Housing Inspection Checklist for Home Safety

100 Items

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

Comprehensive Home & Housing Inspection Guide

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.

1. Structural & Exterior Envelope

1Roof: check for leaks, damaged or missing shingles, sagging, flashing condition

2Gutters & downspouts: securely fastened, clear of debris, proper drainage

3Foundation & walls: check for cracks, gaps, settlement, structural damage

4Exterior siding / cladding: check for rot, peeling paint, moisture intrusion

5Windows & exterior doors: intact, open/close properly, seal/weather-strip, no broken panes

6Exterior stairs, porches, balconies: stable, no rot, secure railings, safe steps

7Chimneys, vents: structurally sound, properly capped, flues sealed

8Exterior grading & drainage: directs water away from building, no ponding near foundation

9Fences, gates, walkways: stable, no tripping hazards, safe surfaces

10Exterior lighting & address numbers: working fixtures, visible house number from street

2. Roof, Attic & Ceiling

1Attic access: safe entrance, cover/panel in place

2Attic insulation: adequate thickness, even coverage, no gaps

3Ventilation: ridge vents, soffit vents, exhaust fans functioning

4Roof structure (rafters, trusses): check for sagging, rot, damage

5Roof sheathing and underlayment: no visible water damage or mold

6Electrical wiring in attic: safe routing, no exposed wiring, junction boxes covered

7Pest intrusion: signs of rodents, nests, insect damage

8Attic plumbing or HVAC runs: no leaks, secure support

9Ceiling finishes below: check for stains, sagging, cracks

10Vapor barrier / moisture control: check for vapor retarders, moisture intrusion

3. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

1Heating system: functions in all zones, adequate heat output

2Air conditioning / cooling: if present, operates properly and cools effectively

3Ductwork: properly sealed, insulated, no gaps or damage

4Air filters: present, correctly installed, correct size, clean condition

5Thermostat: accurate reading, properly located, functioning controls

6Exhaust fans: kitchen, bathroom fans vent to exterior and operate

7Fireplace / wood stove: flue/chimney condition, damper function, safety clearance

8Combustion safety: no backdrafting, proper venting, clearances maintained

9Maintenance accessibility: adequate space for servicing units

10Service record / documentation: logs for past maintenance or inspections

4. Plumbing & Water Systems

1Main water supply & shutoff: accessible, functioning, no leaks

2Hot water heater: operational, no leaks, proper venting (if gas), pressure relief valve and discharge pipe in place

3Cold & hot water supply to all fixtures: test faucets, showers for flow, temperature

4Drain, waste, vent (DWV) system: free draining, no blockages or slow drains

5Traps / P-traps: installed and trap water to prevent sewer gas

6Fixtures & fittings: sinks, toilets, tubs, showers securely installed, no leaks

7Toilet function: flushes properly, no leaks at base, stable

8Water pressure: acceptable in all fixtures, no extreme fluctuations

9Pipe condition: no visible corrosion, insulation where needed, secure support

10Backflow prevention & cross-connections: where required, devices in place and working

5. Electrical System

1Main service panel: properly labeled, cover in place, no signs of overheating

2Circuit breakers / fuses: correct size, functional, no double tapping

3Outlets & receptacles: sufficient quantity (e.g. min 2 per room or one outlet + light)

4GFCI / AFCI protection: installed where required (bathrooms, kitchens, exterior)

5Light fixtures & switches: working, cover plates intact, no exposed wiring

6Wiring condition: no frayed insulation, proper routing, no exposed splices

7Grounding: system grounded, three-prong outlets grounded or GFCI where ungrounded

8Smoke detectors: installed, tested, in each sleeping area, on each level

9Carbon monoxide detectors: where required (fuel appliances, attached garage)

10Electrical safety: junction boxes covered, unused conduit or receptacles capped

6. Interior Finishes & Conditions

1Walls & ceilings: no large holes, sagging, moisture stains, significant cracks

2Floors: secure, level, no tripping hazards, no deteriorated flooring

3Interior doors: operate smoothly, latch/lock properly, not sticking

4Trim, baseboards, moldings: intact, securely fastened

5Windowsills, moldings: no rot, paint peeling, moisture damage

6Paint / surface finish: no excessive peeling, cracking, flaking

7Cabinetry & shelving: secure, free of damage, function properly

8Closets & storage: doors slide/hang correctly, interior condition good

9Stairways & handrails (inside): secure, no missing balusters, risers even

10Interior lighting: adequate lighting in all habitable rooms

7. Kitchen & Appliances

1Sink & faucet: hot & cold functioning, no leaks, proper drainage

2Stove / range / oven: all burners operate, oven heats, controls function

3Range hood / ventilation: works, exhausts to exterior

4Refrigerator / freezer: cools properly, door seal good, interior clean

5Dishwasher (if present): operates, no leaks, drains properly

6Garbage disposal / waste compactor (if present): functional, no jams

7Countertops & backsplash: in good condition, no water damage

8Cabinets / drawers: open/close properly, no damage or sagging

9Lighting: overhead and under-cabinet lighting works

10Floor & walls: no excessive stains, damage, or water intrusion

8. Bathroom(s)

1Toilet: flushes properly, no leaks, securely mounted

2Bathtub / shower: faucet works, drains properly, no leaks

3Hot & cold water present, temperature adequate

4Shower doors / curtains: operate properly, no leaks or gaps

5Vanity, sink, faucet: secure, leak-free, proper drainage

6Mirror, medicine cabinet, shelves: secure, no damage

7Ventilation: working exhaust fan or window that can open

8Grout, tile, seals: in good condition, no mold, no missing grout

9Fixtures (towel bars, toilet paper holder, soap dish): secure and functioning

10Floor: dryable surface, no water damage, drainage away from threshold

9. Safety, Health & Accessibility

1Exit & egress: safe clear paths, doors/windows accessible as escape routes

2Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors: installed per requirement, tested

3Fire safety: fire extinguishers (if required), escape plans, flame-resistant materials

4Stair safety: consistent risers, handrails, no open risers (if code)

5Accessibility features (if legally required): ramps, grab bars, turned entrances

6Mold, mildew, moisture control: no visible growth, adequate ventilation

7Pest and rodent control: no infestation evidence, sealed openings

8Interior air quality: proper ventilation, no blocking vents

9Flooring and walking surfaces: non-slip in wet areas, no loose rugs

10Hazardous materials: safe storage, no exposed asbestos, lead paint concerns (especially in older buildings)

10. Utilities, Common Areas & Miscellaneous

1Water, gas, electricity: all active and working at time of inspection

2Laundry / utility rooms: appliances operate, plumbing and venting correct

3Elevators, lifts (if applicable): certification, safety checks, proper operation

4Common hallways, stairs, lobbies: safe, well lit, clear of hazards

5Trash disposal / waste bins: functional system, containers covered or contained

6Roof access / mechanical penthouse rooms: secure, safe, limited to authorized access

7Mail / parcel rooms: secure, lighting adequate, clear pathways

8Exterior lighting of common areas: functional, safe illumination at night

9Parking lots / driveways: good surface, no hazards, signage adequate

10Signage / emergency information: exit signs, address numbers, building rules posted

Overall Progress

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Checklist Progress

1. Structural & Exterior Envelope0/10

2. Roof, Attic & Ceiling0/10

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

4. Plumbing & Water Systems0/10

5. Electrical System0/10

6. Interior Finishes & Conditions0/10

7. Kitchen & Appliances0/10

8. Bathroom(s)0/10

9. Safety, Health & Accessibility0/10

10. Utilities, Common Areas & Miscellaneous0/10

Checklist Progress0 of 100 items completed

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