Post-Purchase Inspection Checklist: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Once you finalize the sale, it’s natural to want to move in and start making the space your own. But before you unpack those boxes, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough post purchase inspection. This will help you identify any issues that were missed or weren’t disclosed during the buying process.

Knowing the condition of your new home will help you budget for repairs and negotiate with the sellers if serious problems arise. A post purchase inspection also establishes a record of the home’s condition when you took ownership. That way any future problems can’t be blamed on you.

Below is a comprehensive checklist of what to look for during your post purchase inspection. While it may seem daunting, don’t let the length deter you. Not every item will apply to every home. Use this as a guide to inspect the areas and components most important to you.

Overview of the Property

Before diving into individual systems and components, start by walking the property and making notes of your overall impressions. Look for these potential red flags:

• Signs of flooding, standing water, or drainage issues
• Major cracks or settling around the foundation
• Obvious roof damage or leaks
• Damaged walkways, patios, decks, etc.
• Tree branches overhanging the home or garage
• Cracked or damaged windows and doors
• An unfinished basement or additions
• Signs of pests like termites

Pay attention to your gut feeling as you assess the overall condition. Even if you can’t find anything specific, a general feeling that something is “off” warrants further investigation.

Interior Rooms

Now it’s time to look in more detail at the interior spaces. As you walk through each room, inspect:

Walls and Ceilings

• Cracks or sagging ceilings that may indicate structural issues
• Water stains, mold, or mildew indicating leaks
• Signs of pests like mice or insects
• Nail pops, cracking, or uneven wall surfaces
• Paint and caulking in good condition

Flooring

• Loose, warped, or damaged floorboards
• Creaking floors indicating potential structural problems
• Stains or wear on carpets and other flooring
• Level surfaces with no tripping hazards

Doors and Windows

• Damage to frames, jambs, and casings
• Doors and windows open and close properly
• Locks and latches function correctly
• Seals intact with no daylight visible around frames
• No broken glass or cracked panes

Lighting, Electrical, HVAC

• Light switches work properly
• Outlets are grounded with no loose connections
• Thermostat works and doesn’t trigger emergency heating
• Vents and radiators function appropriately
• No unusual smells from HVAC system

Plumbing

• Check under sinks for signs of leaks
• Run water and flush toilets in bathrooms
• Showers and tubs drain properly
• Water pressure adequate throughout the home

Kitchen and Laundry Appliances

The kitchen and laundry room contain multiple appliances that should be inspected. For each appliance:

• Confirm it powers on and runs through cycles appropriately
• Check for leaks, damage, rust, or exhaust issues
• Test all accessories like racks, burners, trays, etc.

Specific appliances to inspect include:

• Stovetop and oven
• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Garbage disposal
• Washer/dryer
• Water heater

Also examine the cabinets, counters, sinks, and other built-ins for damage and function. Operate all faucets and garbage disposals to check plumbing.

Structural Components

The home’s structural components keep it standing through the years. Evaluate these areas carefully during your post purchase inspection:

Foundation and Basement

• Check the foundation walls for cracks or bowing
• Look for signs of water intrusion like efflorescence or mold
• Ensure sump pump (if present) operates properly
• Monitor for leaks over several days after heavy rains

Floors

• Check for sagging, sloping, or uneven floors in each room
• Look for cracks or separations between floorboards
• Floor doesn’t vibrate excessively when walking

Walls and Ceilings

• Walls and ceilings feel solid without sagging
• No cracks wider than 1/4″ where walls meet ceilings
• No cracks at wall corners or above windows and doors

Attic

• Examine the attic structure including trusses and sheathing
• Look for evidence of leaks, condensation, or pest infestations

Basement/Crawlspace

• Check support posts, beams, and joists for proper sizing and connections
• Monitor for standing water, bowing walls, or slope cracks

Mechanical Systems

It’s easy to overlook hidden mechanical systems, but they’re some of the most expensive to repair. Make sure to thoroughly inspect:

Plumbing

• Water pressure is adequate at all faucets
• Fixtures drain fully without gurgling sounds
• Hot water heater functions properly
• Supply pipes are copper or galvanized metal
• Drain pipes are PVC or cast iron

Electrical

• Main panel amperage rating meets your needs
• No aluminum wiring present
• Breakers are labeled and operate properly
• No hazardous electrical splices or exposed wires
• Adequate outlets in each room

HVAC

• Air Handler: Change filters, clean evaporator coils, inspect ductwork
• Heat Pump: Test heating and cooling modes
• Boiler: Check water pressure, heat exchangers, flue vents
• Furnace: Examine burners, fuel pipes, exhaust venting

Fireplace

• Gas fireplace turns on/off with no smell of gas
• Wood burning fireplace damper operates properly
• Chimney flue is clear of obstructions
• Hearth extension meets code requirements

Roof and Gutters

Inspect the roof carefully since problems can be extremely expensive:

• Walk the roof and check flashing around chimneys, vents, joints
• Look for cracked, loose, or missing shingles/tiles
• Note condition of flashing, fascia, soffits, and drip edge
• Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains properly
• Check attic for signs of leaks like stains or mold

Garage and Outbuildings

• Check the roof, walls, and floor in the garage
• Test automatic garage door opener and safety sensors
• Inspect exterior walls for cracks or damage
• Ensure outbuilding doors and windows are secure
• Look for proper ventilation and electrical circuits

Grounds and Landscaping

While not part of the house itself, the property grounds should also be inspected:

• Walk the property boundary to confirm against survey/plat
• Look for encroaching trees, plants, fences from neighbors
• Check for proper grading and drainage away from home
• Inspect retaining walls, walkways, patios for damage
• Test exterior water faucets and landscape lighting
• Create a plan to address overgrown vegetation

Pest Inspection

Schedule a professional pest inspection to identify any wood destroying insects, termites, or rodents on the property. An infestation could lead to expensive structural repairs if left unchecked.

Most mortgage lenders require a clear termite inspection report, so this is a smart step even if you don’t suspect any pests currently.

When to Call A Professional

In some cases, it’s wise to have a professional home inspector conduct a post purchase inspection rather than attempting it yourself. An experienced inspector can identify subtle issues and knows what to look for inside walls, under floors, and other hidden areas.

Here are signs it may be time to call in a pro:

• Concerns about the roof, foundation, or other structural components
• Suspected mold or water damage inside walls or under floors
• Malfunctioning furnace, AC, or electrical issues
• Any major systems reaching the end of their useful life
• Termites or other wood destroying pests found on the property

The cost of a professional inspection ranges from $300-$500 on average. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind in knowing what costly repairs may be on the horizon.

Some inspectors even offer thermal imaging to identify moisture issues behind walls. This specialized equipment can detect leaks unseen by the naked eye.

Create a Repair Budget

Completing your own post purchase inspection checklist helps you identify necessary repairs and updates. But you also need to prioritize these projects and create a budget.

Group all issues found into three categories:

• Safety hazards: Dangerous situations like exposed electrical, faulty railings, fire hazards, etc. These take top priority for immediate repair.
• Functional defects: Problems that affect livability like non-working appliances, HVAC failures, or plumbing leaks.