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Home Checklists

This home inspection checklist provides a detailed 100-point guide to evaluating any property. It helps identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and hidden issues before they become costly. With clear, actionable items, it ensures nothing is overlooked during the inspection process. Ideal for buyers, sellers, or homeowners, it offers peace of mind and confidence in property decisions. A practical tool for protecting your investment and maintaining long-term value.

A complete 10-section home inspection checklist with 100 key points covering structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more for thorough evaluations.

Home Inspection Checklist: Know What to Look For

Site grading slopes away from foundation (to prevent water pooling)

Drainage / downspouts direct water well away from building

Walkways, driveways, patios are sound (no large cracks or uneven surfaces)

Retaining walls, fences, railings are stable and in good condition

Exterior siding, cladding, paint, or surface finish is intact (no major peeling, cracks, holes)

Flashing around windows, doors, penetrations is present and sealed

Roof gutters and downspouts are intact, clean, and securely attached

Trees, shrubs, vegetation are not too close (no branches touching building)

Exterior lighting, outlet covers, and receptacles are in place and weather-rated

Visible foundation walls and footings show no major cracks, spalling, or signs of settlement

Site & Grounds / Exterior

Roof covering (shingles, tiles, metal) is intact (no missing, cracked, curled elements)

Flashing around chimneys, vents, valleys, and roof penetrations is properly installed

Chimney(s) are plumb, with no loose bricks or deterioration

Chimney cap or crown is intact, with no obvious cracks

Gutters are free of debris, properly sloped, and securely fastened

Downspouts are connected and direct water away from building

Soffits, fascias, eaves are in good condition (no rot, sagging, or holes)

Skylight, roof hatches or other roof penetrations are sealed and flashing is appropriate

Evidence of roof leaks (stains, mold, water damage) inside attic or ceiling

Roof structure (rafters, trusses) shows no sag, rot, or major deformations

Roof, Chimney & Gutters

Foundation walls show no large cracks, bowing, or signs of movement

Interior slab or floor is level; no major dips or separations

Beams, joists, posts are sound (no rot, insect damage, excessive deflection)

Load bearing walls aligned, no shifted or separated wall-floor connections

Crawl space (if present) shows no significant moisture, standing water or mold

Vapor barrier or ground covering in crawl/underfloor area, where applicable

Framing connections (nails, bolts, fasteners) are secure

No unauthorized structural modifications without proper supports

Lintel, headers over openings are not sagged or strained

Visible support elements (columns, piers) are properly seated and stable

Foundation & Structural Framing

Exterior doors open, close, and latch correctly; weatherstripping is adequate

Interior doors operate smoothly, and hardware (hinges, locks) is functional

Window sashes operate, locks work, glass is intact (no broken panes)

Seals in double/triple-pane windows are intact (no fogging between glass)

Trim, casing, wood elements are free from rot, splits, or insect damage

Caulking around windows, doors and trim is continuous and in good condition

Thresholds, sills are solid (no decay or excessive wear)

Storm windows or screens (if present) are in place and functional

Exterior shutters (if any) are mounted securely

Joints between dissimilar materials (e.g., siding to trim) are properly sealed

Doors, Windows & Trim

All visible supply pipes show no leaks, corrosion, or damage

Drain, waste, and vent piping drain properly and without blockage

Hot and cold faucets operate correctly; water pressure is adequate

Toilets flush correctly and do not leak at base or tank

Showers and tubs drain and fixtures function properly

Water heater is safe, properly vented (if gas), and has functioning pressure/temperature relief valve

No signs of water damage under sinks or around plumbing fixtures

Traps are present, venting is proper, no dead-ends in plumbing runs

Hose bibs, exterior spigots are functional and well sealed

Water supply is not discolored; check for signs of rust or sediment

Plumbing System

Main service panel, breakers/fuses are in good condition (no overheating, signs of burning)

Panel labeling is accurate, circuits are clearly marked

No exposed wiring or open splices in visible areas

All outlets and switches function properly; no flickering lights

GFCI / AFCI protection is installed where required (bathrooms, kitchen, exterior)

Adequate number of outlets in each room (no dangerously long extension cords)

Grounding and bonding are correct (ground wires properly connected)

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional

Junction boxes have covers and are accessible

Light fixtures and ceiling fans are secure and operational

Electrical System

Heating system operates properly and safely (no abnormal noises, odors)

Cooling system (if present) operates properly; airflow is sufficient

Air filters are clean or recently replaced

Ductwork is intact, properly sealed, and insulated where needed

No gas odors or evidence of combustion problems (for gas systems)

Exhaust vents (to kitchen, bathrooms) are ducted to exterior

Adequate ventilation in attic, crawl, and mechanical spaces

Return and supply vents are unobstructed and properly secured

Energy efficiency features (programmable thermostat, zoning, etc.) function correctly

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Walls, ceilings, and floors are straight, plumb, and show no large cracks or stains

Flooring (tile, hardwood, carpet) is secure and without major damage

Ceilings show no signs of sagging, water stains, or damage

Stairs and handrails are secure, even, and code compliant

Built-in cabinetry, shelving, countertops are properly fastened

Closets, doors open and close smoothly; hardware functional

Interior trim, moldings are not cracked, loose or poorly fitted

Evidence of leaks or moisture intrusion (in corners, around windows)

Interior lighting works in all rooms, switches function

Smoke/CO alarm presence and placement (per local code)

Interior Rooms & Finishes

Insulation is present at appropriate depth and uniformly installed

No signs of moisture, mold, or leaks on roof sheathing or rafters

Roof ventilation (ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents) is functioning

