Getting your home inspected can help you find water damage, mold, or other hazards to protect your health and the structure of your home. 

 

However, many of us are extremely busy and might not be able to inspect every inch of our homes for water damage or any other concerns. 

 

Yet, by taking the time to inspect your house every few months, we can save ourselves thousands in repairs and long term problems. 

 

Here’s a simple checklist on how to inspect your home for water damage. 

DIY Home Water Damage Inspection Checklist: 

1. Attic

 

• Check the underside of your roof for any water stains, decaying, or signs of mold.

 

• Make sure there’s enough ventilation throughout the attic and ensure moisture barriers are installed in insulation.  

 

2. Basement/foundation

 

• Water damage in the basement can be one of the biggest problems a homeowner may encounter.
  

 

• Make sure to scan for mold and mildew (link to mold in your home article) or any signs of water from appliances that can damage your home (floors, walls or the ceiling).  

 

3. Bedrooms

 

• Ensure walls, floors and ceilings are level, check for stains or sagging paint as an indicator of water damage.  

 

• Don’t forget to check mattresses, furniture, carpets, and closets for signs of mold or mildew(link to mold detection).

4. Bathrooms

 

• Make sure your bathroom is equipped with a working exhaust fan that doesn’t terminate in the attic space. 

 

• Ensure plumbing and cabinet floor under sinks are in good condition. Make sure sinks and showers drain properly with no floor stains. 

 

• Check caulking conditions inside and outside of the shower as well as wall and tile grouting conditions (no cracks, loose tiles, etc.). 

5. Kitchen

 

• Run the tap to ensure there aren’t any leaks or rotting in the pipes. 

 

• Check inside cabinets for stains or water damage and for an exhaust fan to provide ventilation.

 

• Check dishwashers, fridges, stoves, and sinks for smooth operation and under them for leaks and damage to flooring. 

6. Fireplace

 

• Inspect your fireplace for any signs of soot and odors. Odors are gases that rise from a source into the air, where they can be detected. 

 

• To identify what type of smoke residue is in your home, click here (link smoke residue article).

7. Household Systems

 

• Check your plumbing and air conditioning for any leaks or nearby water damage. 

 

• Mold may grow inside your air conditioner. Make sure to open it up and check for any signs of mold (link to checking for mold). 

 

These are some checkpoints you can refer to if you’re interested in condo or house inspection services. 

 

Make sure you check often to find any issues before they spiral out of control. 

 

If you want a professional home inspection service done, they should include full inspection of the issue or incident, photo and video documentation, estimation of the cost of repairs and a PDF report you have digital access to.