Home Inspection Checklist with Printable Inspection Templates
for Home Inspectors and Home Buyers
Different Methods of Inspection
Every home inspector has a slightly different method of inspecting a home, and each is likely to use a different reporting system for their home inspection reports. Some reporting methods are clearly inferior to others, such as a paper checklist that only indicates that the system or component was or was not inspected.
Regardless of your choice of inspector, EVERY home inspector is required to inspect, and report upon, certain structural and safety issues in the home. Be sure to ask your  inspector EXACTLY what will be inspected and reported upon, for your own protection.
Most inspectors belong to a "support organization" such as NACHI or ASHI. These organizations set Standards of practice for their members, and their members are required to uphold these standards. The standards dictate which systems and components MUST be inspected during the home inspection, and also which systems or components will not be reported upon.
Bear in mind that a Home Inspection is a VISUAL, NON-INVASIVE procedure
In most cases, a home inspector is not required to inspect or report upon the:
- condition or reliability of a private well
- condition or reliability of the pumping system serving the private well
- condition or reliability/ functionality of a water softener or water conditioning system
- presence or absence of environmental hazards such as radon, mold, formaldehyde, asbestos, or lead paint. These inspection items are usually ADDITIONAL services that a client may request, for an additional fee; however they are not normally part of a home inspection, and member organizations do not require that these services be performed under their Standards of Practice.
- wood-destroying organisms like termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants and various beetles and insects. Again, these inspection services are in addition to a home inspection, and are not required.
- the interior of chimneys
- the inspector is not required, or expected to, activate any breakers that are in the off position, build a fire in a wood stove or any fireplaces to check their functionality, or turn on any source of water that is turned off. The inspector is also not required to, or expected to, remove any attached coverings on walls, siding, fixtures or components in order to inspect the concealed area. In most cases, an inspector will not move furniture, stored items, paintings or attached wall decoration items in order to perform the inspection.
Checklist of Inspected Items
Be sure that your home inspector DOES inspect and report upon the following items and reports upon any defects or deficiencies related to them:
 The condition of the roof in general, the condition of the roof covering, roof drainage system (gutters, etc), flashings, chimney and vent penetrations through the roof, the exterior condition of the chimney and it's related components such as rainguards, and the eaves, soffit, fascia and frieze boards.
The condition of the exterior wall covering (siding), exterior doors and windows, steps, decks and porches, sidewalks, driveways and exterior fixtures.
Exterior grading, drainage and trees or shrubbery that may influence water flow around the home or lead to water intrusion or water damage.
The general condition of the basement, any signs of water intrusion into the basement, and the structural integrity of the basement support structure. Basement walls, sill plates, carrier beam bearing upon walls, support posts or walls, and interior basement drainage such as perimeter French drains should all be inspected and reported upon.
Structural components such as floor joists, ceiling joists, wall studs, bearing walls, and partition walls.
The electrical system, including the condition of the service cable, main distribution panel, any connected sub-panels, and their branch distribution wiring. The location of the distribution panel should also be noted on the inspection report. The inspector should also identify the ampicity (capacity) of the service cable, the distribution panel, and their compatibility with related breakers or fused elements of the system. The inspector must also report upon the grounding and bonding of the system.
The plumbing system... including the water source, location of the main water shutoff, and all connected water supply, distribution, and waste carrying systems. In addition, all related water delivery fixtures and waste fixtures (toilet, etc) should be inspected and reported upon.
The heating system. This includes the main heating source, any supplemental or secondary heat sources, and their related components. The inspector should also inspect and report upon the location of any fuel storage, it's main shutoff, and the heating source itself. Automatic controls, emergency shutoffs, all related duct work and all heat delivery systems should be tested for functionality and safety.
Insulation and ventilation. All visible insulation should be identified and reported upon. Also, any ventilation-related components should be identified and documented.
Roof structure and attic. This includes all structural members relating to the rafters, trusses, collar ties, support rails and ceiling joists making up the roof structure. The inspector should also document any ventilation devices in the attic area, insulation, duct work, and any deficiencies in these components.
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