This is the most comprehensive home inspection checklist available online — 300+ individual items organized across 10 major systems, aligned with both ASHI and InterNACHI Standards of Practice. Whether you're a home inspector building your workflow, a buyer preparing for inspection day, or a new inspector learning what to check, this guide covers every component a professional inspection should evaluate. Home inspectors typically spend 2–4 hours on-site examining the property's structure, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, insulation, fireplace, and garage — producing a detailed report with photos and recommendations. In 2026, 86% of inspections uncover at least one issue, the most common being roof problems (19.7%), electrical concerns (18.7%), and window defects (18.4%). Use this checklist as your master reference, and use HomeInspecto to turn every item into a professional, photo-documented finding in your branded PDF report.
HomeInspecto turns this checklist into a professional workflow — pre-built templates, photo capture, severity ratings, and branded PDF reports. All from your phone. Book a demo to see it in action.
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01
Roof 35 items
Covering Materials
Shingle type and conditionCurling, cracking, or blisteringMissing or damaged shinglesGranule loss in guttersMoss, algae, or lichen growthExposed nail headsEstimated remaining life
Flashing & Penetrations
Chimney flashing conditionVent pipe flashing and bootsSkylight flashing and sealsWall-to-roof transitionsValley flashingStep flashing at sidewalls
Drainage
Gutter condition and attachmentDownspout placement and extensionsDrainage away from foundationSplash blocks presentSigns of ice damming
Structure & Access
Roof decking condition (from attic)Rafters and trussesRidge and hip conditionSagging or uneven areasSoffit and fascia conditionAttic access and ventilationRoof age documentationPrevious repairs visibleNumber of roofing layersFlat roof membrane condition (if applicable)Parapet walls (if applicable)
02
Exterior 40 items
Siding & Cladding
Siding type and conditionCracks, gaps, or holesPaint peeling or blisteringRot or moisture damageProper clearance from soilCaulking at joints and transitions
Doors & Windows
Exterior door operation and conditionWeather stripping and sealsWindow operation and locksGlazing and seal failures (fogging)Screen conditionTrim and casing conditionSill plate condition
Grading & Drainage
Soil grading slopes away from foundationSurface drainage patternsRetaining walls conditionDriveway condition and slopeWalkway conditionPatio condition
Decks, Porches & Structures
Deck framing and ledger boardDeck surface and railingsStair condition and safetyBaluster spacing (under 4 inches)Post footings and connectionsPorch structure and conditionCarport conditionFencing and gates
Exterior Features
Hose bibs operationExterior electrical outlets (GFCI)Exterior lightingVegetation clearance from structureChimney exterior conditionFoundation visible above gradeWindow wells
03
Foundation & Structure 30 items
Foundation Walls
Foundation type (poured, block, stone, pier)Vertical cracks (width, length)Horizontal cracks (more serious)Stair-step cracks in blockBowing or bulging wallsEfflorescence (mineral deposits)Water intrusion stainingParging condition
Structural Frame
Floor joists (size, spacing, condition)Girders and beamsSupport columns and postsSill plate condition and attachmentSubfloor conditionNotching or boring concernsSister joists or repairs
Basement & Crawl Space
Water staining or moistureSump pump presence and operationVapor barrier in crawl spaceCrawl space ventilationFloor levelness (significant slopes)Signs of pest activityInsulation under floorsDrainage system (interior perimeter)Concrete slab conditionAccess adequacy
Turn This Checklist Into Professional Reports
HomeInspecto has pre-built templates based on ASHI and InterNACHI standards — every item documented with photos, severity ratings, and clear recommendations.
04
Electrical 35 items
Service & Panel
Service entrance cablesMeter base conditionMain panel brand and agePanel capacity (amps)Main disconnect presentBreaker condition and labelingDouble-tapped breakersPanel cover conditionGrounding and bonding
Wiring
Wiring type (copper, aluminum, knob-and-tube)Wire gauge appropriate for breakerJunction box coversOpen splicesRomex in conduit where requiredWire routing and protection
Outlets & Switches
GFCI protection in wet areasGFCI testing (kitchen, bath, exterior, garage, basement)AFCI protection in bedroomsThree-prong outlets properly groundedReversed polarityOpen groundsMissing outlet coversSwitch operation
Fixtures & Safety
Light fixture conditionSmoke detector presence and locationsCarbon monoxide detector presenceExterior lighting operationDoorbell operationCeiling fan operation and mountingDedicated circuits (kitchen, laundry, bath)
05
Plumbing 35 items
Supply System
Main water shutoff location and operationSupply pipe materialWater pressure (40–80 psi normal)Pressure reducing valve (if present)Visible leaks at connectionsPipe insulation (freeze-prone areas)Cross-connections
Drain & Waste
Drain pipe materialDrain flow speed at all fixturesVisible waste line conditionVent pipe presence and conditionClean-out accessSigns of previous repairsFloor drain presence and condition
Water Heater
Type (tank, tankless, heat pump)Age and estimated remaining lifeFuel source (gas, electric)TPR valve present and pipedProper venting (gas units)Seismic straps (where required)Drain pan presenceSigns of leakage or corrosion
Fixtures
Toilet operation and base sealSink faucets — hot/cold functionUnder-sink plumbing and trapsTub and shower operationTub/shower surround conditionCaulking at wet areas
06
HVAC — Heating 25 items
Furnace / Heat Pump
Unit type, brand, ageFuel source (gas, electric, oil)Normal operation verifiedThermostat responseUnusual noises or odorsHeat exchanger visible conditionCombustion air supply adequateGas line condition and shutoff
Distribution