Attic access point is safe, properly sized, and insulated if needed

Exhaust fans, ducts vent to exterior and not into attic

No wiring or mechanical systems in deplorable condition in attic

Roof structure (rafters, collar ties) show no sag, rot, or damage

No evidence of pests or rodent infestation

Clear space around mechanical units for service (if units in attic)

Light and safe walking surfaces where inspection is needed

Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

Garage door(s) open, close, reverse properly, and have safety sensors

Garage structure (walls, ceiling, floors) show no serious damage or moisture

Basement walls, floors are dry, with no active leaks or cracks

Sump pump (if present) is working and properly installed

Egress windows or emergency exits meet safety requirements

Electrical outlets, switches in these areas are functional and safe

Storage, mechanical equipment spaces are accessible and safe

Laundry area plumbing and drain is functional and leak-free

Any built-in appliances (if included) are operational

Check for signs of pests, mold, or unwanted storage obstructing inspection

Garage, Basement & Miscellaneous Areas

Complete home maintenance checklist covering all essential areas including roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, interior maintenance, appliances, and seasonal tasks to keep your home in optimal condition.

Comprehensive home maintenance checklist covering roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, interior, appliances, and seasonal tasks.

Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your House in Top Shape

Inspect roof for missing, cracked, or dislodged shingles or tiles

Check flashing, vents, and chimney for signs of leaks or gaps

Clean gutters and downspouts; remove debris

Ensure downspouts direct water away from foundation

Examine siding, fascia, soffits and trim for damage or rot

Repaint or touch up exterior paint or sealant as needed

Inspect exterior caulking and weather-stripping around windows/doors

Check for cracks or gaps in foundation walls and seal them

Inspect driveway, walkways, patios for cracks or unevenness

Inspect exterior drainage (grading, swales) to prevent water pooling

Roof, Gutters & Exterior

Inspect all visible pipes, fittings, and valves for leaks or corrosion

Test shutoff valves (main, for bathrooms, kitchen, etc.)

Check pressure relief valve on water heater

Inspect hoses to washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.

Clean aerators and shower heads to remove mineral build-up

Check drains (sinks, tubs, showers) for clogs and clean them

Monitor water pressure—watch for drops that may signal leak

Inspect sump pump (if present) and clean its pit

Insulate exposed pipes (especially in cold areas) to prevent freezing

Plumbing & Water Systems

Replace or clean air filters in HVAC system

Check thermostat(s) for calibration and operation

Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage, seal with mastic or metal tape

Clean vents, registers and return air grilles

Check outdoor unit (AC condenser) for debris; clean coils

Lubricate blower motor(s) and moving parts (if applicable)

Inspect ignition, pilot, or burner assembly (for furnaces)

Inspect belts and pulleys, replace if worn or fraying

Schedule professional maintenance service (annually or semiannual)

HVAC, Heating & Cooling Systems

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries

Inspect electrical panel for signs of overheating, corrosion, or loose wiring

Test GFCI and AFCI outlets to ensure they trip correctly

Check extension cords for wear or damage, and avoid overloading

Inspect all outlets, switches, faceplates for cracks or burn marks

Clean light fixtures, replace bulbs and check for flickering

Test emergency lighting or exit signs (if any)

Check that fire extinguishers are charged and accessible

Inspect wiring to major appliances and devices for insulation damage

Check grounding and bonding, especially around plumbing and panel

Electrical & Safety Systems

Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, water stains, or mold

Check for loose tiles, peeling wallpaper, or blistering paint

Examine baseboards, molding, door and window frames for gaps

Test doors and windows for proper operation and alignment

Check caulking around tubs, showers, sinks, backsplashes

Inspect floors (wood, laminate, tile, carpet) for wear, damage or warping

Clean and polish hardwood or tile floors; reseal if needed

Inspect staircases and handrails for stability and loose parts

Clean or repair cracks in drywall; patch holes

Check attic and basement ceilings for sagging or signs of leaks

Interior Walls, Floors & Ceilings

Clean refrigerator coils and drip pans; check seals

Inspect oven, stove, and range hood; clean filters/vents

Flush and clean dishwasher filter and spray arms

Check and clean exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen

Inspect washing machine drum, seals, and hoses

Clean lint and vent lines from clothes dryer

Check garbage disposal for jams, leaks or corrosion

Inspect HVAC dehumidifiers, humidifiers or air purifiers (if any)

Check microwave, toaster, and smaller appliances for safe wiring

Review warranties, service intervals, and user manuals

Appliances & Fixtures

Clean window tracks and hinges; lubricate if needed

Check for broken or cracked window panes and replace glazing

Inspect window seals and caulking; recaulk where needed

Ensure locks, latches, hinges on doors/windows are functioning

Test and lubricate sliding door tracks and rollers

Inspect weather stripping on doors and replace if worn

Check garage door balance, hinges, springs and auto-reverse safety

Inspect storm doors, screens, shutters for damage

Ensure key locks, deadbolts, security systems are working

Touch up paint or finish on exterior door frames

Doors, Windows & Hardware

Inspect and test home security systems, sensors, cameras

Check all locks, latches, and bolts (doors, windows, gates)

Review and restock first aid supplies and emergency kits

Test backup generators or battery systems (if any)

Inspect attic, basement, crawl spaces for pests, rodents, or insects

Trim trees, shrubs away from the home to reduce pest access

Check for gaps or cracks in foundation or siding to seal pests out

Inspect and maintain fences, gates, and exterior lighting

Review fire escape routes and ensure exits are clear

Home Checklists

Home Inspection Checklist: Know What to Look For

Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your House in Top Shape

Household Cleaning Checklist for Daily & Deep Cleaning

New Home Setup Checklist: What to Do After Moving In

Ultimate Home Appraisal Checklist for Buyers & Sellers

Home Building Checklist for New Construction