Field Guide

Residential Home Inspection Checklist

A systematic inspection process used by professional home inspectors to evaluate the condition of a residential property and prepare a comprehensive buyer inspection report.

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments most people will ever make. A thorough residential home inspection helps identify safety concerns, major defects, maintenance issues, and hidden problems before closing. Use this checklist to work systematically through every major system and component.

Professional Use Notice: This checklist was independently developed by Field Proof as an inspection documentation aid. It does not replace professional training, applicable standards, licensing requirements, or errors and omissions coverage. Inspectors should follow their applicable professional standards and state licensing requirements.

Inspection Progress

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Inspect property grading and drainage — land should slope away from the foundation.
Examine foundation condition for cracking, displacement, or settlement.
Inspect exterior walls and siding for damage, missing material, rot, or deterioration.
Check all windows and exterior doors for condition, operation, and weathertight fit.
Inspect decks, porches, balconies, and stairs for structural integrity, guards, and handrails.
Check driveways, sidewalks, and retaining walls for damage and trip hazards.
Inspect gutters and downspouts for attachment, condition, and proper discharge.
Note fencing condition and any visible site hazards.

Inspect roof covering for missing, cracked, curled, or deteriorated material.
Check flashing at penetrations, valleys, chimneys, and wall transitions.
Inspect chimney exterior for missing mortar, damage, or deteriorated cap.
Check roof penetrations — vents, pipes, and HVAC equipment for proper sealing.
Look for signs of past or active leaks — staining, soft areas, or deterioration.
Inspect roof drainage — slope, gutters, and water discharge direction.
Document visible deterioration and estimated remaining service life.
⚠ Note access limitations if roof cannot be walked safely.

Check insulation type, coverage, and condition.
Inspect ventilation — soffit vents, ridge vents, gable vents for adequacy.
Inspect roof framing for damage, repairs, or modification.
Look for signs of moisture intrusion — staining, wet insulation, or deteriorated sheathing.
Look for mold, mildew, or biological growth indicators.
Note any structural concerns or visible alterations.

Inspect foundation walls for cracking, bowing, water staining, or displacement.
Check floor structure for sagging, soft spots, or visible damage.
Inspect visible wall framing for damage, modification, or missing members.
Check ceiling framing where accessible.
Look for settlement indicators — uneven floors, sticking doors, or diagonal cracks.
Document significant cracks and signs of ongoing movement.
⚠ Recommend further evaluation when conditions appear beyond the scope of a visual inspection.

Inspect main service panel for condition, labeling, and capacity.
Check circuit breakers for proper sizing, double-taps, and condition.
Verify grounding and bonding where observable.
Inspect branch wiring for visible condition and proper installation.
Test GFCI protection at required locations — kitchens, baths, garages, exterior.
Check AFCI protection where required.
Test a representative sample of receptacles for operation and polarity.
Test light fixtures and switches throughout the home.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations and test operation.

Inspect water supply piping type and visible condition.
Check drain, waste, and vent piping for proper installation and condition.
Inspect water heater for condition, age, safety components, and venting.
Test all fixtures — sinks, tubs, showers — for operation.
Check faucets for leaks, drips, and handle operation.
Inspect toilets for stability, leaks at base, and proper flushing.
Test showers and tubs — temperature, pressure, and drainage.
Observe functional drainage — run fixtures to check for slow drains.
Check under sinks and at visible connections for active leaks.

Inspect furnace — condition, age, filter, and visible safety concerns.
Inspect heat pump if present — condition, coils, and visible components.
Inspect air conditioner — condition, age, and visible components.
Test thermostat operation in heating and cooling modes.
Check air distribution — confirm airflow at registers throughout the home.
Inspect ductwork for damage, disconnection, or insulation concerns where accessible.
Note any visible safety concerns — gas connections, exhaust venting, clearances.
⚠ Do not operate equipment when doing so may create an unsafe condition.

Inspect walls in every room for damage, staining, cracking, or deterioration.
Inspect ceilings for damage, staining, or signs of past leaks.
Check floors for soft spots, squeaking, damaged covering, or trip hazards.
Test all interior doors for operation, hardware, and proper latching.
Test all windows for operation, glazing condition, and visible damage.
Inspect cabinets and countertops for condition and operability.
Inspect stairways for safe condition, tread, and riser integrity.
Check handrails and guardrails for presence and secure attachment.

Inspect and test built-in appliances included with the sale.
Check kitchen sink for operation, drainage, and leaks under cabinet.
Test garbage disposal for operation.
Operate dishwasher through a cycle and check for leaks.
Test range and oven — burners, bake, broil, and ignition.
Check vent hood for operation and proper exhaust.
Verify GFCI protection at kitchen receptacles near sink.
Inspect cabinet interiors for moisture, damage, or pest evidence.

Inspect all plumbing fixtures — toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.
Check ventilation — exhaust fan operation or operable window.
Inspect shower and tub surrounds for grout, caulk, and surface condition.
Verify toilet stability and proper operation.
Test water pressure and confirm hot water availability.
Look for moisture damage at walls, floors, and under-sink cabinet.
Inspect caulking and seals at tub surrounds, shower bases, and countertops.

Test vehicle door operation — manual and automatic where applicable.
Test auto-reverse safety feature on automatic garage door opener.
Inspect fire separation walls and door between garage and living space.
Check garage ceiling for damage, staining, or deterioration.
Inspect electrical components — receptacles, lighting, and panel.
Note structural observations — walls, slab, and roof framing where visible.

Check for moisture intrusion — staining, efflorescence, or water marks.
Look for standing water or evidence of flooding.
Inspect structural components — beams, joists, and columns.
Inspect foundation condition from the interior.
Check insulation — type, condition, and coverage.
Inspect ventilation of crawlspace or basement.
Look for evidence of pests, wood decay, or rodent activity.

Identify all major defects requiring immediate attention or significant expense.
Document all safety concerns separately and clearly.
Note all water intrusion issues observed.
Document structural deficiencies with locations and photographs.
List all electrical hazards and wiring concerns.
Identify plumbing defects and affected systems.
Document HVAC deficiencies and equipment age where known.
Note roofing concerns and estimated remaining service life.
List deferred maintenance items visible during the inspection.
Identify components nearing the end of service life.
Include recommended repairs with location and supporting photographs.
Flag items requiring evaluation by a qualified specialist.

Follow a consistent inspection process at every property.
Photograph all significant findings with context and detail shots.
Test all accessible systems and components.
Document observed deficiencies accurately and factually.
Avoid speculation regarding concealed or inaccessible conditions.
Clearly distinguish maintenance items from significant defects.
Recommend further evaluation when conditions exceed the scope of a visual inspection.

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Field Proof is an independent inspection-support platform. This checklist is provided for educational and documentation purposes only. Inspectors are responsible for following all applicable professional standards, state licensing requirements, and contractual obligations. Field Proof makes no warranty regarding the completeness or accuracy of this checklist for any specific inspection or jurisdiction.