Are you about to rent out or move into a house? Then you know a good start is important. To avoid surprises, disputes, and unforeseen expenses, a thorough home inspection is essential. But how do you tackle this without getting bogged down in paperwork or technical details? Here is an accessible and practical checklist that guides you through the process, complete with tips and examples that make inspecting a home both simple and effective.

Before the inspection

Create a checklist: start with a basic list of everything inside and around the house that needs to be checked. Think about doors that close properly, a refrigerator that cools, and lights that work. Photos are your friend: a smartphone full of photos before moving can be worth its weight in gold. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Getting started

Exterior check

Roof and gutters: a quick glance upward can tell you a lot. Do you see any loose tiles or full gutters? That’s something for the checklist. Walls and windows: are the walls neat, without large cracks? And double glazing without cracks is also a plus.

Exploring inside

Walls, floors, and ceilings: are the walls free from holes and the floors without scratches? A nice, flat ceiling without moisture spots is what you want to see. Testing appliances: turn on the tap, check the heating, and warm up the oven. Does everything work as it should?

Safety first

Smoke detectors: a quick test of the smoke detectors can literally save lives. Fire extinguisher: where is the fire extinguisher, and is it up to date?

After the inspection

Review the report together: go through the inspection report together. Is there an issue? Agree on who does what and when. Keep everything safe: all photos, the checklist, and the report: keep them safe. You never know when you might need them.

Practical example

Imagine you walk into the kitchen and see a brand-new dishwasher. You take a photo, test if it works (and maybe make a video of it too). During the inspection, it turns out that the dishwasher leaks. Because you've documented everything well, there can be no dispute about who is responsible for the repair.

Conclusion

A home inspection doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can ensure that both the renter and landlord enter the rental period with peace of mind. And remember: a good start is half the battle. Good luck!