Home Inspection Narratives: 50 Examples You Can Reuse

Professional first impression with property photo, address, inspection date, inspector credentials, and company branding. Include license number and E&O insurance info for credibility.

One-page overview highlighting major concerns, safety issues, and recommended actions. Agents and clients read this first. Organize by priority: safety, major defects, maintenance items.

Square footage, year built, foundation type, roof material, HVAC age, water heater specs. Creates baseline reference and helps with future comparisons.

Clear statement of what was inspected, what wasn't accessible, and why. Weather conditions, occupancy status. Critical for liability protection—never skip this section.

Siding, trim, windows, doors, grading, drainage, driveways, walkways, decks, porches. Include directional references (north side, front elevation) for clarity.

Covering material, flashing, penetrations, gutters, ventilation, estimated age and remaining life. Always note inspection method: walked, ladder, drone, ground-level only.

Foundation, framing, floor systems, load-bearing walls. Settlement cracks vs. structural concerns. Use clear language distinguishing cosmetic from structural issues.

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC each get dedicated sections with equipment specs, age, condition, and defects. Include model/serial numbers for age verification.

Room-by-room or component-based approach covering walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs. Consistent organization helps clients follow along during walkthrough.

Seasonal maintenance checklist, service schedules for HVAC/water heater, general homeowner tips. Value-add section that clients appreciate and reference later.

Comprehensive template for detached homes covering all major systems, exterior, interior, and site conditions. Most common template—customize for your market's typical home age and style.

Modified template focusing on unit-specific items. Notes HOA responsibility areas, limited common elements, shared systems. Include disclaimer about areas outside inspection scope.

Punch-list focused template for homes under builder warranty. Emphasizes workmanship, code compliance, completion items. Include builder warranty reminder and recommend 11-month follow-up.

Same thoroughness as buyer inspection but framed for seller use. Helps sellers address issues before listing. Recommend repairs vs. disclose—seller decides action items.

Focus on capital expenditure items, deferred maintenance costs, safety compliance. Less emphasis on cosmetics. Include estimated repair costs when possible—investors want numbers.

Specialized template acknowledging period-appropriate construction methods, materials, and systems. Note what's original vs. updated. Distinguish "different" from "defective."

HUD-specific requirements, anchoring systems, chassis inspection, leveling. Different standards than site-built. Include HUD data plate info and note applicable standards.

Template covering multiple dwelling units with shared and individual systems. Unit-by-unit organization. Note which systems serve which units. Common area documentation.

Office buildings, retail spaces, small warehouses. Similar to residential but with commercial-specific systems. ADA compliance notes, fire suppression, commercial HVAC, 3-phase electrical.

ASTM E2018 compliant template for commercial due diligence. Detailed cost tables, remaining useful life. Required format for many lenders and institutional buyers.

Kitchen equipment, grease traps, ventilation hoods, walk-in coolers, health code considerations. Note what requires health dept approval vs. general building issues.

Clear height, dock equipment, floor load capacity, fire suppression, industrial electrical. Environmental concerns—note but don't assess (Phase I territory).

Combination commercial/residential requiring both approaches. Clear separation between use types. Document egress, fire separation, and utility metering for each use.

Follow-up template for previously inspected commercial properties. Tracks changes, completed repairs. Reference original report findings. Note what's improved, deteriorated, unchanged.

EPA-compliant radon test documentation. Device placement, testing period, results interpretation. Include EPA action level reference (4.0 pCi/L) and mitigation recommendations.

State-specific WDO/WDI report template. Evidence of infestation, damage, conducive conditions. Use your state's required form format if mandated.

Visual mold inspection documentation. Moisture readings, affected areas, sampling locations if applicable. Clear disclaimer: visual inspection only unless lab testing performed.

Pool shell, equipment, safety barriers, electrical bonding. Hot tubs, water features. Safety focus: GFCI, barriers, entrapment hazards, diving depth.

Tank location, capacity, condition. Distribution system evaluation. Pumping records if available. Note limitations—inspection ≠ certification. Recommend pumping/further evaluation.

Well equipment, flow rate, pressure tank, water quality sampling documentation. Include lab results format, interpretation guidance, and treatment recommendations.

Video inspection documentation template. Pipe material, condition, defects, locations. Screenshot integration. Include footage timestamps and distance markers for reference.

Builder warranty inspection before 1-year coverage expires. Focus on warranty-covered items. Prioritize items builder is obligated to address under warranty terms.