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

Inspection Checklists

Conduct a thorough home evaluation with this complete housing inspection guide. Examine structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and check for leaks, cracks, and safety hazards. Ensure the property meets habitability standards and identify maintenance needs before purchase, rental, or move-in.

Detailed housing inspection checklist covering structure, systems, and safety to ensure property quality and habitability.

Housing Inspection Checklist for Home Safety

Roof: check for leaks, damaged or missing shingles, sagging, flashing condition

Gutters & downspouts: securely fastened, clear of debris, proper drainage

Foundation & walls: check for cracks, gaps, settlement, structural damage

Exterior siding / cladding: check for rot, peeling paint, moisture intrusion

Windows & exterior doors: intact, open/close properly, seal/weather-strip, no broken panes

Exterior stairs, porches, balconies: stable, no rot, secure railings, safe steps

Chimneys, vents: structurally sound, properly capped, flues sealed

Exterior grading & drainage: directs water away from building, no ponding near foundation

Fences, gates, walkways: stable, no tripping hazards, safe surfaces

Exterior lighting & address numbers: working fixtures, visible house number from street

Structural & Exterior Envelope

Attic access: safe entrance, cover/panel in place

Attic insulation: adequate thickness, even coverage, no gaps

Ventilation: ridge vents, soffit vents, exhaust fans functioning

Roof structure (rafters, trusses): check for sagging, rot, damage

Roof sheathing and underlayment: no visible water damage or mold

Electrical wiring in attic: safe routing, no exposed wiring, junction boxes covered

Pest intrusion: signs of rodents, nests, insect damage

Attic plumbing or HVAC runs: no leaks, secure support

Ceiling finishes below: check for stains, sagging, cracks

Vapor barrier / moisture control: check for vapor retarders, moisture intrusion

Roof, Attic & Ceiling

Heating system: functions in all zones, adequate heat output

Air conditioning / cooling: if present, operates properly and cools effectively

Ductwork: properly sealed, insulated, no gaps or damage

Air filters: present, correctly installed, correct size, clean condition

Thermostat: accurate reading, properly located, functioning controls

Exhaust fans: kitchen, bathroom fans vent to exterior and operate

Fireplace / wood stove: flue/chimney condition, damper function, safety clearance

Combustion safety: no backdrafting, proper venting, clearances maintained

Maintenance accessibility: adequate space for servicing units

Service record / documentation: logs for past maintenance or inspections

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Main water supply & shutoff: accessible, functioning, no leaks

Hot water heater: operational, no leaks, proper venting (if gas), pressure relief valve and discharge pipe in place

Cold & hot water supply to all fixtures: test faucets, showers for flow, temperature

Drain, waste, vent (DWV) system: free draining, no blockages or slow drains

Traps / P-traps: installed and trap water to prevent sewer gas

Fixtures & fittings: sinks, toilets, tubs, showers securely installed, no leaks

Toilet function: flushes properly, no leaks at base, stable

Water pressure: acceptable in all fixtures, no extreme fluctuations

Pipe condition: no visible corrosion, insulation where needed, secure support

Backflow prevention & cross-connections: where required, devices in place and working

Plumbing & Water Systems

Main service panel: properly labeled, cover in place, no signs of overheating

Circuit breakers / fuses: correct size, functional, no double tapping

Outlets & receptacles: sufficient quantity (e.g. min 2 per room or one outlet + light)

GFCI / AFCI protection: installed where required (bathrooms, kitchens, exterior)

Light fixtures & switches: working, cover plates intact, no exposed wiring

Wiring condition: no frayed insulation, proper routing, no exposed splices

Grounding: system grounded, three-prong outlets grounded or GFCI where ungrounded

Smoke detectors: installed, tested, in each sleeping area, on each level

Carbon monoxide detectors: where required (fuel appliances, attached garage)

