HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Step By Step Inspections provides a general home inspection checklist that is a great guide for homeowners and potential homeowners. Use this checklist if you are considering a home for purchase or if you want to evaluate your own home. This list should be used as a general overview of the home and should not take the place of a professional home inspection. Schedule a detailed and thorough home inspection today or get an instant quote now! Call (843) 970-8726 with any further questions.
- PROPERTY CHECKLIST
All driveways, patios, and stoops slope away from the home
All soil grades slope away from the home’s foundation
No standing water or soggy areas in the yard
No excessive soil erosion on the property
No evidence of leaks from the septic tank or leech field
Downspouts move water away from the foundation
No shrubs too close to the home or tree branches touching the home or main electrical cable
No dead or fallen trees
Patios, stoops, driveways, and sidewalks are in good condition
Fences are in good condition
- EXTERIOR STRUCTURE CHECKLIST
No visible unevenness or sagging at doorways or windows
No visible settlement, cracking, or movement in the foundation or exterior cladding
No visible settlement or movement around overhead garage doors
No visible sags or unevenness in the roof
- EXTERIOR SIDING, SOFFITS, AND FASCIAS CHECKLIST
6 inch clearance between siding and the soil grade
No excessive moisture swelling in lap siding, some lap siding manufacturers have been under class action lawsuits
No loose or damaged lap siding boards
Painting and caulking is in good condition
No visible cracks or sagging in brick or stone veneer
EIFS (synthetic stucco) or hardcoat stucco is caulked at all penetrations, does not have bowing or excessive cracking, is flashed correctly at roof lines, and shows no signs of moisture problems – EIFS is known to have some moisture issues due to incorrect installation practices
Vinyl or aluminum siding has no visible damaged areas or loose/missing pieces
Wood lap or shake siding has no damaged or missing pieces
No rot or sagging at fascias and soffits
Flashing is present over windows and doors
- WINDOWS, DOORS, AND WOOD TRIM CHECKLIST
No rot or other damage at trim around windows and doors
Caulking and painting is in good condition at all joints in the windows/doors and at the perimeter of each
No broken glass present
- ROOF, CHIMNEY, AND GUTTERS CHECKLIST
No cupping, missing, curling, or damaged asphalt roof shingles
No cracked, rotten, damaged, or missing wood or tile shakes
No visible nails sticking out of roof or other items attached to roof
Roof materials appear to have functional life remaining
Roof penetrations appear to be flashed correctly
No sagging, missing, or damaged gutters
Gutters are clean and working correctly
Chimney cap is free of rust and is secured properly
Chimney appears to be flashed to the roof correctly
- DECK CHECKLIST
Deck framing is bolted into the home’s framing
Deck support columns are resting on concrete footings and are in good condition
Deck does not have lateral movement when tested
Deck handrails are in good condition and are safe
Deck is flashed to the side of the home
Overall deck structure is in good condition and appears to have functional life remaining
- CRAWL SPACE CHECKLIST
Crawl space is free of cellulose debris on the ground
No excessive moisture or standing water inside of crawl space
No mold or mildew growth on framing or foundation inside of crawl space
No evidence of rodent activity or excessive pest populations inside of crawl space
Crawl space floor has a proper moisture barrier installed
No evidence of termite or other wood destroying organism damage
Crawl space entry door is secure and working properly
Crawl space is ventilated correctly
No visible cracks or bows in the crawl space foundation
No visible rotten or sagging framing
- BASEMENT CHECKLIST
No excessive moisture or standing water
No cracks or bowing in basement foundation
No visible rotten or sagging framing
No evidence of rodent activity
No evidence of termite or other wood-destroying activity
No mold or mildew growth noted on framing or foundation
- ATTIC CHECKLIST
Attic framing and roof decking is free of water stains and signs of leakage
Attic is ventilated properly and is not excessively hot
Attic has safe entry and working clearances for mechanical equipment
Attic has safe lighting
No visible sags or bows in the attic framing
Attic insulation is in good condition and does not have low or missing spots
No evidence of rodent activity
No signs of leakage at roof penetrations
Bathroom vents or other exhaust items are not terminating into attic
- ELECTRICAL CHECKLIST
No open wire splices in the home or crawl space
All lights and outlets are working correctly
Electrical panel is in a safe location, is accessible, and is labeled properly
Smoke detectors are operational
No unsafe aluminum wiring in use
No extension cords in permanent use
GFCI protection for exterior outlets and outlets within 6 feet of sink(s)
- HVAC CHECKLIST
Air filters have been changed recently
Good air flow at all supply and return vents
Units are properly heating and cooling the home
Equipment appears to have functional life remaining
No gas odors around units
Equipment is accessible and is in overall good condition
- PLUMBING CHECKLIST
Proper hot water is being supplied to all fixtures in the home
No discoloration in the hot or cold water
Water heater is in a safe and accessible location
Main water shut off, hose faucet shut offs, and fixture shut offs are accessible and working properly
Drain lines appear to be free from clogs and are draining correctly
Water pressure is adequate at all fixtures
Visible piping is in good condition, some water pipe manufacturers have been under class action lawsuits for defects
No visible leaks in plumbing system or at fixtures
Equipment and pipes appear to have functional life remaining
- INTERIOR CHECKLIST
Floor coverings are generally in good condition
Doors are windows are operating correctly
Paint and wall coverings are generally in good condition
Each room has a proper heat/cooling supply
Each room has an adequate amount of electrical outlets and is lighted properly
Fireplace works correctly, has working damper, and is free of cracks/damage
Overhead garage doors are working correctly and have an auto reverse function
Stairwells are safe and have adequate handrails
- KITCHEN CHECKLIST
Appliances are in working condition
Cabinets and counter tops are in good condition
No visible plumbing leaks
Water flow is adequate
- BATHROOM CHECKLIST
All fixtures are in good condition and are working correctly
Toilets are flushing correctly and are firmly secured to the floor
Shower stalls are free from leaks and cracks
Caulking is in good condition around shower stalls and bathtubs
Hot water is on the left side and cold water is on the right side of every fixture
No visible leaks in bathrooms
Bathrooms have proper ventilation
Whirlpool tubs are working correctly
