Use a Home Inspection Checklist at Walk-through

It’s a good idea to take a final walk-through of the home and property before closing on a real estate transaction. This is the best time to examine everything, particularly elements that were not previously inspected during your formal home inspection. To make sure you don’t forget or miss anything, it’s good to take a home inspection checklist with you.

There are eleven points to review about your home’s condition before closing:

Exterior Elements
Interior Elements
Basements, Crawl Spaces, and/or Garages
Kitchen
Bathroom
Electrical System
Plumbing System
Heating/Cooling System(s)
Private Water/Sewage System(s)
Ancillary/Third Party Services: radon, pools/spas, termites, etc.
Additional Contract items: disclosures, permits, etc.

A printable, complete home inspection checklist is available on housemaster.com This checklist works well as a companion to the formal home inspection report that details information about the home’s condition. Buyers can compare the findings of the original, detailed home inspection report with the pre-closing checklist to determine any major discrepancies.

Most often, the original home inspection report and the pre-closing checklist items will be a close match, but in the event that a major discrepancy is found, it’s ideal to address it prior to closing. During your inspection the home is generally still filled with the seller’s furnishings and storage, limiting the inspection. Be certain to pay careful attention to the home inspection checklist prior to closing to be sure no concerns were concealed when the house was still occupied. A good checklist can help identify and resolve any open issues in a timely fashion.

Buying a home can be a busy and emotional time for all parties involved; however, being prepared with the proper information and tools can make the experience go more smoothly and will minimize post-sale disappointments. Every homebuyer should include a home inspection checklist among their list of tools and materials.