Electrical safety: junction boxes covered, unused conduit or receptacles capped

Electrical System

Walls & ceilings: no large holes, sagging, moisture stains, significant cracks

Floors: secure, level, no tripping hazards, no deteriorated flooring

Interior doors: operate smoothly, latch/lock properly, not sticking

Trim, baseboards, moldings: intact, securely fastened

Windowsills, moldings: no rot, paint peeling, moisture damage

Paint / surface finish: no excessive peeling, cracking, flaking

Cabinetry & shelving: secure, free of damage, function properly

Closets & storage: doors slide/hang correctly, interior condition good

Stairways & handrails (inside): secure, no missing balusters, risers even

Interior lighting: adequate lighting in all habitable rooms

Interior Finishes & Conditions

Sink & faucet: hot & cold functioning, no leaks, proper drainage

Stove / range / oven: all burners operate, oven heats, controls function

Range hood / ventilation: works, exhausts to exterior

Refrigerator / freezer: cools properly, door seal good, interior clean

Dishwasher (if present): operates, no leaks, drains properly

Garbage disposal / waste compactor (if present): functional, no jams

Countertops & backsplash: in good condition, no water damage

Cabinets / drawers: open/close properly, no damage or sagging

Lighting: overhead and under-cabinet lighting works

Floor & walls: no excessive stains, damage, or water intrusion

Kitchen & Appliances

Toilet: flushes properly, no leaks, securely mounted

Bathtub / shower: faucet works, drains properly, no leaks

Hot & cold water present, temperature adequate

Shower doors / curtains: operate properly, no leaks or gaps

Vanity, sink, faucet: secure, leak-free, proper drainage

Mirror, medicine cabinet, shelves: secure, no damage

Ventilation: working exhaust fan or window that can open

Grout, tile, seals: in good condition, no mold, no missing grout

Fixtures (towel bars, toilet paper holder, soap dish): secure and functioning

Floor: dryable surface, no water damage, drainage away from threshold

Bathroom(s)

Exit & egress: safe clear paths, doors/windows accessible as escape routes

Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors: installed per requirement, tested

Fire safety: fire extinguishers (if required), escape plans, flame-resistant materials

Stair safety: consistent risers, handrails, no open risers (if code)

Accessibility features (if legally required): ramps, grab bars, turned entrances

Mold, mildew, moisture control: no visible growth, adequate ventilation

Pest and rodent control: no infestation evidence, sealed openings

Interior air quality: proper ventilation, no blocking vents

Flooring and walking surfaces: non-slip in wet areas, no loose rugs

Hazardous materials: safe storage, no exposed asbestos, lead paint concerns (especially in older buildings)

Safety, Health & Accessibility

Water, gas, electricity: all active and working at time of inspection

Laundry / utility rooms: appliances operate, plumbing and venting correct

Elevators, lifts (if applicable): certification, safety checks, proper operation

Common hallways, stairs, lobbies: safe, well lit, clear of hazards

Trash disposal / waste bins: functional system, containers covered or contained

Roof access / mechanical penthouse rooms: secure, safe, limited to authorized access

Mail / parcel rooms: secure, lighting adequate, clear pathways

Exterior lighting of common areas: functional, safe illumination at night

Parking lots / driveways: good surface, no hazards, signage adequate

Signage / emergency information: exit signs, address numbers, building rules posted

Utilities, Common Areas & Miscellaneous

Ensure your car meets Virginia’s safety standards with this comprehensive inspection checklist. It includes detailed checks for brakes, tires, lights, steering, mirrors, horn, exhaust, windshield wipers, and seat belts. Following this guide helps you prepare for the official state inspection, avoid penalties, and keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy throughout the year.

Complete Virginia vehicle inspection checklist covering brakes, lights, tires, steering, mirrors, exhaust, and safety restraints for certification.

Virginia State Car Inspection Checklist

Remove old inspection sticker before evaluation.

Verify the vehicle is driven into the inspection lane properly.

Confirm inspector is certified and station is authorized.

Check required manuals (safety inspection manual) and reference materials are available.

Ensure adequate lighting and work area cleanliness.

Inspect vehicle identification and registration documents.

Confirm vehicle make, model, year, and class are properly documented.

Note any prior inspection rejection items.

Photograph or note current condition (if required by station).

Inspection Preparation & Documentation

Inspect brake linings, pads, drums, rotors for wear, damage, or contamination.

