Home inspection checklist: what to look for before you buy
The 12 things every buyer should check during a home inspection — and which red flags should make you walk away.
The home inspection is your safety net. It's the moment you discover whether that charming craftsman is a dream home or a money pit. Here's what to check — and what should make you think twice.
Foundation and structure
Look for horizontal cracks in basement walls, doors that stick, and uneven floors. In Birmingham's clay soil, foundation movement is common. Minor settling is normal; major cracks or sloping floors need a structural engineer's opinion.
Roof and attic
An asphalt shingle roof lasts 20–25 years. Ask the inspector to check the attic for water stains, proper ventilation, and insulation depth. A roof replacement costs $8,000–$15,000 — negotiate this if the roof is at end of life.
HVAC system
Furnaces and AC units last 15–20 years. Check the manufacture date on the unit. In Alabama's humid climate, a functioning AC isn't optional — budget $5,000–$10,000 for replacement if the system is aging.
Electrical and plumbing
Look for GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, a modern breaker panel (not fuses), and copper or PEX plumbing (not galvanized steel or polybutylene). Aluminum wiring, common in 1960s–70s homes, is a fire risk that needs remediation.
Red flags that should make you walk
Active termite infestation, foundation failure, mold in the attic, underground oil tanks, and knob-and-tube wiring are all expensive problems. Depending on severity, these can be negotiation points — or reasons to walk away.
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