Ductwork condition and connectionsSupply registers — airflow confirmedReturn air registers presentDuct insulationDuct sealing at connectionsFilter type, size, and conditionAccessible filter location
Venting & Safety
Flue pipe condition and routingDraft at flue (natural draft units)Clearances from combustiblesCO detector near sleeping areasEmergency shutoff identifiedCondensate drain (high-efficiency units)Boiler or radiator condition (if applicable)Baseboard heater condition (if applicable)Space heater concernsFireplace — see System 09
07
HVAC — Cooling 20 items
Air Conditioning
Unit type, brand, ageNormal operation verifiedTemperature differential (15–20 degrees typical)Thermostat responseUnusual noises or vibrationsRefrigerant line insulationCondensate drain line and pump
Exterior Unit
Condenser coil conditionFins and debris clearanceUnit level and secure on padElectrical disconnect presentClearance from vegetation (24+ inches)Refrigerant line condition at entry
Evaporator & Air Handler
Evaporator coil accessible and visibleAir handler conditionBlower operationCondensate managementFilter condition (may be same as heating)Supply plenum conditionReturn plenum condition
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08
Interior 35 items
Walls, Ceilings & Floors
Wall cracks (hairline vs. structural)Ceiling stains (water damage indicator)Ceiling sag or bulgeFloor levelnessFloor covering conditionSqueaking or soft spotsMoisture or mold visible
Doors & Windows
Interior door operationDoor hardware and locksWindow operation from insideWindow locks functionalGlass condition (cracked, fogged)
Kitchen
Countertop conditionCabinet condition and mountingSink and faucet operationDishwasher operationGarbage disposal operationRange/oven operationMicrowave (built-in) operationRange hood/exhaust fanGFCI protection at countertop outlets
Bathrooms
Toilet operation and mountingSink and faucet operationTub/shower condition and operationExhaust fan present and functionalGFCI protection at outletsCaulking at tub, shower, sinkTile and grout condition
Safety Features
Stairway condition and handrailsGuardrail height and baluster spacingSmoke detectors — location and functionCO detectors — location and functionBedroom egress windowsTempered glass where requiredGarage-to-house fire separation
09
Fireplace & Chimney 20 items
Firebox & Damper
Firebox type (masonry, factory-built, insert)Firebox cracks or deteriorationFirebrick conditionDamper operation (open/close)Smoke chamber visible conditionAsh dump (if present)Hearth condition and extension
Chimney
Chimney cap presentSpark arrestor presentChimney crown conditionMortar joint conditionFlashing at roof lineLiner visible conditionClearance from combustibles
Gas Fireplace (if applicable)
Gas log conditionIgnition system operationGlass front and gasketVenting systemGas shutoff valveThermostat or remote control
10
Attic, Insulation & Garage 30 items
Attic
Access type and locationRoof structure from insideSigns of active or past leaksDaylight visible through roofPest activity or droppingsWiring in attic (condition, junction boxes)Exhaust fans venting to exterior (not attic)
Insulation & Ventilation
Insulation type (fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam)Insulation depth and R-value estimateInsulation coverage (gaps, compressed areas)Vapor barrier present (where required)Soffit vents clear and functionalRidge vent or gable vents presentAttic temperature differentialCondensation or moisture signs
Garage
Garage door operation (manual and auto)Auto-reverse safety test (both sensors and force)Door spring and hardware conditionWeather stripping and sealsFloor condition (cracks, settling, stains)Fire-rated door to living spaceSelf-closing mechanism on fire doorGFCI outlets in garageNo habitable space concernsVehicle door clearancesElectrical panel in garage (if present)Water heater in garage (proper elevation)VentilationFirewall integrity (no penetrations)Laundry in garage (connections, venting)
Every Item. Documented. One Report.
HomeInspecto converts this checklist into a professional, branded PDF with annotated photos and severity ratings — delivered before you leave the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this checklist aligned with ASHI and InterNACHI standards?
Yes. This checklist covers all systems and components defined in both the ASHI Standards of Practice and the InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice. It goes beyond the minimum requirements to include items that experienced inspectors commonly evaluate for a thorough inspection.
How many items does a typical home inspection cover?
A thorough inspection evaluates 300+ individual items across 10 major systems. The scope varies by home size, age, and complexity — larger and older homes require more items. This checklist covers the full scope expected by professional inspection standards.
Can I use this checklist with HomeInspecto?
Yes. HomeInspecto includes pre-built templates aligned with these standards. Every checklist item becomes a documented finding with photos, annotations, and severity ratings in your branded PDF report. Book a demo to see how the templates work.
What items are NOT on this checklist?
Standard inspections exclude specialty services: radon testing, mold testing, termite/WDI inspection, sewer scope, pool and spa, lead paint, asbestos, and well water testing. These are available as add-ons and documented separately — HomeInspecto integrates them all into one report.
How should new inspectors use this checklist?
Start by using it as a learning framework — study each system and understand what you're looking for and why. Then use HomeInspecto's pre-built templates as your on-site workflow. The comment library provides pre-written findings for common defects, so you can produce professional reports from your very first inspection. Start your free trial.
The Checklist Is the Foundation. The Report Is the Deliverable.
HomeInspecto turns 300+ inspection items into a branded, photo-rich PDF that clients trust, agents remember, and courts accept. Try free today.