Check for leaks in brake lines and system fluid levels.

Verify parking brake condition and proper adjustment.

Test braking performance on at least two wheels (drums/discs).

Ensure there is no excessive pedal travel or sponginess.

Check brake hardware (springs, clips) is present and secure.

Verify brake balance between left and right wheels.

Inspect for corrosion or damage to brake components.

Check that ABS warning light (if equipped) is not indicating a fault.

Confirm no worn or broken mounting points in brake assemblies.

Brakes & Parking Brake

Inspect headlights (low beam & high beam) for correct type, aim, brightness, and condition.

Check tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights for proper operation and lens condition.

Verify reverse lights and license plate illumination lights.

Check wiring, switches, connectors for damage or corrosion.

Verify color of lenses meets regulation (e.g. red, amber, white).

Inspect fog lights or auxiliary lights (if fitted).

Confirm proper illumination (no burnt out bulbs).

Test the high beam indicator on dashboard.

Ensure covered lights (e.g. tinted lenses) don't violate visibility rules.

Check for proper aiming of beams (not blinding).

Lights & Signal Devices

With front end raised, inspect ball joints, tie rods, kingpins for excessive wear or play.

Check for looseness in steering linkage and gear box mounting.

Inspect shocks and struts for leaks, damage or poor damping.

Verify suspension springs, shackles, mounts are intact, not cracked or broken.

Check for frame damage, cracks, or weakened areas.

Inspect wheel alignment and axle alignment indicators.

Check that lift blocks (if present) are safely installed.

Confirm there is no interference or contact between suspension parts.

Inspect engine mounts for cracks or deterioration.

Check for leaks in power steering system and play in steering wheel.

Steering & Suspension

Confirm adequate tread depth (minimum acceptable depth).

Inspect for cuts, bulges, dry rot, or sidewall damage.

Ensure tire types are compatible (no mixing of radial and bias‐ply where disallowed).

Check rim condition: cracks, bends, corrosion.

Inspect lug nuts for tightness and condition.

Inspect spare tire (if required) for condition.

Ensure wheels are securely attached and free of loose parts.

Tires, Wheels & Rims

Inspect rearview and side mirrors – mounting rigidity, cracked or damaged surfaces.

Confirm mirrors give rear visibility of at least 200 feet.

Test the horn: wiring, mounting, and audible range (≥ 200 feet).

Inspect windshield and all other glass for cracks, chips, distortion.

Ensure unauthorized stickers are removed or within permitted limits.

Check that sun shading film (if any) meets allowable limits below AS-1 line.

Test windshield wipers and washer operation.

Verify defroster (front & rear) operation.

Check that side windows (especially left front) roll up/down properly.

Inspect window seals for leaks or damage.

Mirrors, Horn, & Glass

Inspect exhaust pipes, manifold, muffler, connections for leaks, holes, or rust damage.

Confirm no leakage of exhaust gases (especially near passenger compartment).

Check that exhaust hangers and mounting points are secure.

Verify catalytic converter and emissions control components are present (if required).

Inspect fuel lines and connections for leaks or damage.

Check the fuel cap is present and seals properly.

Ensure evaporation control systems (if equipped) are intact.

For OBD-equipped vehicles, check absence of emission fault codes.

Inspect for any tampering or removal of required emission components.

Exhaust, Fuel & Emissions Systems

Check seat belts for proper operation, anchorage, and condition (no frays, cuts).

Inspect airbags / airbag readiness (SRS warning light).

Verify door latches, hinges, locks (all doors, hood, trunk) operate properly.

Ensure doors close securely and remain latched.

Inspect the floor pan for holes or corrosion letting exhaust into cabin.

Examine structural integrity of the frame and body mount points.

Check that the driver's seat is firmly mounted.

Confirm child restraint anchorage (if required).

Verify trunk or rear door seal condition.

Safety Restraints, Doors & Structure

Ensure the hood latch works and hood stays secured during driving.

Inspection Checklists

Housing Inspection Checklist for Home Safety

Virginia State Car Inspection Checklist

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