- 1). Inspect the foundation for damage both inside and out. Look for any cracks (even hairline cracks) that may exist showing signs of abnormal foundation stress. If the home is built on the side of a hill, look for cracks in the soil that are perpendicular to the slope of the hill. These cracks signify possible earth movement, which will undermine the foundation. Verify that rainwater will flow away from the foundation on all sides of the structure (including downspouts).
- 2). Test the flooring on each level of the house by bouncing on it. Drop your body weight from your toes to your heels across different areas of all flooring areas. If you feel any bounce or sag to the floor, the floor joists may be undersized or incorrectly spaced. Squeaks indicate an improperly laid subfloor, which is expensive to repair. Floor coverings should contain no evidence of repair anywhere.
- 3). Inspect all interior walls and partitions for minor cosmetic imperfections. Cracks, paint that is peeling and wallpaper blemishes may be indicative of water penetration from a defective plumbing system. Excessive house settling due to temperature and/or humidity changes must also be identified if it causes any visible wall imperfections. Walls should show no signs of any repairs and be completely plumb throughout.
- 4). Inspect all exterior walls and partitions. Regardless of the materials used, the seams where different materials are joined together must be snug. Any gaps or spacing will allow rainwater to penetrate and cause long-term damage. Insulation and/or thermal underlayment should not be visible.
- 5). Look for damaged or missing material on the roof. Nail pops and other irregularities will shorten the life of any roof. Examine the metal flashing at joints, roof valleys, gutters and downspout areas. When inside the attic, check for rafter splitting (abnormal stress).
- 6). Inspect all windows and doors for operability; they should open and close very easily. All doors and windows should make a completely watertight seal when closed. Nothing should squeak when operated.
- 7). Check for adequate water pressure and leaks in all plumbing fixtures. Look for water stains on sinks, near the hot/cold handles and inside sink cabinets (under the sink). Turn on the water for each sink and look for any drips at the water hookups and beneath the water traps. Test the water shut-off valves.
- 8). Test all the electrical outlets throughout the home with a receptacle tester. Verify that all outlets are properly grounded (using the tester). Make sure all lighting works correctly and that bathroom GFI circuits snap shut when tested.
- 9). Test the HVAC system by cycling through a heating session and a cooling session. The system should be quiet, with no noticeable vibration or humming throughout the house. Hot or cool air should be felt in all rooms accordingly.
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