A major structural or mechanical-system problem in a home can derail an otherwise smooth purchase. A competent home inspector can protect you from getting caught by a significant defect after you've made an offer. Sellers are also required to disclose any major problems they're aware of. But try spotting obvious defects yourself, keeping in mind that a serious structural problem like a sagging roof is more serious (and thus more costly) than a cosmetic defect like peeling paint.
Foundation
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Foundation
Widening cracks; signs of water seepage or flooding; uneven settling- crumbling surfaces
$$ - $$$$
Basement
Cracks in walls and floors; sloping floors; water damage/mildew; stains
$$ - $$$$
Yard
Insufficient dranage away from house (look for puddles near foundation); soil movement/erosion; history of land (was the lot ever used as a landfill?)
$$ - $$$$
Interior
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Ceilings
Water damage/mildew; stains; cracks; sagging surface
$$ - $$$$
Walls
Water damage; stains; cracks; protrouding surface
$$ - $$$$
Floors
Water damage; sloping surafce; loose floorboards; mold (under carpet)
$$ - $$$$
Windows and Doors
Air penetration; loose or cracked window panes; water damage on wood frame; crooked framing (could be foundation/settling problem); sticky doors/windows (are any painted shut?); cracks
$ - $$
Attic
Air penetration; in-adequate insulation; signs of leakage from roof; pests (i.e., bird, hornet nests)
$ - $$$
Electrical
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Wiring
Insufficient amperage; inadequate overlad protection; inadequate outlets; outdated outlets; too few switches; outdated switches; too few lights; dangerous connections. Note: Just becuase an outlet has 3-prong holes, doesn't mean that it can handle high-wattage (3-prong) appliances. An simple electrical tool can be bought from most hardware stores to check all outlets for proper amperage.
$ - $$$$
Plumbing
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Hot Cold Faucets
Faucet doesn't work; water leakage from faucet; cracks in basin
$ - $$$$
Septic System
Age; spongy soil over tank
$$$
Toilet
Doesn't flush or fill properly; poor water pressure
$$
Visible Pipes
Old pipes; incompatible fittings; inadequate size/circumference
$$
Exterior
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Roof
Damaged shingles; crumbling chimney; loose flashing between chimney and roof; rusty rain gutters; water damage
$$ - $$$$
Siding
Gaps or cracks; water damage; pest damage (look for ant trails, termite erosion)
$$$
Windows and Doors
Air penetration; wood damage; water damage; crooked trim (foundation/settling problem); flaking paint (could be lead if house is 50+ years old)
$ - $$$$
Exposed structure (such as rafters, deck supports)
Wood damage; dry rot
$ - $$$$
Heating/Cooling
DEFECTS TO LOOK FOR
COST
Furnace
Old or broken/malfunctioning controls; unsafe exhaust
$$$ - $$$$
Air Conditioner
Old or broken/malfunctioning controls; clogged filters; rust
