House inspection checklist

[Craig Coulson]

I've looked on BP for a checklist of things to look at when I'm looking at a house.  I haven't been able to find one so I've created my own.  I'd like feedback on it (including where to find a better list).  I can't find a way to attach a file so my list is included at the end of this post.  

Any help you can give me is appreciated. 

Craig

Kitchen

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

cabinets

countertop

Sink

drawers

stove

refrigerator

microwave

dish washer

windows

door

Living Room

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

Bedroom 1

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

closet

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

Bedroom 2

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

closet

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

Bedroom 3

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

closet

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

bathroom 1

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

tub

shower

toilet

countertop

Sink

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

bathroom 2

flooring

walls

ceiling

countertop

Sink

lights

tub

shower

toilet

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

bathroom 3

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

tub

shower

toilet

countertop

sink

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

Laundry

flooring

walls

ceiling

lights

cabinets

drawers

windows

door

Outside

door

walls

paint

lights

grass

srubary

windows

Sidewalk

Sprinkler

Garage/Carport

door

walls

paint

lights

storage

windows

Other

Roof

Furnace

Air Conditioning

hot water heater

soft water

Circuit Breaker

[Eric B.]

Hi Craig.

So there are plenty of check lists out there.  Why do you need one?  Are you doing your inspection on you own?  A check list is only as good as the person using it. Example: your list has kitchen sink. If a typical buyer were to use thelist they might look at the sink and check that off " yup there is a sink". But a good home inspector will bring his own stoper fill the sink and the drain it all the while looking for leaks.  At the same time he will check the temp setting of the hw tank.  Another example would be the electrical main panel.  A buyer is going to look at it and see only the surface but standards of practice for home inspectors nationnaly are that the inspector will take the cover off and inspect the wiring.  That is something that should no doubt be left to a professional.

Here is the best list that i can give you:

I don't know about Utah's home inspection laws but if the state licences hi's get on the state licensing website and look up all the local inspectors.  If utah does not then look at ASHI's website for members in your area.

Then call them up and ask them these simple questions:

How long do you take on a typical inspection?( Sfh 2000aqft 3bd 2 ba)

Are you licensed or accredited by a state or national body?

Are you bonded or insured?

How long is your report turnaround?

(And if needed) Do you do whole house/termite inspections?

If the awnsers are any thing but unhesitant

3-4 hours

Yes

Yes

And 24 hours

Move on to the next inspector.

If you get alist of good ones. You can then hire one or take it a step further and call around to Realtors and ask for references.

IMHO. Inspections are the best value in realestate today.

By the way i have family in Saint George.  I love that place!