DIY House Inspection Checklist

Before focusing on the building itself, gather as many documents as possible. Missing or incomplete paperwork is already a warning sign.

Key documents to request:

• Floor plans and site plans

• Building description and construction drawings

• Energy certificate

• Land register extract

• Property tax assessment

• Building permits and approvals

• Records of renovations or modernizations

• Utility and operating cost statements

• Maintenance contracts

• Rental agreements (if applicable)

• Condominium declaration and owners’ meeting minutes (if applicable)

If documents are unavailable or vague, assume higher risk.

Exterior Inspection – First Impressions Matter

Start outside. Exterior defects often indicate deeper structural or moisture problems.

Check carefully:

• Facade condition: cracks, damaged plaster, visible water stains

• Base of walls: signs of rising damp or salt deposits

• Exterior doors: alignment, closing function, sealing

• Terraces, balconies, verandas: cracks, loose elements, water damage

• Drainage and ground slope: water should drain away from the building

• Vegetation close to walls: risk of moisture and foundation damage

• Outbuildings and sheds: structural stability and roof condition

DIY limitation: You can see symptoms, but not the cause or extent.

Roof and Drainage

Roof issues are among the most expensive problems to fix.

Look for:

• Roof type and materials (flat roof, pitched roof, tiles, bitumen)

• Missing, broken, or shifted roof elements

• Sagging rooflines or uneven surfaces

• Gutters and downpipes: leaks, blockages, improper slope

• Visible water stains under roof edges

DIY limitation: Many roof defects are not visible from ground level.

Basement, Foundation, and Structural Elements

This area carries the highest financial risk.

Check for:

• Cracks in foundation walls or floors

• Uneven floors or sloping walls

• Water stains, mold, or musty smells

• Efflorescence (white salt deposits)

• Standing water or excessive humidity

High-risk signs:

• Horizontal cracks

• Repeated moisture marks

• Deformed or leaning walls

DIY limitation: Structural movement requires expert evaluation.

Heating Systems and Energy Sources

Heating failures can quickly turn into five-figure costs.

Check:

• Type of heating system (gas, oil, wood, heat pump)

• Age and model of boilers or stoves

• Visible corrosion, leaks, or unusual noises

• Service records and chimney sweep reports

• Radiators: uneven heating or air buildup

DIY limitation: Performance, efficiency, and safety cannot be fully assessed visually.

Plumbing and Water Systems

Water damage often hides behind walls and floors.

Check:

• Pipe materials (copper, plastic, steel)

• Water pressure consistency

• Visible leaks under sinks and boilers

• Sealing in bathrooms and toilets

• Signs of past water damage or repairs

Warning signs:

• Mold smell

• Loose fittings

• Discolored walls or ceilings

Electrical System

Electrical issues are both costly and dangerous.

Check:

• Main electrical panel and fuses

• Condition of visible cables

• Grounding and safety switches

• Number and placement of sockets

• Smoke detectors (often missing in older properties)

DIY limitation: Electrical safety cannot be confirmed without testing.

Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

Poor insulation affects comfort, costs, and resale value.

Check:

• Insulation presence and condition

• Signs of condensation or mold

• Roof ventilation openings

• Drafts or cold spots

DIY limitation: Energy losses and hidden moisture are hard to detect visually.

Windows, Doors, and Interior Areas

Interior defects often indicate exterior problems.

Check:

• Window type, age, and glazing

• Condensation between panes

• Damaged seals or difficult operation

• Wall cracks, stains, or mold

• Ceiling discoloration indicating leaks

• Floor damage: warping, loose tiles, moisture

Kitchen, Appliances, and Built-In Furniture

Often overlooked but expensive to fix.

Check:

• Cabinet stability and mounting

• Countertop condition

• Appliance function and installation quality

• Visible leaks behind appliances

Garage and Additional Structures

Check:

• Roof leaks and moisture stains

• Cracks in floors or walls

• Door operation and safety

• Fire resistance between garage and house

What a DIY Checklist Cannot Replace

A DIY house inspection helps you ask better questions—but it does not provide:

• Moisture depth analysis

• Structural load assessment

• Thermal and insulation diagnostics

• Professional risk evaluation

• Repair cost estimation

In Berlin, many properties look acceptable during viewings but hide serious defects. A professional inspection turns uncertainty into clear, documented facts.

When to Move from DIY to Professional Inspection

Consider a professional inspection if:

• The building is older than 20 years

• Renovation history is unclear

• Moisture, cracks, or mold are visible

• The purchase price leaves little margin for surprises​

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A DIY house inspection checklist is a useful starting point for understanding a property’s visible condition, especially during early viewings. To place your observations into the right context, it helps to understand buying property in Berlin, where typical risks and decision points can influence what to check first. DIY findings are also helpful when planning improvements using a renovation roadmap in Germany, especially for estimating scope and cost. To better interpret what you notice during a viewing, reviewing what a home inspector does can clarify which issues require professional assessment.