What’s included in a home inspection?

At the very least, it should involve the inspection of the:

1. Landscaping
Grading and drainage	Driveways
Walkways	Porches
Decks	Patios
Walkouts	Terraces

2. Exterior
Retaining walls	Foundation
Siding, flashing, and trim	Chimneys
Windows	Window wells
Exterior doors	Exterior lighting
Outlets and switches	Ceiling fans

3. Cooling System
A/C or heat pump?	Condenser unit
Refrigerant lines	Evaporator unit
Air distribution system	Operating controls

4. Roof
Gutters and downspouts	Soffits and fascias
Roof covering	Roof ventilation
Flashings	Skylights, chimneys, and penetrations

5. Carport
Floor	Walls
Guardrail	Ceiling
Lighting	Circuit wires
Outlets	Access doors

6. Attic
Roof structure	Insulation
Attic access	Ventilation, fans, and exhaust
Skylights, chimneys, and penetrations	Circuit wiring

7. All Rooms
Floor	Walls
Ceilings	All windows
Doors	Patio door
Closet and door	Lighting
Ceiling fan	All outlets and switches
Heat source	Smoke detector

8. Bathrooms
Functional flow	Floors
Walls	Ceiling
All windows	Doors
Lighting	Ceiling fan
All outlets and switches	Exhaust fan
Sink, faucet, plumbing, and drains	Vanity, cabinets, and countertops
Pantry	Toilet
Tub and enclosure	Jetted tub and enclosure
Heat source

9. Floors/Hallways/Stairways/Loft
Floors	Walls
Ceilings	All windows
Lighting	Ceiling fan
Attic fan	All outlets and switches
Closets and doors	Stairs and railings
Front door	Patio door
Smoke detectors	Heat source

10. Kitchen
Functional flow	Floor
Walls	Ceiling
All windows	Door
Patio door	Lighting
Ceiling fan	All outlets and switches
Sink, faucet, plumbing, and drain	Cabinets and countertops
Pantry	Garbage disposal
Dishwasher	Stove/oven/cooktop
Range hood	Microwave
Refrigerator	Trash compactor
Heat source

11. Fireplaces and wood stoves
Fireplace or wood stove?	Front/mantle/hearth
Door/screen	Firebox
Damper control	Chimney and flue
Electric start function	Blower and fan
Gas valve

12. Garage
Roof	Exterior foundation
Exterior siding	Garage doors
Garage door openers	Floor
Walls	Ceiling
All windows	Lighting
All outlets	Circuit wiring
Patio doors	Access door
Central heating	Central cooling
Space heating	Sink

13. Basement
Stairs and railing	Floor
Foundation and walls	Ceiling/sub-floor
Rim/floor joists	Columns, beams, and posts
Vents or windows	Walkout doors
Doors	Lighting
Ceiling fans	All outlets and switches
Sink, faucet, plumbing, and drain	Circuit wiring
Insulation	Heat source
Smoke detector

14. Laundry
Floor	Walls
Ceiling	All windows
Doors	Patio door
Lighting	All outlets and switches
Tub/faucet	Trap/drain
Washer/dryer	Heat source
Smoke detector

15. Central heating
Energy source	Heating equipment
Operating controls	Safety controls
Chimneys, flues, and vents	Heat distribution system
Heat source in each living space	Smoke/CO detector in space
Furnace enclosure

16. Plumbing
Water main supply	Water main shutoff valve
Hose bibs	Distribution piping
Interior drains, waste, and vents	Fuel distribution system
Water heater	Sump pumps

17. Electrical
Service entrance	Distribution panel
Sub-panel	Grounding
Circuit wiring

18. Fire safety

19. Appliances (that stay with home)

You should be present and actively involved in what will surely become an on-site education on the finer points of your new home.

At its best, your inspection will see you actively participate and involved in what will become an on-site educational course on the finer points of your home.