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Performing an annual DIY home inspection helps maintain your property’s value and keep your family safe. Thoroughly examining your home’s exterior, interior, and major systems allows you to identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to conduct a yearly inspection and help you create a reliable maintenance plan that keeps your house in top condition.
Essential Tools for Your DIY Home Inspection
Before you begin your yearly inspection, gather the necessary tools to help you examine your home. Some essential items include:
- Binoculars (for roof inspection)
- Camera or smartphone (for documentation)
- Electrical tester
- Flashlight
- Ladder
- Moisture meter
- Notepad and pen
- Screwdriver set
Pro Tip: Even if you’re diligent about annual DIY walkthroughs, consider supplementing with a professional inspection every five years—or before tackling major renovations. As ASHI president Joe Corsetto told This Old House Magazine: “The inspector will analyze all the systems and help prioritize repairs. That way you’re getting a complete and unbiased picture from someone who’s not trying to sell you anything.” A thorough professional inspection should take two or more hours and result in a written report. Look for an inspector certified by ASHI (ashi.org), especially in states that don’t require licensing.
Exterior Inspection Guide of Your Home
When inspecting your home’s exterior, cover these areas to maintain the structure and prevent future issues.
Assessing the Roof and Gutters
Start your exterior inspection by looking at your roof and gutters. Look for areas needing repair, such as missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Check for moss growth and debris accumulation, as ignoring them can lead to water damage. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for proper attachment, clogs, and signs of leaks. Last, confirm that water runs off away from your foundation to prevent potential structural issues.
Pro Tip: Norm Abram, This Old House master carpenter, advises: “You don’t even have to climb up on the roof to take a look. Get a pair of binoculars, and you can scan nearly every square inch from the ground or on a short ladder.” If you don’t have binoculars handy, ask a neighbor if you can scope out your roof from their top-floor windows for a different vantage point.
Don’t overlook the flashing—the metal strips that seal joints around chimneys, vents, and valleys. Since roof leaks often originate at the flashing, give these areas a close look to check for open seams, rust, or cracked roofing cement. On an asphalt roof, cracked or curling shingles can be temporarily repaired with roofing cement, but cupped or broken shingles should be replaced. Also check around your downspouts: an excessive amount of granules collecting at the base is a telltale sign that your shingles are starting to deteriorate.
Examining Siding, Windows, and Doors
Carefully inspect your home’s siding for signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or loose panels. Pay special attention to areas where different materials meet, as these joints are prone to water infiltration. Check windows and doors for proper sealing, looking for gaps or worn weatherstripping that could lead to drafts and energy loss. Examine the caulking around windows and doors, replacing it if it appears cracked or deteriorated.
Pro Tip: Joe Corsetto, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and owner of Shelterworks, an inspection firm in New Jersey, says that doors and windows are obvious places to start your inspection: “These will always take the brunt of abuse from rain and snow.” Look at sills and thresholds for cracks, and make sure caulking, weatherstripping, and glazing haven’t split or worn away.
Evaluating the Foundation and Grading
Walk around your home’s perimeter to inspect the foundation for cracks, bulges, or other signs of damage. Small hairline cracks are common and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but you should have larger cracks or shifts in the foundation evaluated by a professional. Check the grading around your home to ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation, preventing water from pooling near your house.
Pro Tip: Heath Eastman, This Old House master electrician, advises: “There are lots of small, easy things homeowners can do to eliminate electrical fire hazards. Inspect cords often for damage or strain. Keep them off the floor. And match lightbulbs to the recommended wattage to decrease the chance of fixtures overheating.”
Interior Inspection Guide of Your Home
The interior of your home also requires a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in good condition and functioning correctly.
Checking Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors inside your home for signs of water damage, cracks, or other structural issues. Look for discoloration, peeling paint, or bubbling wallpaper, which are signs of moisture problems. Check for cracks above doorways or windows — usually a sign of foundation settling. Inspect floors for unevenness, squeaks, or soft spots that might reveal underlying structural problems.
Inspecting Plumbing and Fixtures
Thoroughly examine all plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets, for leaks or signs of corrosion. Check under your sinks and around the base of the toilets for water damage or mold growth. Test the water pressure in various areas of your home and observe how quickly drains empty. Look for signs of water stains or dampness in cabinets, which are usually signs of hidden leaks.
