When you’re buying a home, a professional inspection is one of the most critical steps in the process. But what exactly is your home inspector checking? Understanding the inspection checklist helps you prepare for the process and know what questions to ask.
At Trusted Home Inspections, we evaluate over 100 items during every inspection. Here’s what’s included in our comprehensive checklist.
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against weather and damage. During inspection, we evaluate:
– Roof condition and material age
– Gutters and downspouts (drainage, damage)
– Siding and exterior materials (damage, rot, paint condition)
– Windows and doors (sealing, operation, damage)
– Foundation and basement walls (cracks, water intrusion, settling)
– Deck or porch safety and structural integrity
– Grading and drainage around the home
– Chimneys and vents
ROOF INSPECTION
Your roof is typically the most expensive component to replace. We use thermal imaging to detect:
– Shingle or material age and remaining lifespan
– Missing, curled, or damaged shingles
– Flashing around chimneys and vents
– Sagging or uneven roof lines
– Moss, algae, or lichen growth
– Fascia and soffit condition
Many roofs in Oregon and Washington show early signs of moisture damage due to our climate. Thermal imaging helps catch these issues before they become expensive problems.
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
We evaluate your home’s entire plumbing infrastructure:
– Water shut-off location and functionality
– Water pressure and flow
– Visible leaks or water damage
– Drain function in sinks, tubs, and toilets
– Water heater type, age, and condition
– Septic systems (if applicable)
– Exposed pipes for corrosion or damage
– Bathroom fixtures and operation
– Kitchen sink and disposal operation
Older homes in Portland often have galvanized pipes that may be nearing the end of their lifespan. We’ll alert you to potential issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Electrical safety is paramount. We check:
– Electrical panel condition and breaker operation
– Grounding and bonding
– Outlets for proper polarity and grounding
– Light switches and fixtures
– Ceiling fans installation
– GFCI protection in bathrooms and kitchens
– Aluminum wiring (common in older homes)
– Exposed wiring or safety concerns
We use thermal imaging to detect electrical hot spots that could indicate dangerous conditions.
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS
– HVAC system type, age, and operational status
– Furnace or heat pump operation
– Air conditioning or heat pump cooling capacity
– Ductwork visible condition
– Thermostat operation
– Carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable)
– Ventilation adequacy
INTERIOR SYSTEMS
– Walls, ceilings, and floors (damage, stains, settlement)
– Doors and windows operation
– Stairs and railings safety
– Insulation in attic and accessible areas
– Attic ventilation and moisture
– Crawlspace condition (if accessible)
APPLIANCES
We evaluate included appliances:
– Refrigerator operation
– Stove/oven safety and function
– Dishwasher operation
– Disposal function
WHAT WE DON’T INSPECT
It’s important to know what falls outside the scope of a standard inspection:
– Pest or termite inspections (offered for an additional fee in Oregon)
– Radon testing (available as add-on)
– Mold testing (available as add-on)
– Code compliance
– Hidden defects behind walls
– Swimming pool or spa systems (available as add-on)
– Detached structures (available for additional fee)
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOUR PURCHASE
Understanding this checklist helps you:
1. Know what to expect during your inspection
2. Prepare the home for access (unlock crawlspaces, clear obstructions)
3. Ask informed questions about findings
4. Understand repair priorities and costs
5. Negotiate with confidence
At Trusted Home Inspections, we don’t just provide a checklist—we provide a comprehensive understanding of your home’s condition. With 2,000+ homes inspected and thermal imaging on every inspection, we catch details others might miss.
READY FOR YOUR INSPECTION?
Our Certified Master Inspector will evaluate your home using this comprehensive checklist and provide a detailed report with photos and clear explanations. Schedule your inspection today and get the peace of mind you deserve.