Field Guide

Housing Inspection Checklist

Use this practical checklist to document exterior and interior conditions, identify potential code violations, and complete consistent property inspections.

Educational Use Notice: This checklist was independently developed by Field Proof as an inspection documentation aid. It is not a substitute for the officially adopted code, local ordinances, agency policies, or professional judgment. Always verify the applicable code edition and local amendments before issuing a violation.

Inspection Progress

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Confirm property address, parcel number, and case assignment.
Review any prior inspection records, complaints, or open violations.
Confirm which locally adopted code edition applies.
Verify authorization — notice, consent, warrant, or other legal basis.
Check for known safety hazards or access restrictions.
Confirm device is charged and camera is operational.
Carry appropriate identification and PPE.

Identify conditions that may make entry unsafe, including unstable surfaces, exposed electrical hazards, gas odor, fire damage, biological contamination, or unknown chemicals.
Note unsafe animals, aggressive occupants, or other access hazards before entering or continuing the inspection.
Do not enter or remain in an area when conditions exceed your training, equipment, authorization, or agency safety procedures.

Inspect for excessive vegetation, overgrowth, or unmaintained landscaping.
Check for accumulated rubbish, garbage, or discarded materials.
Look for standing water, drainage problems, or erosion.
Inspect for rodent harborage conditions or visible pest activity.
Check walkways, driveways, and steps for trip hazards or deterioration.
Note inoperable or improperly stored vehicles where regulated.
Inspect fences, retaining walls, and accessory structures.
Check for open holes, abandoned equipment, or physical hazards on the lot.
Photograph the structure and visible address or other identifying feature sufficient to establish the inspected property.
Check that required street/address identification is present and visible where applicable.

Inspect foundation and visible structural supports for cracking, displacement, or settlement.
Check exterior walls and siding for rot, deterioration, missing material, or damage.
Inspect roof covering for missing, damaged, or deteriorated material.
Check gutters and downspouts for attachment, damage, and discharge direction.
Inspect fascia, soffits, and trim for rot, damage, or missing sections.
Check all windows for broken glazing, damaged frames, missing screens, and operability.
Inspect exterior doors for condition, weathertight fit, hardware, and lock operation.
Check porches, balconies, decks, and stairs for structural integrity and safe condition.
Inspect guards and handrails for presence, attachment, and height.
Look for openings that may allow water, animals, or pests to enter.
Inspect chimney for visible damage, missing components, and flashing condition.
Photograph all four elevations of the structure.
Check exterior surfaces and components for conditions that may allow weather penetration or progressive deterioration.
Check exterior surfaces for peeling, flaking, or deteriorated protective coatings where applicable.

Inspect walls and ceilings in every room for holes, damage, staining, or deterioration.
Check floors for damage, soft spots, trip hazards, or deteriorated coverings.
Inspect interior doors for operation, hardware, and condition.
Check interior windows for operation, glazing, and condition.
Look for evidence of moisture intrusion, active leaks, or water damage.
Check for pest activity, infestation signs, or unsanitary conditions.
Inspect all exit paths and confirm they are unobstructed.
Check stairways for safe condition, guards, and handrails.
Note any unusual odors suggesting gas, sewage, or mold.
Check habitable spaces for required natural or mechanical light and ventilation where applicable.

Check sink, faucet, and drain for operation and leaks.
Test hot and cold water supply.
Inspect food preparation surfaces for condition and sanitation.
Check visible plumbing under the sink for leaks or damage.
Observe appliances provided with the unit for visible condition.
Check ventilation — range hood, exhaust fan, or window.
Look for improper extension-cord use in place of permanent wiring.
Inspect walls, ceiling, and floor for damage or deterioration.
Check for adequate space and facilities for sanitary food storage and preparation where required.

Check toilet for operation, stability, and leaks at the base.
Inspect sink, faucet, and drain for operation and condition.
Check tub or shower for leaks, deteriorated caulk, and surface condition.
Test hot and cold water supply and confirm adequate pressure.
Inspect ventilation — exhaust fan or operable window.
Look for signs of sewage backup, slow drainage, or improper discharge.
Check walls, floors, and ceiling for water damage or deterioration.
Inspect visible supply and waste piping for leaks or damage.
Check bathroom/toilet rooms for required privacy, doors, and operable latching where applicable.

Inspect for excessive garbage, refuse, or unsanitary accumulation.
Look for evidence of rodent or insect infestation.
Check whether accumulation obstructs doors, windows, stairs, equipment, or exits.
Look for human or animal waste and other obvious sanitation hazards; document conditions objectively without diagnosing occupant behavior.

