Here is a home inspection checklist that you can use to complete a DIY or "Do It Yourself" home inspection.
Print it out and get going! The home inspection checklist below should give you a pretty good idea of the condition of your home from a maintenance perspective. While not a replacement for a professional San Diego home inspection, you can also download this home inspection checklist free of charge produced by Popular Mechanics recently that includes some of the more common items looked at during a home inspection. As always, you are welcome to call us to discuss your findings as you go through this or any other home inspection checklist you find on the Internet.
Roof: Check for missing or damaged shingles, as well as small gaps around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
Attic: Should a ridge vent not be a part of the home, gable vents should be left open at all times so that the attic will be properly ventilated.
Gutters: Leaves and debris should be removed from gutters periodically so that they do not become clogged. Drain pipes should be cleaned as well. Check to ensure that the water is draining away from the home, and not towards it. Those who live in cold climates need to drain outdoor faucets.
Fireplace: Remove ashes after each use. Check the condition of the chimney mortar. Professional cleaning should be done at least once a year. Inspect the damper to ensure that it closes completely. If the home does not have air conditioning, leave the damper open during the Spring in order to add extra ventilation.
Filters: Dryer vents, air conditioning, fans and stove hoods may have filters that need to be changed on a regular basis. Vents that are linked to the heating and cooling system should be clean, and not covered by furniture or draperies.
Safety Equipment: Test smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors periodically. The batteries in these devices should be replaced on a regular basis - at least two times per year.
Air Conditioners: Window air conditioning units should either be removed during the fall, or covered with a weatherproof covering.
Refrigerator: Door seals need to be airtight. An easy way to test this is to close the door with a dollar bill inserted. If the bill pulls out easily, the seal is not tight enough. Some models have coils on the back. These need to be cleaned two or more times per year so that the refrigerator can operate efficiently. Note that a refrigerator that is full will use less energy than one that is empty.
Faucets: Check for leaks periodically. Washers should be replaced as needed. The sediment screen (located where the water exits the faucet) should be removed and cleaned a few times each year.
Windows and Doors: Caulking or weatherstripping should be added to any window or door that is allowing a draft. Small cracks should not be ignored, as several of these would be the same as leaving a window wide open while running the air conditioning or heat. Should the seals be worn, replace them.
Exterior Paint or Siding: Check for cracks or holes and fill in any that you find with caulk. Old caulk can be easily removed using a carpet knife.
Heating System: Yearly maintenance, typically done in the fall, should be performed. Filters need to be changed according to the schedule that coincides with your heating system.
Hot Water Heater: Drain once a year. While the unit is empty, clean the tank bottom in order to remove sediment that can be harmful to the unit.
