Organizing your inspection by system—not by roommakes you faster, more thorough, and produces clearer reports. This complete breakdown gives you every checklist item organized by the 10 major home systems, plus workflow tips to maximize efficiency on-site.

160+ Checklist Items
10 Core Systems
2-3 hrs Typical Duration
SOP Compliant

Recommended Inspection Flow

This sequence minimizes backtracking and follows natural system connections. Start outside, work through major systems, then finish with interior details.

1Exterior~20 min
2Roofing~15 min
3Structure~20 min
4Electrical~20 min
5Plumbing~20 min
6HVAC~15 min
7Interior~25 min
8Attic~15 min
9Garage~10 min
10Appliances~10 min
Pro Tip: Turn on the HVAC and run water in the tub at the start of your inspection. This gives systems time to cycle while you inspect other areas.

Complete Checklists by System

Click any checkbox to mark items complete. Your progress is visual—green means done.

SYSTEM 1: EXTERIOR

1. Exterior & Site

16 items · ~20 minutes

Siding & Walls

Windows & Doors

Grading & Drainage

Site Features

SYSTEM 2: ROOFING

2. Roofing

16 items · ~15 minutes

Roof Covering

Flashing & Penetrations

Gutters & Drainage

Chimneys & Vents

SYSTEM 3: STRUCTURE

3. Structure & Foundation

16 items · ~20 minutes

Foundation

Basement/Crawlspace

Floor Structure

Wall Framing

Note: Diagonal cracks are more concerning than vertical—they often indicate active settlement.
SYSTEM 4: ELECTRICAL

4. Electrical

16 items · ~20 minutes

Service Panel

Wiring

Outlets & Switches

Safety Devices

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HomeInspecto guides you through each system with built-in checklists and auto-organized photos.

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SYSTEM 5: PLUMBING

5. Plumbing

16 items · ~20 minutes

Water Supply

Water Heater

Fixtures

Drain System

Note: Run two fixtures simultaneously to test water pressure—significant flow drop indicates supply issues.
SYSTEM 6: HVAC

6. HVAC

16 items · ~15 minutes

Heating System

Cooling System

Distribution

Controls

SYSTEM 7: INTERIOR

7. Interior

16 items · ~25 minutes

Floors

Walls & Ceilings

Doors & Windows

Stairs & Rails

SYSTEM 8: ATTIC

8. Attic

16 items · ~15 minutes

Insulation

Ventilation

Structure

Issues

SYSTEM 9: GARAGE

9. Garage

16 items · ~10 minutes

Door System

Fire Separation

Floor & Walls

Electrical

SYSTEM 10: APPLIANCES

10. Appliances

16 items · ~10 minutes

Kitchen

Refrigerator

Laundry

Other

Quick Reference: Time & Items by System

SystemItemsTimeKey Focus
Exterior1620 minDrainage, moisture
Roofing1615 minLeaks, remaining life
Structure1620 minSettlement, cracks
Electrical1620 minSafety hazards
Plumbing1620 minLeaks, water heater
HVAC1615 minOperation, age
Interior1625 minSafety, function
Attic1615 minInsulation, venting
Garage1610 minFire separation
Appliances1610 minOperation test
Total160~170 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I inspect by room or by system?

System-based inspection is more efficient and produces clearer reports. When you check all electrical at once (rather than room-by-room), you notice patterns and related issues. Your report also becomes more organized for clients.

What's the best order for inspection flow?

Start outside (exterior, roof), move to structure and foundation, then major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), followed by interior spaces, attic, garage, and appliances last. This minimizes backtracking.

How long should a complete inspection take?

For a typical single-family home (1,500-2,500 sq ft), plan for 2-3 hours on-site. Larger homes, older properties, or those with multiple issues may take longer. Thoroughness matters more than speed.

What if I can't access certain areas?

Document any areas you couldn't inspect and explain why (locked, blocked, unsafe). Include this in your report as a limitation. Never put yourself in an unsafe situation.

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Digital Checklists That Guide Your Workflow

HomeInspecto includes all 10 system checklists built-in, with photo prompts and automatic report generation.

  • 160+ checklist items included
  • Photos auto-organized by system
  • Works offline in the field
  • One-click report generation
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