Use this to spot red flags during showings and to follow along on inspection day. It's no substitute for a professional inspection — but it makes you a sharper, more confident buyer.
When you find a home worth pursuing, get a free instant quote and let an InterNACHI Master Certified inspector check every item professionally.
This checklist helps you notice obvious warning signs before you spend money on a full inspection, and helps you follow along once you do. It does not replace a professional 120-point inspection — plenty of serious problems are invisible to an untrained eye and hidden behind walls, under floors, and in the attic. Think of this as triage, not a verdict.
Missing, curled, or patched shingles; a sagging ridge; rusted flashing around the chimney.
Soil sloping toward the house and downspouts dumping at the foundation — a common Hutchinson issue.
Rot, peeling paint, cracks, and gaps where water or pests can get in.
Visible cracks, especially horizontal ones, and any bowing in basement walls.
Fogged double-pane glass (a failed seal) and rot around frames.
Signs of past ice dams — stained soffits or damaged shingles at the edge.
Water staining, efflorescence, musty smells, and whether the sump pump looks functional.
An old or off-brand panel, a tangle of wires, or scorch marks are reasons to look closer.
Run faucets, check under sinks for leaks, and note water pressure and any discoloration.
Ask the age. Minnesota furnaces work hard — an old one is a near-term expense.
Brown stains hint at past roof or plumbing leaks, even if they're painted over.
Musty, damp, or moldy odors are a flag for hidden moisture problems.
Pair this checklist with the rest of the buyer guides. Browse the full Learning Center, explore our defect library, or see the complete 120-point home inspection. We serve Hutchinson and all of McLeod County.