Home Inspection Checklist

Simply print this checklist for a reference you can take with you on your house hunting.

These are some of the items that a home inspector will identify and inspect for proper operation. Use this home inspection checklist as a guideline only. Never open service panels to electrified "hot" equipment. Use common sense and hire a professional.

Grounds

Driveway
Sidewalks
Patios
Decks
Porches
Steps and Railings
Fences and Gates
Grading
Landscaping
Retaining Walls

Exterior of Structure

Foundation Walls
Basement
Crawlspace
Slabs
Ext. Finish
Siding
Brick
Stucco
Trim
Chimney
Roof System
Flashing
Gutters
Windows

Crawlspace/Basement/Slab

Joists
Piers
Foundation Vents
Insulation Type/R-Factor and Condition
Subflooring
Plumbing Penetrations
Plumbing Condition
HVAC Equipment
HVAC Ductwork
Condensation Lines
Exhaust and Venting
Crawlspace/Basement Drainage System
Sump Pumps
Wood Destroying Organisms
Unusual Fungi Growth
Electrical Branch Wiring

Attic

Attic Access
Truss Conditions
Rafter Framing
Roof Sheeting
Roof Deck Penetrations
Adequate Ventilation
Insulation Depth/R-Factor and Condition
HVAC Equipment
HVAC Ductwork
Electrical Branch Wiring

Electrical System

Service Type
Amperage
Entrance Cable Type
Proper Wiring Technique
Grounding
Subpanels
Branch Wiring
Outlets
Fixtures
GFCI's
Arc Faults

HVAC

Type
Sizing for sq ft
Fuel System
Operation
Condensation Lines
Suction Line Insulation
Air Return Seal
Filters
Ductwork Type
Ductwork Condition
Distribution System

Plumbing System

Main Line Type
Supply Line Type
Water Shut-Off Location
Water Heater Type/Sizing/Location/Condition
Leaks?
Adequate Flow
Waste Drain Type
Waste Drain Condition
Leaks?
Type of Disposal System
Septic or Public Utilities
Septic System Location
Septic System Condition

Interior

Exterior Doors
Weatherstripping
Windows
Interior Doors
Walls
Ceilings
Flooring
Fireplace Type/Condition/Operation
Flue Venting
Smoke Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Bathrooms

Sinks
Supply Lines
Drains
Stopper Valves
Cabinets
Toilets
Tubs
Jacuzzi Operation
GFCI
Shower Enclosures
Shower Operation
Bath vent Fans

Interior Rooms and Closets

Kitchens

Range and Cooktops
Anti-tip Devices
Microwave Operation
Sinks
Ventilation
Cabinets and Counters

This home inspection checklist is a basic flow of an inspection. It can be customized to follow a workflow that best suits the home in question.

Some of the systems outlined in this home inspection checklist can only be inspected by qualified persons trained to inspect these items. It is recommended that a professionally state licensed home inspector such as R.L. Blackburn be contracted to inspect the home and provide you with a legal inspection report that can be used during the buying and selling process.