Single-family home inspection checklist
Single-family rentals and owner-occupied homes need a broader inspection than an apartment because the owner or landlord is responsible for the roof, foundation, exterior, and site — not just the interior. This checklist covers the full envelope of a detached home in a working order a landlord or homeowner can complete in a couple of hours.
Who it's for
Single-family landlords, homeowners tracking condition year-over-year, and buyers documenting closing-day condition.
Key facts
- Full envelope: interior, exterior, systems, site
- Includes attic and crawlspace if accessible
- Photo proof per step, PDF packet
- Repeatable annually for insurance and maintenance history
The full checklist
- 1Exterior approach and cladding
Walkway, entry, siding, paint, trim, obvious damage or rot.
- 2Roof (from ground)
Missing shingles, sag, moss. Do not climb without training.
- 3Gutters and drainage
Attached, clear, drainage away from foundation.
- 4Foundation and grading
Cracks, spalling, negative slope toward the house documented.
- 5Garage or detached structures
Door operation, floor, walls, storage, outbuildings condition.
- 6Interior — every room
Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, closets. Photograph per room.
- 7Kitchen appliances
Every appliance briefly operated. Data plates photographed.
- 8Bathrooms
Every fixture tested. Water pressure and drain speed noted.
- 9Laundry
Washer and dryer, dryer vent flex duct photographed.
- 10HVAC
Filter, thermostat operation, last-service sticker photographed.
- 11Water heater
Age plate, TPR valve, drain pan, no leaks.
- 12Electrical panel
Labeled, no double-taps, GFCIs trip in kitchen and bath.
- 13Attic and crawlspace
If safely accessible. Insulation depth, moisture stains, ventilation.
- 14Yard and site
Fence, trees near roof, hose bibs functional, drainage.
- 15Safety devices
Every smoke and CO detector tested.
- 16Keys and warranties
Every key logged, appliance manuals gathered.
Pro tips
- Repeat this annually — the year-over-year comparison is the most valuable maintenance record you can build.
- Insurance carriers increasingly reward documented maintenance history; keep the PDFs.
- For pre-purchase, still hire a licensed home inspector.
Frequently asked
How often should I run this?
Annually as a baseline, plus after any major event (storm, tenant turnover, insurance claim).
Does this satisfy insurance loss-mitigation requirements?
It builds the documented history most carriers want to see, but confirm your specific policy's requirements with your agent.
Is this the same as the house inspection checklist?
They overlap. The house version is more buyer-focused; this version is tuned for annual owner or landlord walk-throughs.
Run this checklist in DoneTrace
Every step is a photo-backed proof point. Get an audit-ready PDF the moment you finish.