The Homebuyer’s First-Walkthrough Checklist: What to Look For Before Hiring an Inspector

Your first walkthrough of a home is your chance to get a general feel for the property long before an inspection. You’re not expected to diagnose problems—that’s what inspectors are for—but noticing certain details early can help you understand how well the home has been maintained and whether it aligns with your comfort level.

Think of this as a risk awareness checklist: not a list of deal-breakers, but a guide to help you decide what deserves a closer look later in the buying process.

1. Start With the Exterior

The exterior often reflects how the rest of the home has been cared for. Focus on overall condition, not perfection.

• Roof: Missing shingles, visible patches, or sagging areas may indicate age or past repairs.
• Siding & Trim: Soft spots, cracks, or peeling paint suggest deferred maintenance.
• Foundation: Small hairline cracks are common; larger or stair-step cracks may warrant inspection.
• Drainage: Soil should slope away from the home to help manage water.
• Gutters: Loose or overflowing gutters can lead to moisture concerns over time.

None of these mean “don’t buy”—they simply help set expectations about future upkeep or repairs.

2. Moisture & Water Intrusion Clues

Moisture issues can vary from minor cosmetic concerns to long-term repairs. Early clues include:

• Musty or humid rooms
• Stains on ceilings or walls
• Warped or uneven flooring
• Fresh spot painting in isolated areas
• Rust on metal components

If something feels “off,” simply make a note to ask your inspector to evaluate it later.

3. Kitchens, Bathrooms & Plumbing

Plumbing issues can range from simple fixes to more involved repairs. A quick walkthrough check includes:

• Running faucets to check general pressure
• Looking under sinks for signs of past leaks
• Flushing toilets to confirm normal operation
• Checking caulk and grout around tubs and showers
• Watching for stains near plumbing fixtures

None of these should discourage you—just be aware of items that may need updating or attention.

4. Electrical (Visual Only)

You don’t need electrical expertise to notice simple visual indicators:

• Non-functioning lights
• Older two-prong outlets
• Missing cover plates
• Outlets or switches that feel warm
• Extension cords used heavily throughout a room

A licensed inspector or electrician can determine what’s normal and what needs improvement.

5. HVAC System & General Comfort

Comfort matters. During your walkthrough, pay attention to:

• How quickly the heat or AC turns on
• Whether the air feels consistent throughout the home
• Noises such as rattling or knocking
• Visible rust or water around equipment
• The general age of the system

HVAC systems vary widely in age and efficiency—this simply gives you a sense of their condition.

6. Attics & Crawlspaces (If Viewable)

You’re not expected to enter these spaces, but if the access is safe and open, a quick peek can offer insight:

• Insulation that looks thin or disturbed
• Dark staining or signs of past moisture
• Rodent activity
• Daylight shining through roof decking

These observations help guide questions for your inspector later on.

7. Doors, Windows & Interior Surfaces

Interior features reveal how the home has settled and been maintained:

• Doors that stick or don’t latch smoothly
• Windows that are difficult to open
• Small cracks above doors or windows
• Floors that feel uneven in spots
• Trim gaps or cosmetic wear

These are common in many homes and usually relate to normal settling or minor adjustments over time.

8. Smells, Sounds & General Impressions

Your senses provide important context:

• Strong odors (pets, smoke, humidity)
• Gurgling drains
• Buzzing fixtures
• Rooms that feel unusually warm or cool

These clues help you understand the home’s condition, but they rarely define it.

9. Age & Condition of Major Systems

Snap a photo of data plates on:

• Water heater
• HVAC unit
• Electrical panel
• Kitchen appliances

This helps you plan for future upgrades or replacements—normal parts of homeownership.

10. General Maintenance & Upkeep

Every home requires upkeep. Look for signs of how the property has been cared for:

• Cleanliness
• Air filters replaced
• Paint in good condition
• Functional exterior drainage
• Landscaping maintained

Well-kept homes tend to have fewer surprises, but even those with visible wear can still be good investments.

Understanding Risk and Next Steps

The goal of this walkthrough isn’t to find reasons to avoid the home—it’s to understand how comfortable you feel with its condition. Every property has quirks, and most issues can be repaired, negotiated, or simply planned for over time.

If a home still feels like a good match after this initial pass, the next step is a professional home inspection. That’s where you’ll get detailed, objective information to help you make a confident decision.