Comprehensive Home Inspection Checklist
✅ Comprehensive Home Inspection Checklist
🏠 Exterior
🔲 General Exterior
Wall cladding/siding (wood, vinyl, brick, stucco, etc.)
Cracks, rot, damage, or holes
Paint condition/peeling
Proper clearance between soil and siding
Settlement or movement of structure
Window and door trim condition
Fascia and soffit condition
Eaves, overhangs, and trim
Visible foundation condition from exterior
Vegetation clearance from siding
Grading and drainage away from foundation
🚪 Doors and Windows
Door operation (entry, patio, garage access)
Window operation (including egress)
Broken or cracked glass
Failed seals or fogged double-pane windows
Weatherstripping and seals
Screens present and in good condition
Security and locks
🧱 Foundation and Structure
Visible cracks in foundation walls
Signs of movement or shifting
Evidence of water intrusion
Efflorescence or staining
Crawl space vents or access
Condition of piers/posts (if crawlspace present)
🪜 Decks, Porches, Balconies, and Stairs
Structural integrity
Ledger board attachment and flashing
Railing height and stability
Stair rise/run consistency
Rot or wood deterioration
Fasteners and supports
Guardrails and balusters
🛣️ Driveways, Walkways, and Patios
Cracks or trip hazards
Drainage and slope
Settling or lifting concrete
Paver condition and grading
🏡 Fencing and Retaining Walls
Rot, rust, or leaning
Structural integrity
Gate operation
Retaining wall bowing or failure signs
🏠 Roofing System
🏠 Roof Surface
Roof covering material (shingles, metal, tile, etc.)
Age and estimated life remaining
Missing or damaged shingles
Moss, algae, or debris buildup
Nail pops or blistering
Sagging or uneven areas
🪟 Flashing and Penetrations
Chimney flashing
Skylight flashing and seals
Plumbing vent boots
HVAC and exhaust penetrations
Wall-roof junction flashing
💧 Gutters and Downspouts
Secure attachment to fascia
Gutter slope and drainage
Downspout extensions and splash blocks
Clogs or debris
Signs of water overflow or erosion
🏠 Chimney (Exterior)
Brick/masonry condition
Cap and crown condition
Flue and spark arrestor (if visible)
Leaning or damage
🏡 Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
🕳️ Attic Access and Structure
Access point condition
Rafters and trusses
Roof sheathing condition
Signs of leaks or water stains
Signs of pests or vermin
❄️ Insulation
Type of insulation (batts, blown-in, spray foam)
Depth and R-value
Consistency of coverage
Insulation gaps or compression
🌬️ Ventilation
Soffit, ridge, gable, or roof vents
Attic fan (if present)
Signs of poor airflow (moisture, mold)
🏠 Interior
🚪 Doors and Windows
Interior doors open/close/lock properly
Closet doors and hardware
Window operation and balance
Cracks in glass or framing
Latches and security
Evidence of water intrusion
Signs of settling or warping
🪟 Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
Cracks, stains, or damage
Evidence of moisture or mold
Sagging or uneven areas
Peeling paint or wall damage
Flooring type and condition (hardwood, carpet, tile)
Gaps or soft spots
🔌 Electrical Fixtures
Ceiling fans operation
Light switches working
Light fixtures condition
Outlet polarity and grounding (using tester)
GFCI and AFCI testing
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector presence and function
🔊 Stairs and Railings (Interior)
Handrail stability
Proper height and spacing
Tread/riser uniformity
Trip hazards or loose steps
💧 Plumbing System
🚰 Fixtures and Faucets
Sink and tub faucets for leaks or drips
Shower and bath function
Flow rate and water pressure
Functional hot and cold taps
🚽 Toilets
Secure mounting
Flushing function
Signs of leaks at base or tank
🚿 Bathtubs and Showers
Proper drainage
Water tightness of enclosures or surrounds
Tile or caulking condition
📏 Drains, Waste & Vent Pipes
Drainage speed
Evidence of leaks
Type of visible drain piping (PVC, cast iron, etc.)
Venting adequacy (no gurgling or slow drains)
💧 Water Supply System
Type of water supply piping (copper, PEX, galvanized)
Main water shutoff valve location
Visible leaks or corrosion
🔥 Water Heater
Age and capacity
TPR valve and discharge pipe
Signs of rust or corrosion
Gas/electric connections
Combustion air clearance
Venting condition (if gas)
🔥 Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
🔥 Furnace
Operational test (heating mode)
Age and condition
Filter presence and condition
Combustion air requirements
Gas line and venting
❄️ Air Conditioner
Operational test (cooling mode if outdoor temps allow)
Condenser unit condition
Refrigerant line insulation
Noise and vibration
Condensate drain
🌬️ Ductwork
Visible duct condition
Insulation (if applicable)
Airflow balance
Dirty or collapsed ducts
🪟 Thermostat
Function and location
Programming capability (if applicable)
⚡ Electrical System
⚡ Electrical Panel (Main Service)
Panel location and access
Size of service (amps)
Breaker type and labeling
No double-tapped breakers
Grounding and bonding
Signs of overheating or arcing
🔌 Subpanels (if any)
Proper wiring and grounding
Load vs capacity
Condition and labeling
⚠️ General Safety
Proper wire gauges for breakers
No exposed wiring
Outlet spacing per room type
GFCI outlets in kitchen, bath, garage, and exterior
AFCI breakers in bedrooms (modern code)
🔥 Fireplace and Chimney
🔥 Fireplace (if present)
Type (gas, wood-burning, insert)
Damper function
Firebox condition (cracks, damage)
Hearth and surround
Evidence of backdrafting
Ash cleanout (if applicable)
🧱 Chimney Interior (if accessible)
Flue lining condition
Creosote buildup
Spark arrestor/cap presence
🚗 Garage (Attached or Detached)
🚗 Structure
Foundation cracks
Wall and ceiling condition
Fire separation (if attached to house)
Fire-rated door (with auto-close hinge)
🚪 Garage Door
Operation (manual and automatic)
Safety reversal sensors
Springs, rollers, and cables
🐜 Pest and Moisture Indicators
Evidence of termites or other wood-destroying organisms
Rodent droppings or nesting
Mold or mildew
High humidity or water staining
Moisture meter readings (if applicable)
🛑 Safety Considerations
Missing handrails or guardrails
Improper step height or rise
Trip hazards
Windowless bedrooms (no egress)
Smoke detectors in bedrooms/hallways
CO detectors near sleeping areas
Improper materials (e.g., aluminum wire, polybutylene pipes)
🧾 Appliances (Basic Function Check Only)
Kitchen range/oven
Range hood and vent
Dishwasher
Garbage disposal
Built-in microwave
Washer/dryer (if present and accessible)