Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned house hunter, walking through a potential home can be overwhelming. Fresh paint and nice dĂ©cor can cover up deeper problems—and you don’t want surprises after closing day.
At Caseys Movers, we’ve helped thousands of families transition into new homes. We’ve seen it all—and we’re sharing our professional advice so you know what to inspect when buying a house.
Homebuyer Checklist: 10 Key Things to Inspect on a Home Tour
1. Structural Integrity: Use the Marble Trick
Before you fall in love with the kitchen island, look up and around. Cracks in walls, sloping floors, or doors that don’t close properly can be signs of foundation issues. While not always a deal-breaker, they’re worth further investigation.
Pro Tip: Bring a marble or small ball and set it on the floor in each room. If it rolls, there may be uneven settling. Also, check for cracks around doors, sticking doors, or visible wall gaps.
2. Water Damage and Mold: Check Sinks, Ceilings, and Smells
Check ceilings, under sinks, windows, and basements for stains, peeling paint, or musty odors. These could point to leaks, past flooding, or hidden mold problems.
Pro Tip: Look under sinks, around windows, and on ceilings for water stains or bubbling paint. Use your nose—musty smells often mean mold. In basements, shine your phone light along walls and insulation for hidden signs of damage.
3. Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Test Everything
Faulty wiring or poor plumbing can be expensive to fix.
Pro Tip: Flip every switch, test outlets with a phone charger, and run water in all faucets. Listen for strange noises in pipes and inspect beneath sinks for corrosion or leaks. Flush toilets and run the shower to test water pressure and drainage.
4. Roof and Gutters: Don’t Skip the Top
A new roof is a big expense, so it’s wise to ask about its age and condition. From the ground, look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or clogged gutters.
Pro Tip: Look for missing or curled shingles, sagging rooflines, and overflowing or detached gutters. Ask about the roof’s age, and if you get a chance to peek into the attic, check for water stains or daylight peeking through.
5. Windows and Insulation: Feel for Drafts
Energy efficiency can save you thousands over time. Open and close windows to check for drafts or sticking, and ask about insulation—especially in older homes.
Pro Tip: Open and close each window to ensure proper function. Place your hand near the edges to detect drafts. Ask whether the windows are single- or double-pane and what type of insulation the home has in the attic and walls.
6. Heating and Cooling (HVAC): Inspect Filters and Units
What kind of HVAC system does the home use? Is it central air, radiant heating, or something else? Check thermostats and vents. Replacing outdated systems can be costly.
Pro Tip: Turn on the heat and AC to ensure they work. Check indoor air filters for excessive dust—neglect could shorten the system’s lifespan. Outside, the AC condenser unit should be free of leaves, debris, and bent fins.
7. Pest Signs: Inspect Quiet, Dark Areas
Rodents or termites often go unnoticed until it’s too late—but the damage can be serious and costly.
Pro Tip: In Portland and the broader Pacific Northwest, the most common household pests include ants, spiders, rats, and mice. Be especially vigilant for signs of rodent activity like droppings, nesting material, or gnawed wood or wiring—especially in basements, attics, and garages.
Termites are also a concern in the PNW, with both dampwood and subterranean termites posing threats. Check wood beams, baseboards, and crawl spaces for soft spots, hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, or tiny holes. Use a flashlight to inspect darker areas and ask the seller if the home has had recent pest control treatments or inspections.
8. Noise Levels: Pause and Listen
What sounds peaceful now might be loud later. Consider how sound might affect your day-to-day life.
Pro Tip: Take a few minutes to stand silently in different parts of the home. Can you hear traffic, trains, or neighbors? Visit again during different times of day to get a real feel for ambient noise.
9. Storage Space: Measure More Than Closets
Take stock of closets, pantries, attic access, and garage space. Will it fit your current lifestyle and belongings—or will you need to downsize?
Pro Tip: Open every closet, check attic access, and examine garage and utility space. Will it fit your lifestyle—and your stuff? Don’t forget to measure shelf depth and height for bulky or seasonal items.
10. Neighborhood Vibe: Research and Walk Around
Location truly matters.
Pro Tip: Walk or drive around the area at different times. Is it quiet, clean, and well-lit? Are there nearby amenities, good schools, and reliable public transit? Use tools like Google Maps and community review sites for deeper insights.
đź“ť Bonus Tip: Use our Home Inspection Checklist
Don’t rely on memory alone, especially if you’re viewing multiple homes. Use a simple checklist, notes app, or photos (with permission) to keep track of what stands out—or what concerns you.
đźš› Found Your Dream Home? Caseys Movers Is Here to Help
After you’ve done the hard work of choosing the right house, let Caseys Movers make your move seamless. We offer expert packing, secure transport, and our red carpet service to protect your floors during moving day.
Need moving help in Portland or beyond?
Contact Caseys Movers today for a free, no-obligation quote.
