Are you planning on buying a house? Here's a Home inspection checklist you should consider before you make that offer

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Home buyers are often clueless about home construction and its components, and may altogether have trouble figuring out which defects are serious. I have put together a general list of home inspection items that you should not miss! At the end of the day, you will purchase your home based on the value you see in it regarding or regardless of its' condition. These are just a few guidelines for you to put into perspective what the condition of the house really is, and to make sure that you do not buy a house that will cost you a fortune in repairs.

1. Structural elements:

Construction of walls - Are they in good condition? Check for cracks and bulges, these can give signs on the quality of construction.
Windows - Good condition? Broken glass? Rot around the edges? All have screens? Can they be opened and closed easily? Blinds and curtains functioning well?
Ceilings - Peeling paint? Ceiling sagging or wavy?
Floors - Is the floor leveled? Any signs of cracking? If the floors have fittings such as tiles or parquet, are any loose? Any signs of insect or water damage?
Roof -Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. How much life left in the shingles? More than two layers of shingles? Sagging in the roof? Gaps around chimneys and pipes? Trim rotting? Soffits sagging or warped?
Foundation - Visible cracks in the foundation (over 1/8" or cracks that are misaligned are a potential warning sign)? Top high enough off the ground so insects can't easily reach the wood?

2. Exterior evaluation:

House Exterior - Paint in good condition? Cracked or crumbly stucco? Vinyl siding need to be replaced? Obvious signs of rotting trim? Gutters clogged or coming loose?Landscaping - Are trees or branches too close to lines or roofs? Are there dead trees that will have to be removed? Will the landscaping need other work? Watch for flower beds that trap water against the house.
Drainage/Grading - Does the property slope towards the house (this might cause water to enter)? Watch for any spots where water collects and could cause damage.
Driveways - Needs resurfacing or repairs?

3. Plumbing.

Identification of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes, including condition.
Toilets - Flush it. Any dripping from valves behind the toilet? Dripping in tank after it is full?
Bath tubs and showers - Shower works? Tub drains easily? Damage to walls around the tub? Heavy mineral stains in the tub or shower?
Sinks - Check that they drain easily and quickly.
Faucets - Turn on faucets, watch the color of the water and note how long it takes for hot water to get there Sewer inspection.

4. Electrical.

Main panels, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, receptacles and light fixtures. Test all wall switches and light fixture chains. Test all electrical outlets (buy a little tester at a hardware store). Are all working and anchored firmly to the walls?
Wiring - Does it look normal? Is copper wire mixed with aluminum wire? Any exposed splices? (These need to be in junction boxes.) Any wires with evidence of burning? (Fire hazard.) Exposed wiring? (Needs to be in conduit.) Exposed wire ends? (Need to be capped.) Wiring in open framing (like a garage) should be 7 feet above the floor.
Outlets. Undamaged covers? Outdoor outlets have weather protection covers?

5. Other

Vents - Are there air vents, and are they properly screened?
Pests - Any signs of animals or insects (chewed wood, droppings, fur)?

Whatever home inspection list you may come across, it may not exhaust all the components you should be looking into but these are some of the most important ones not to be missed;