Home Inspection Checklist: Know What to Look For

100 Items

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

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.

1. Site & Grounds / Exterior

1Site grading slopes away from foundation (to prevent water pooling)

2Drainage / downspouts direct water well away from building

3Walkways, driveways, patios are sound (no large cracks or uneven surfaces)

4Retaining walls, fences, railings are stable and in good condition

5Exterior siding, cladding, paint, or surface finish is intact (no major peeling, cracks, holes)

6Flashing around windows, doors, penetrations is present and sealed

7Roof gutters and downspouts are intact, clean, and securely attached

8Trees, shrubs, vegetation are not too close (no branches touching building)

9Exterior lighting, outlet covers, and receptacles are in place and weather-rated

10Visible foundation walls and footings show no major cracks, spalling, or signs of settlement

2. Roof, Chimney & Gutters

1Roof covering (shingles, tiles, metal) is intact (no missing, cracked, curled elements)

2Flashing around chimneys, vents, valleys, and roof penetrations is properly installed

3Chimney(s) are plumb, with no loose bricks or deterioration

4Chimney cap or crown is intact, with no obvious cracks

5Gutters are free of debris, properly sloped, and securely fastened

6Downspouts are connected and direct water away from building

7Soffits, fascias, eaves are in good condition (no rot, sagging, or holes)

8Skylight, roof hatches or other roof penetrations are sealed and flashing is appropriate

9Evidence of roof leaks (stains, mold, water damage) inside attic or ceiling

10Roof structure (rafters, trusses) shows no sag, rot, or major deformations

3. Foundation & Structural Framing

1Foundation walls show no large cracks, bowing, or signs of movement

2Interior slab or floor is level; no major dips or separations

3Beams, joists, posts are sound (no rot, insect damage, excessive deflection)

4Load bearing walls aligned, no shifted or separated wall-floor connections

5Crawl space (if present) shows no significant moisture, standing water or mold

6Vapor barrier or ground covering in crawl/underfloor area, where applicable

7Framing connections (nails, bolts, fasteners) are secure

8No unauthorized structural modifications without proper supports

9Lintel, headers over openings are not sagged or strained

10Visible support elements (columns, piers) are properly seated and stable

4. Doors, Windows & Trim

1Exterior doors open, close, and latch correctly; weatherstripping is adequate

2Interior doors operate smoothly, and hardware (hinges, locks) is functional

3Window sashes operate, locks work, glass is intact (no broken panes)

4Seals in double/triple-pane windows are intact (no fogging between glass)

5Trim, casing, wood elements are free from rot, splits, or insect damage

6Caulking around windows, doors and trim is continuous and in good condition

7Thresholds, sills are solid (no decay or excessive wear)

8Storm windows or screens (if present) are in place and functional

9Exterior shutters (if any) are mounted securely

10Joints between dissimilar materials (e.g., siding to trim) are properly sealed

5. Plumbing System

1All visible supply pipes show no leaks, corrosion, or damage

2Drain, waste, and vent piping drain properly and without blockage

3Hot and cold faucets operate correctly; water pressure is adequate

4Toilets flush correctly and do not leak at base or tank

5Showers and tubs drain and fixtures function properly

6Water heater is safe, properly vented (if gas), and has functioning pressure/temperature relief valve

7No signs of water damage under sinks or around plumbing fixtures

8Traps are present, venting is proper, no dead-ends in plumbing runs

9Hose bibs, exterior spigots are functional and well sealed

10Water supply is not discolored; check for signs of rust or sediment

6. Electrical System

1Main service panel, breakers/fuses are in good condition (no overheating, signs of burning)

2Panel labeling is accurate, circuits are clearly marked

3No exposed wiring or open splices in visible areas

4All outlets and switches function properly; no flickering lights

5GFCI / AFCI protection is installed where required (bathrooms, kitchen, exterior)

6Adequate number of outlets in each room (no dangerously long extension cords)

7Grounding and bonding are correct (ground wires properly connected)

8Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional

9Junction boxes have covers and are accessible

10Light fixtures and ceiling fans are secure and operational

7. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

1Heating system operates properly and safely (no abnormal noises, odors)

2Cooling system (if present) operates properly; airflow is sufficient

3Air filters are clean or recently replaced

4Ductwork is intact, properly sealed, and insulated where needed

5Thermostat(s) work accurately

6No gas odors or evidence of combustion problems (for gas systems)

