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.