• Residential building code checklists can show home buyers where to look for potential problems.house for sale image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  A residential building code checklist for homebuyers may provide guidance for evaluating the condition of key components of a home. The checklist should not take the place of an inspection by a home inspector. You should use lists to identify areas of concern and discuss them with your home inspector. Most municipalities base their building codes on the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings as published by the International Code Council.
  
  

Structure

• Typically, materials conceal most floor, wall, ceiling and roof structures or framing. Begin by looking at the type of material and proceed to search for visual indications of problems. Walk the floors; feel and look for improper leveling or whether the floor slopes.
  
  Some floor problems may exist from the the original construction without affecting the stability of the structure. A interior room floor may have a hump because the wall below has a stud that was cut too long. A hump located in the basement floor could indicate heaving of the foundation or soil movement, which can result in costly repairs.
  
  Inspect the roof structure from the attic. Look for signs of sagging, bowed, split or broken rafters. When in the attic, or any area of the house, stay vigilant for moisture and ventilation issues.
  
  

Exterior

• Buyers should start an exterior inspection at the front of the property and work clockwise or counter-clockwise around the house. Stand back far enough to assess a complete wall or elevation. Begin the inspection at the top. Examine the chimney and roof and work down to the ground. Look for chimney leaning, missing shingles or deteriorated fascia or soffit boards around the perimeter of the roof. Check the condition of the gutters, downspouts, bricks, wood or aluminum siding materials. Also, pay attention to the framing around exterior windows and doors.
  
  Examine outdoor structures, such as porches and decks. Make a visual evaluation of the driveway, lot and the grading. Position yourself closer to the house to examine details or areas of concern. Move to the side of the house and repeat the inspection process. Examine sheds and garages in the same manner.
  
  

Basement/Utility Room

• Start the interior inspection in the basement; again, move in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to ensure you do not miss any part of the area. Start at the floor and move on to foundation and walls. Open all windows and doors. Pay particular attention to each of these components, looking for deterioration and signs of moisture. Look at the ceiling; if exposed, examine the condition of the floor joists. Conduct a visual assessment of the mechanical systems, including plumbing, heating unit and hot water tank. Look for leaks, rust and corrosion. Examine the fuse box or electrical panel. An older electrical system may have only a 60-amp main, which may be inadequate for most modern households and may need upgrading. Newer homes usually have 200-amp service.
  
  

Interior/Finished Rooms

• Pay attention to signs of cracking, shifting and separation. Commence with the floor and move to the walls -- including outlets and switches -- windows and doors. Open all windows and doors. Then, inspect the ceilings. Check the mechanical systems' components in each room, including outlets, switches, fireplace, heat sources and plumbing fixtures. Assess appliances and other items in the room.