7Exhaust vents (to kitchen, bathrooms) are ducted to exterior

8Adequate ventilation in attic, crawl, and mechanical spaces

9Return and supply vents are unobstructed and properly secured

10Energy efficiency features (programmable thermostat, zoning, etc.) function correctly

8. Interior Rooms & Finishes

1Walls, ceilings, and floors are straight, plumb, and show no large cracks or stains

2Flooring (tile, hardwood, carpet) is secure and without major damage

3Ceilings show no signs of sagging, water stains, or damage

4Stairs and handrails are secure, even, and code compliant

5Built-in cabinetry, shelving, countertops are properly fastened

6Closets, doors open and close smoothly; hardware functional

7Interior trim, moldings are not cracked, loose or poorly fitted

8Evidence of leaks or moisture intrusion (in corners, around windows)

9Interior lighting works in all rooms, switches function

10Smoke/CO alarm presence and placement (per local code)

9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

1Insulation is present at appropriate depth and uniformly installed

2No signs of moisture, mold, or leaks on roof sheathing or rafters

3Roof ventilation (ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents) is functioning

4Attic access point is safe, properly sized, and insulated if needed

5Exhaust fans, ducts vent to exterior and not into attic

6No wiring or mechanical systems in deplorable condition in attic

7Roof structure (rafters, collar ties) show no sag, rot, or damage

8No evidence of pests or rodent infestation

9Clear space around mechanical units for service (if units in attic)

10Light and safe walking surfaces where inspection is needed

10. Garage, Basement & Miscellaneous Areas

1Garage door(s) open, close, reverse properly, and have safety sensors

2Garage structure (walls, ceiling, floors) show no serious damage or moisture

3Basement walls, floors are dry, with no active leaks or cracks

4Sump pump (if present) is working and properly installed

5Egress windows or emergency exits meet safety requirements

6Electrical outlets, switches in these areas are functional and safe

7Storage, mechanical equipment spaces are accessible and safe

8Laundry area plumbing and drain is functional and leak-free

9Any built-in appliances (if included) are operational

10Check for signs of pests, mold, or unwanted storage obstructing inspection

Overall Progress

Total Progress0/100

0% complete

Checklist Progress

1. Site & Grounds / Exterior0/10

2. Roof, Chimney & Gutters0/10

3. Foundation & Structural Framing0/10

4. Doors, Windows & Trim0/10

5. Plumbing System0/10

6. Electrical System0/10

7. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)0/10

8. Interior Rooms & Finishes0/10

9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation0/10

10. Garage, Basement & Miscellaneous Areas0/10

Checklist Progress0 of 100 items completed

0% complete - Ready to download!

Browse More Checklists

Related Checklists

Explore more checklists in the Home Checklists category

Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your House in Top Shape

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

100 Items

Home Checklists

Household Cleaning Checklist for Daily & Deep Cleaning

Comprehensive household cleaning checklist covering all rooms and areas for complete home maintenance and hygiene.

100 Items

Home Checklists

New Home Setup Checklist: What to Do After Moving In

Complete new home setup guide covering security, utilities, safety, cleaning, and room-by-room organization for a smooth transition.

100 Items

Home Checklists

Ultimate Home Appraisal Checklist for Buyers & Sellers

Comprehensive home appraisal checklist covering property documentation, site features, structural elements, systems, and market analysis.

100 Items

Home Checklists

Home Building Checklist for New Construction

Comprehensive home construction checklist from land purchase to final handover, ensuring a smooth and successful building project.

100 Items

Home Checklists

Popular Categories

Most downloaded checklist categories

Car Checklists

Find essential car checklists for maintenance, safety, road trips, and inspections. Stay prepared and keep your vehicle in top shape.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists

Home Checklists

Explore home checklists for cleaning, organization, safety, and maintenance. Keep your home efficient, safe, and clutter-free.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists

Inspection Checklists

Browse inspection checklists for business, home, safety, and compliance. Ensure quality, accuracy, and preparedness every time.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists

Cleaning Checklists

Simplify cleaning with organized checklists for home, office, deep cleaning, and seasonal tasks. Stay spotless and stress-free.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists

Wedding Checklists

Plan your big day with wedding checklists covering planning, budget, guests, and timeline. Stay organized from start to finish.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists

Maintenance Checklists

Access maintenance checklists for cars, homes, and equipment. Prevent problems and keep everything running smoothly.

0 Downloads

6 Checklists