Whether you’re updating your home insurance, buying your first home, or prepping to list your current one, a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. But what exactly gets inspected? What do our home inspectors look for?
In this guide, we’ll break down a complete home inspection checklist, explain what is looked for in a home inspection, and help you understand how inspectors evaluate the condition of a property from top to bottom.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment of a property’s physical structure and systems. It’s typically performed by a licensed home inspector for insurance purposes or before a real estate transaction is finalized.
The goal? To identify safety issues, repair needs, and overall condition so buyers, sellers, and insurance agents can make informed decisions.
What Is Looked for in a Home Inspection?
There are four main types of home inspections offered at My Safe Home Inspection. Below we outline the major categories you would find on a home inspection checklist.
Roof Certification Inspection
- Covering material
- Roof age
- Remaining useful life (years)
- Date of last roof permit
- Date of last update
- Overall condition
- Any visible signs of damage or deterioration (i.e., cracking, granule loss, exposed felt)
- Any visible signs of leaks
Wind Mitigation Inspection
- Building code (compliance with building code based on when home was built)
- Roof covering (i.e., asphalt shingle, concrete, metal, membrane, etc.)
- Roof deck attachment (i.e., plywood, reinforced concrete, etc.)
- Roof to wall attachment (i.e., toe nails, clips, single wraps, double wraps)
- Roof geometry (i.e., hip roof, flat roof, other roof)
- Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) (i.e., peel-and-stick underlayment, synthetic underlayment, closed-cell foam adhesives
- Opening Protection (i.e., verified cyclic pressure & large missile, verified plywood/OSB, etc.)
Four Point Inspection
- Electrical
- Panel type
- Panel brand
- Panel Amps
- Panel Age
- Wiring types used
- Hazards present
- Overall condition
- HVAC
- Central AC?
- Central heat?
- Age of HVAC (years)
- Hazards present
- Overall condition
- Plumbing
- Plumbing types
- Active leak
- Prior leak
- Relief valve
- Water heater location
- Plumbing age
- Roof
- Roof material
- Age of roof (years)
- Remaining life (years)
- Defects
- Overall condition
Full Home Inspection
- Inspection details (year built, stories, type of building, etc.)
- Exterior
- Siding, flashing, and trim
- Walkways, patios, and driveways
- Doors and windows
- Vegetation, grading, drainage, and retaining walls
- Roof
- Material of coverings
- Roof drainage systems
- Foundation, crawlspace, and structure
- Foundation material
- Floor material and structure
- Roof structure and attic (roof deck material)
- Garages and carports
- Style
- Garage door material
- Garage door type
- Heating and cooling
- Heating equipment: energy source, heat type, air handler location, thermostat location, manufacture date
- Cooling equipment: configuration, energy source/type, location, manufacture date, size, unit heated,
- Distribution systems: ductwork, heating & cooling source present in each room
- Plumbing
- Filters, water source, sewer
- Drain, waste, and vent systems: material
- Water distribution & supply systems: water supply materials, main water shutoff location
- Water heater: power source/type, capacity, location, manufacturer, date of manufacture
- Fuel storage & distribution systems: main gas shut-off location, gas meter location
- Electrical
- Electric service: electrical service conductors, total amps, location of main disconnect
- Interior panel: panel type, manufacturer, panel capacity, surge protector installed
- Wiring circuits: wire types
- Lighting fixtures, switches & receptacles: GFCI protection observed in ‘wet’ areas? AFCI protection observed?
- Applicances
- Range/oven/cooktop: energy source, brand, hood type
- Dishwasher: brand, general observations
- Refrigerator: brand, general observations
- Built-in Microwave: brand, general observations
- Interior
- Doors
- Windows
- Countertops and cabinets
- Attic, insulation, and ventilation
- Flooring insulation: type
- Attic insulation: R-value, insulation type
- Ventilation: type
- Exhaust systems: exhaust fans
- Attic access: location
Every home inspection report includes detailed photos to reference. Have questions about your inspection report? Give us a call, we’re happy to walk you through the findings. Are you also wondering: how much does a home inspection cost? Check out our pricing guide to learn more!
Why the Home Inspection Checklist Matters
A detailed home inspection checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked. It empowers:
- Buyers to make confident, informed offers
- Sellers to fix issues before listing
- Homeowners to proactively maintain their home and possibly save on insurance
- Insurance Agents to provide you with competitive home insurance policies
Ultimately, it’s about protecting your investment—and your peace of mind.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a full report, often within 24 hours. This includes:
- Photos of issues found
- Notes on systems, including those in poor condition
- Full overview of the major systems and/or structures inspected
You can use this to negotiate repairs, request credits, or save on your home insurance premiums.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Not Surprised
So, what is looked for in a home inspection? Just about everything that matters—from the roof to the foundation and everything in between.
Use this home inspection checklist as a guide to know what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to choose the right inspector for your needs.
When you’re ready, schedule your inspection with a trusted, licensed pro who will walk you through the results with clarity and care.