Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with many responsibilities. A thorough home inspection ensures you make a smart investment and avoid costly surprises. Here’s a handy checklist to guide first-time buyers through the process.
🔍 Exterior Inspection
✅ Foundation – Check for visible cracks or signs of shifting. Foundation issues can be costly to repair.
✅ Roof & Gutters – Look for missing shingles, leaks, or clogged gutters. A damaged roof can lead to water damage inside the home.
✅ Siding & Paint – Inspect for peeling paint, cracks, or moisture damage. These issues can indicate deeper structural problems.
✅ Doors & Windows – Ensure they open and close properly, with no drafts or visible damage.
✅ Driveways & Walkways – Look for uneven pavement or cracks that could pose a tripping hazard.
🏠 Interior Inspection
✅ Walls & Ceilings – Check for water stains, cracks, or mold growth, which could indicate leaks or poor ventilation.
✅ Floors – Look for sagging, cracks, or gaps that might suggest foundation issues.
✅ Doors & Windows – Make sure they lock properly and seal well to prevent heat loss.
✅ Attic & Insulation – Inspect for sufficient insulation, moisture, or signs of pests. Poor insulation can lead to high energy bills.
💡 Electrical System
✅ Circuit Breaker Panel – Ensure it’s labeled and not outdated. Flickering lights or frequent breaker trips can indicate electrical issues.
✅ Outlets & Switches – Test them to make sure they work and are properly grounded.
✅ Lighting Fixtures – Check for exposed wiring or loose fixtures.
🚰 Plumbing System
✅ Water Pressure – Run faucets and showers to check for adequate pressure.
✅ Pipes & Leaks – Look under sinks for signs of leaks or corrosion.
✅ Water Heater – Ensure it’s the right size for the home and functioning properly.
✅ Drains & Toilets – Flush toilets and check for slow drainage, which may indicate plumbing issues.
🔥 HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning)
✅ Furnace & Air Conditioning – Test the heating and cooling systems to ensure they work efficiently.
✅ Air Filters & Ducts – Look for excessive dust buildup, which can reduce air quality.
✅ Ventilation – Ensure proper airflow in kitchens, bathrooms, and attics to prevent moisture buildup.
🛠 Additional Areas to Inspect
✅ Basement & Crawl Spaces – Check for water intrusion, mold, or pests.
✅ Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Test them to ensure they’re functioning.
✅ Appliances – If included, test the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances.
📞 Schedule a Professional Home Inspection
Even if you check everything, a professional home inspection is crucial for uncovering hidden issues. At NexLevel Home Inspections, we provide detailed and reliable inspections so you can buy with confidence.
📍 NexLevel Home Inspections
📌 Address: #1, Second Floor – 32 Westwinds Crescent, NE, Calgary, Alberta
📞 Phone: (403) 633-6616 | (587) 830-0840
📧 Email: nexlevelinspections@gmail.com
📍 Service Areas: Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, Conrich, Okotoks, High River
🕒 Open 24/7
🔗 Book Your Inspection Today: Click Here
A well-inspected home is a stress-free home. Don’t skip this important step! 🏡🔎