of large trees located close to your home.  Roots can cause damage to the foundation walls and pipelines.  Sick trees, if not removed, can eventually fall onto the house if they are situated very close to the house.  Branches looming over the house can damage the roof and gutters.  If you have a lawn slopping towards the house, moisture in the basement may result, as excess rain water can seep through the foundation walls without the protection of functional weeping tiles, i.e. poor drainage system.  Engaging a professional tradesperson may be necessary to handle these situations.

Chimney

Use binoculars to check the chimney if you can’t climb up safely.  Make sure there are no crumbling or mortar missing between the bricks and the chimney is straight.  This kind of deterioration may cause further issues, i.e. water seepage.

Siding

Siding materials may vary.  They include aluminum, vinyl, wood shakes, stucco, asbestos/cement shingles, brick and lumber.  Check for any deterioration such as warping, peeling and missing patches of paint if it is painted.  Wood is especially susceptible to moisture and sun damage.  Brick is relatively durable, however check for crumbling or missing mortar between the bricks.

Basement

A basement is the foundation of a home.  Problems occur in the basement can adversely affect the whole building structure.  A new homes will have some movement in the first couple of years and as it settles, it is normal to see some cracks in the basement floors.  However, if cracks are wider than 0.5 cm and continue to appear long after the house was constructed, it may be a sign of a bigger problem as the house is settling unevenly.  It’s time to call for professional help.  Ontario New Home Warranty Program (Tarion) provides a 7-year warranty against major structural defects.  The coverage is up to $300,000 for homes with a possession date on or after July 1, 2006. 

Signs of moisture penetration include:

- visible surface water
- discoloured floor
- rust on metal surface, such as on water heater, washer and dryer
- warped or rotten base of a wood staircase
- trace of mold on walls, ceilings, pipes and furniture (it is usually black in colour but it can be greenish or any other color)

Electrical Panel and Outlets

Are there any burnt fuses that need to be replaced?  Are all of the electrical outlets functional?  If not, there might be faulty wiring and you need to investigate further.  You may want to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure that there is no fire risk in your home.

Water Heater

If a water heater breaks, you will know immediately because you won’t have hot water.  But it is important to check regularly and ensure that the water line is properly connected and not leaking and that there is sufficient non-flammable insulation around the water tank.

Furnace

The least a homeowner can do is to replace the filter every 2 to 3 months.  You will benefit from this preventative maintenance practice.  The indoor air quality will improve which is important especially when someone in your family has allergies.  Also, the furnace will run more efficiently with regular filter replacement thus reducing energy cost.  It will save you money in a long run.  Everything has a lifespan.  If a furnace is broken, you will have no choice but call a professional for help.

Attic and Crawl Space

Building structures vary.  Houses with a flat roof or cathedral ceilings likely do not have an attic.  However, sufficient ventilation and insulation are still essential in the space between the roof and the ceiling of the upper level.  The key is to prevent heat loss, excess moisture inside and ice build-up on the roof in the winter.  Ensure the insulation is adequate and in good shape.  Some material can settle over time and become ineffective.  Check also for signs of condensation, leaks, mold and termite existence due to excess moisture.

Floors

If the floor is squeaky or sagging, it may have been built with inadequate support or a supporting beam may be deteriorated.

Windows

If you have condensation inside the double-paned windows, it may be caused by a broken seal.  Condensation on the window surface with single pane windows is quite common because this type of windows provide insufficient insulation.

Skylights

Check for condensation or leaks around skylights.

Appliances

Are all the appliances in good working condition?  Check for any leaks in the water line of the fridge if your fridge has a water dispenser.  Check for water leak in the hose of the washer.  Make sure the vent to the outdoors is not clogged with lint and dust.

Kitchen

All appliances, exhaust fan, electrical outlets, faucet and lights should work properly.

Bathroom

Is the toilet sitting evenly on the floor?  Does the gasket need to be replaced?  Are there any rust stains around the bolts at the base of the toilet which may be caused by excess moisture in the room.  Is the exhaust fan powerful enough to remove the moisture?

Other

Home inspection reports may not include some of the minor issues but buyers will always notice them.  As you walk through your home, look for wear and tear signs such as scuffed marks and dents in walls and baseboards, damaged tiles, stains on flooring, rusty or dripping faucets and cracked windows.

The above tips are intended to help you avoid surprises during a home inspection and to rectify some common problems before putting your home on the market.  Most importantly, buyers will be impressed with what they see and you get top dollars for the sale!