House inspection checklist
A single-family house inspection is broader than an apartment or condo because the owner is responsible for everything from the roof to the sewer lateral. This checklist captures the full envelope: interior room by room, mechanical systems, exterior cladding, roof and gutters, foundation, and grading. It is intended as a documentation checklist for owners, landlords, and buyers — not a substitute for a licensed home inspector when purchasing.
Who it's for
Landlords of single-family rentals, buyers documenting condition at closing, sellers preparing a pre-listing report, and homeowners tracking condition over time.
Key facts
- Interior + exterior + systems + site
- Includes roof, foundation, and grading notes
- Photo proof per step, printable to PDF
- Works for 1-story ranches through multi-story homes
The full checklist
- 1Exterior — approach and entry
Walkway, front porch, entry door, house numbers, doorbell.
- 2Exterior — cladding
Siding condition, paint, caulking around penetrations, obvious rot or damage.
- 3Roof (from ground)
Missing shingles, sagging ridge, moss, flashing at chimneys. Do not climb unless trained.
- 4Gutters and downspouts
Attached, clear, splash blocks or extensions directing water away from foundation.
- 5Foundation and grading
Visible cracks, spalling, grading slope away from house, negative slope areas photographed.
- 6Windows and screens (exterior)
Frame condition, seal integrity, screens intact.
- 7Garage
Door operation, opener, safety reverse test, floor cracks, walls, storage.
- 8Interior — every room
Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, closets. Photograph per room.
- 9Kitchen — full appliance test
Fridge, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, hood. Run each.
- 10Bathrooms — every one
Fixtures, tub or shower, tile, grout, exhaust, water pressure, drain speed.
- 11Laundry
Washer, dryer, dryer vent condition (photograph the flex duct), floor around units for leaks.
- 12HVAC — furnace / AC
Filter, cabinet condition, thermostat operation. Note last service sticker date.
- 13Water heater
Age plate photograph, TPR valve, drain pan, expansion tank if present, no leaks.
- 14Electrical panel
Panel labeled, no double-taps or exposed splices, ground rod present outside.
- 15Attic (if accessible)
Insulation depth, obvious moisture stains on roof deck, ventilation.
- 16Basement or crawlspace
Moisture, efflorescence, sump pump operation, vapor barrier condition.
- 17Yard and site
Fence condition, trees near the roof, outbuildings, hose bibs functional.
- 18Safety devices
Every smoke and CO detector tested. Fire extinguisher present (kitchen).
- 19Keys, remotes, warranties
Log every key and remote. Collect any appliance manuals and warranties.
Pro tips
- Do the exterior when it's dry — moisture damage is easiest to spot in the day or two after rain.
- Photograph appliance data plates so serial numbers survive later.
- For pre-purchase, add a licensed home inspector's structural, electrical, and plumbing report to this documentation.
Frequently asked
Does this replace a professional home inspection?⌄
No. This is a documentation checklist. A licensed home inspector evaluates code, structure, and safety in ways this checklist does not.
How long does a full house inspection take?⌄
Two to four hours for a typical single-family home, longer with detached buildings, pools, or acreage.
Should I inspect the roof up close?⌄
Not unless trained and properly equipped. Photograph from the ground and hire a roofer for a close-up assessment.
Run this checklist in DoneTrace
Every step is a photo-backed proof point. Get an audit-ready PDF the moment you finish.