A Comprehensive Look
Exterior
Grounds, Roof, Chimney, Doors, Windows
- Exterior doors
- Windows
- Chimney, spark arrestor and cap
- Grounds
- Gates
- Retaining walls
- Soils
- Drainage
- Landscaping
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Decks, patios, porches, balconies and related covers
- Stairs, handrails, guardrails
- Wall surface and related components
- Roof
- Covering materials
- Flashing/penetrations
- Skylights
- Gutters and downspouts
Interior
Fireplace, Chimney, Bathrooms, Laundry, Kitchen, Interior Doors, Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Stairs
- Fireplace and Chimney
- Fireplace condition and proper operation
- Damper operation
- Hearth extension, condition and appropriate size
- Bathrooms
- Counters
- Cabinets
- Floors
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Bathtubs
- Showers
- Ventilation
- Laundry
- Utility source
- Dryer duct
- Kitchen
- Counters
- Cabinets
- Sinks
- Garbage disposal
- Dishwasher
- Range/Cooktop
- Exhaust hood
- Trash compactor
- Microwave
- Interior doors
- Windows and skylights
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Stairs, handrails, guardrails
Electrical
Electrical System
- Service Entrance Conductor (SEC) and related components
- Main and sub electrical panels, and related components
- Wiring, conduit and related components
- Receptacles, switches, lighting and related components
- Exterior electrical components
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Plumbing
Plumbing System
- Water supply service/main
- Water supply lines and related components
- Drain lines, waste lines and vent lines
- Fuel gas lines and related components
- Faucets, fixtures and hose bibs
- Water supply functional flow and proper drainage
Water Heater
- Description
- Exhaust flue
- Combustion air
- Electrical
- Emergency drain pan
- Temperature and Pressure Relief valve and drain line
- Seismic straps
Crawlspace
Crawlspace, Foundation, Basement
- Accessibility and hatch size
- Floor framing structure
- Wood separation from soil
- Floor insulation
- Appropriate ventilation
- Foundation condition
- Foundation anchoring and cripple walls
- Basement
- Exterior door
- Windows
- Stairs
- Associated areas
Garage
Garage, Carport
- Attached garage-house door and related components
- Exterior door
- Automatic opener and safety reverse mechanism
- Interior walls, ceiling, floor
- Appropriate fire separation
- Detached garage/Carport structure
- Detached garage exterior
- Detached garage roof
Attic
Attic, interior roof
- Roof framing structure
- Ceiling insulation
- Appropriate ventilation
- Vent screens
- Exhaust ducts
- Accessibility
- Size of attic hatch
- Attic fan
HVAC
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Description
- Heating equipment condition and proper operation
- Cooling equipment condition and proper operation
- Energy source and connections
- Air filter
- Combustion air
- Exhaust flue
What's not Inspected
- Sewer or Septic Systems
- Anything that is not visible eg. in walls, underground Sprinkler or irrigation systems
- Alarm systems
- House fire sprinkler systems
- Wells or well components
- Solar systems
- Back-up generators
- Underground drainage systems
Disclaimer
All results will vary depending on the type of structure, accessibility of areas and components, and condition of the equipment at the time of the inspection. The following comments and/ or deficiencies may or may not pertain to your structure. The home inspection will be completed within the C.R.E.I.A. (California Real Estate Inspectors Association) Standards of Practice and AII (American Institute of Inspectors). This document is not legally binding and shall not be referred to as a checklist for your home inspection.