Evaluating Electrical Systems and Safety Devices
Inspect your electrical panel for signs of overheating, such as scorch marks or a burning smell. Test all GFCI outlets and verify they’re functioning correctly. Check for loose outlet covers or receptacles, which you may need to refasten. Examine visible wiring for fraying or damage, particularly in areas like the attic or basement. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replacing batteries as needed.
Your Home’s HVAC and Insulation Assessment
Proper HVAC maintenance and insulation inspection can keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Furnace and Air Conditioning Inspection
Examine your furnace and air conditioning units for signs of wear or malfunction. Change filters regularly and listen for unusual noises during operation. Check ductwork for leaks or disconnected sections, which will significantly impact your system’s efficiency. Inspect the area around your HVAC equipment for signs of water leakage or excessive dust accumulation.
Examining Ventilation and Insulation
Proper ventilation and insulation help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. Check attic insulation levels and look for signs of moisture and pests. Inspect bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to verify they’re working correctly and venting to the outside. Examine weather stripping around doors and windows and replace them if worn or damaged.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, warns that exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms must vent to the outside of the house, not into the attic: “But the fans have to be vented outside the house, not into the attic. Otherwise you’re dumping moisture on the underside of the roof.” In his own home, he installed timer switches to allow bathroom fans to run for a full hour after use, ensuring adequate moisture removal.
Also, confirm that all ventilation paths are clear and free of obstructions from insulation or other materials.
Structural Elements To Examine During an Inspection
Pay close attention to these structural elements of your home to help you catch issues early on.
Assessing Load-Bearing Walls
Identify the load-bearing walls in your home and inspect them for signs of stress or damage. Look for cracks, bowing, or other deformities that could show structural issues. Pay special attention to areas around windows and doors in load-bearing walls, as these are common weak points.
Inspecting Beams, Joists, and Trusses
In accessible areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces, examine the main support beams, floor joists, and roof trusses. Look for signs of sagging, cracking, or pest damage. Check for proper connections between structural elements and look out for any signs of water damage and rot.
Special Areas of Concern for Your Home
Certain areas in your home may require extra attention due to their susceptibility to specific issues.
Attic Inspection Tips
When inspecting your attic, look for signs of roof leaks, including water stains or mold growth. Check for proper ventilation and ensure that insulation is evenly distributed and not blocking vents. Look for signs of pest intrusion, such as droppings or nests. Examine the underside of the roof decking for dark spots or rot, which shows the need for roof repairs.
Pro Tip: Covering up soffit vents with loose fill or batts is a huge no-no, according to This Old House experts. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing near the eaves to keep insulation from blocking that critical airflow. Also, make sure insulation doesn’t touch the roof’s underside—maintaining that air gap is essential for a healthy roof system.
Basement and Crawl Space ExaminationLook
In basements and crawl spaces, look for signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, mold, or efflorescence on walls. Check for proper ventilation and ensure that any vapor barriers are intact. Inspect support posts and beams for signs of rot or pest damage. Look for cracks in the foundation walls—you should have a professional look at any large cracks.
Garage Safety and Functionality Check
Inspect your garage door for proper operation, checking the balance and safety reverse mechanisms. Examine the door tracks for debris or damage that could impede function. Check the garage walls and ceiling for signs of water damage or structural issues. Ensure that any electrical outlets in the garage are GFCI-protected and functioning correctly.
Creating Your Home Maintenance Plan
We recommend creating a home maintenance plan to help you track repairs and issues and when to check certain items and areas next.
Prioritizing Repairs and Upgrades
After completing your inspection, create a list of all the repairs and potential upgrades you need. Prioritize issues that pose safety risks or could lead to additional damage if you don’t fix them soon. When planning for future replacements or upgrades, consider the age and condition of major home systems.
Scheduling Regular Maintenance Tasks
Develop a schedule for routine maintenance tasks, such as changing HVAC filters, cleaning gutters, and inspecting the roof. We recommend adding these routine tasks to your calendar to give you automatic reminders.
Our Conclusion
Conducting a yearly DIY home inspection is an integral part of responsible homeownership. By thoroughly examining your property’s exterior, interior, and major systems, you can quickly find potential issues early and prevent them from becoming major headaches.
