Home Inspection Checklist
with
Printable Inspection Templates
for Home Inspectors and Home Buyers
Different Methods of Inspection
Every Home Inspector has a slightly different way 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 which systems or
components will not be reported upon.
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
 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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