Confirm the room has required access to an exit.
Check heating availability.
Inspect walls, ceiling, and floor for damage or deterioration.
Check emergency escape and rescue openings where required, including operability and obvious obstructions.
Look for smoke alarm where required.
Document occupancy concerns when authorized and supported by measurements.
Document suspected overcrowding, minimum room-size, or ceiling-height concerns only when authorized and supported by measurements.

Look for sagging or noticeably uneven floors.
Inspect for large, displaced, or stair-step cracks in walls or foundation.
Check for leaning or bowed walls.
Inspect visible beams, joists, and columns for damage, rot, or deterioration.
Look for evidence of termite damage or severe wood decay.
Inspect stairs, porches, decks, and balconies for structural stability.
Note any conditions suggesting further engineering evaluation is needed.
⚠ Do not make a definitive structural conclusion outside your qualifications.

Check for exposed or unprotected conductors.
Inspect receptacles and switches for covers and condition.
Look for open electrical boxes or junction boxes without covers.
Check for improper or excessive extension-cord use.
Look for signs of overheating, scorching, or arcing at devices or panels.
Check for unsafe temporary wiring.
Inspect service entrance and visible equipment for damage.
Look for electrical components exposed to moisture.
Confirm all habitable rooms have adequate lighting where required.
⚠ Do not remove panel covers or touch energized equipment.
Check habitable spaces for required electrical receptacle availability and obvious unsafe reliance on extension cords or power strips.

Confirm water supply is active and operational.
Test hot water availability throughout the unit.
Check all accessible faucets and fixtures for operation and leaks.
Run drains to check for slow drainage or backup.
Inspect visible supply and waste piping for leaks, damage, or disconnection.
Check water heater for visible condition and accessible safety components.
Look for sewage odors, visible waste discharge, or sewage backup.
Check for contamination risks or unsanitary conditions.
Check plumbing fixtures for secure installation and sanitary condition.
Check that required plumbing fixtures are present and usable.

Confirm electrical service is available where required.
Confirm potable water service is available.
Confirm sanitary drainage or sewer service is functional.
Confirm required heating service is available.
Document disconnected, terminated, or unsafe utility conditions and identify whether they affect occupancy or habitability.

Confirm primary heating equipment is present and operational.
Inspect exhaust and venting systems for connection and condition.
Check water heater venting.
Inspect visible fuel supply components for condition.
Check dryer exhaust connection and condition where accessible.
Look for unvented combustion appliances where prohibited.
Check combustion air openings.
Note portable heating devices being used as primary heat source.
⚠ Do not operate equipment when doing so may create an unsafe condition.
Check for obvious unsafe clearances or combustible materials around fuel-burning equipment.

Check for smoke alarms in required locations.
Check for carbon monoxide alarms where required.
Confirm all required exits are accessible and unobstructed.
Verify exit doors operate without special knowledge or keys from inside.
Check guards and handrails at stairs and elevated surfaces.
Look for combustible accumulation near heat sources or ignition equipment.
Inspect for blocked egress windows or doors.
Look for missing or damaged fire-protection features.

Inspect foundation walls for major cracking, displacement, or water intrusion.
Check floor framing for rot, damage, or pest activity where visible.
Look for standing water, active moisture, or evidence of flooding.
Inspect visible mechanical and plumbing components.
Check electrical panels and visible wiring.
Look for fuel-burning equipment and verify adequate venting.
Note inaccessible areas and document reason.
Check crawlspace access for safe and reasonable accessibility before entering.
Look for open or damaged foundation vents or access openings and conditions allowing pest or animal entry.

Inspect structure for visible damage, deterioration, or unsafe condition.
Check garage door operation and condition.
Look for improper use or storage creating fire or safety hazards.
Check for separation between garage and living space where required.
Inspect any accessory structures on the property.
Check for openings or penetrations between an attached garage and dwelling areas where separation is required.

Confirm every accessible area has been inspected.
Review all photographs for clarity and location context.
Confirm each documented condition has an identified location.
Remove duplicate or irrelevant photographs.
Verify measurements and field notes.
Confirm the applicable code edition and local amendments.
Distinguish confirmed violations from conditions requiring further evaluation.
Follow agency procedures for any emergency or unsafe conditions found.
Proofread report language before submission.

Field Proof is an independent inspection-support platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Code Council. "International Property Maintenance Code" and "IPMC" identify a model code published by the International Code Council. Users must obtain lawful access to the applicable code and independently verify all code references.