Good drainage, water sheds away from house and no standing water
Gutters and downspouts are functioning as expected
Water deflectors for gutters placed at valleys and high impact areas
Gutters have a metal “Gutter Helmet”
Walls, siding, doors, windows are free of algae, moss, dirt, and grime
No evidence of leaks from septic tank
Landscaping, driveway and walkways in good condition with no significant cracks
Trees in good condition without overhanging or touching roof
Detached garage, shed, fence and deck show no rotted wood or evidence of termites
Deck and stair railings are secure
leaves under bushes and pools of water for mosquito larvae are removed.
ROOF
Shingles are not missing or damaged and show no curling or cupping
No evidence of excess roofing cement or patches
Flashing around roof penetrations is present and in good condition
No decay or staining on soffits and fascia; fascia board lines appear straight and level
Vents for eaves are clean and not obstructed
Gutters show no decay, staining or rust and are securely attached with downspouts
Chimneys are straight and show no evidence of damage; flashing and cap are in good condition
OUTSIDE STRUCTURE
Visible foundation appears straight and plumb, in good condition with no significant cracks
Concrete foundation has no cracks or visible damage
No wood-to-ground contact
Siding has no cracks, decay or curling
Bricks show no damage or stress cracks in joints
Stucco shows no buldging, stress cracks, or flaking.
Aluminum and vinyl siding is not loose and shows no dents or damage
Paint is not flaking or blistered
Exterior walls show no staining
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Window appear square, no sticking, and locking correctly
Door frames appear square, no sticking, and locking correctly
Windows are caulked and sash between frames is functioning properly
Doors have weather stripping, are caulked,
Peep holes and windows in doors are weather resistant, secure and working properly.
Doors and Windows have the appropriate screens or storm proofing and/or security measures, and are functioning as expected.
Dog Doors are weather tight and secure from intruder access.
Thermal glass or storm windows are installed
Frames and trim are secure with no cracks or decay
Joints are caulked
Drip caps are installed
Garage Doors show no damage
Garage Doors tracks and rollers are oiled and operate properly
Garage Door Opener is operating as expected.
INTERIOR AND SYSTEMS
CRAWL SPACE
Adequate ventilation to exterior
No evidence of damage from moisture or insects
Water supply and waste pipes are insulated
Insulation between crawl space and heated areas
ATTIC
No evidence in attic of staining from roof
Structure shows no damage or decay
Adequate ventilation through soffit vents and end louvers; mechanical ventilation is operational
Plumbing, exhaust and appliance vents extend through roof
Insulation is sufficient and properly installed
Electrical splices are contained
ELECTRICAL
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Service panel has adequate capacity with cables attached properly
No knob-and-tube wiring
No aluminum cable for branch circuits
Cables are secured
Visible wiring is in good condition
No exposed electrical splices
PLUMBING
No accumulated sediment in Water Heater
Pressure test Propane and Natural Gas lines for leaks
Check appliance safety features
Check the water softener or filter and report rate to replenish salt or change filters.
Visible pipes show no damage or evidence of leaks
Drain pipes slope toward main waste outlet to sewer or septic system
Water heater is appropriate size for home and shows no signs of rust
Water heater pressure release valve is working properly
Water heater spricket is working
Septic tank pump is working.
Septic outlet effluent filter cartridge has life
Manufacture date of water heater is within length of expected use
Water pressure at fixtures in home falls within accepted range
Hot water temperature at fixtures does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit
Water from well is tested
Water pump does not short-cycle
Washing Machine has lent filter and is operational.
HEATING AND COOLING
Using alternative heating methods such as pex-pipe radiant heating? Not leaking, heat source is vented properly, after burners are shielded, copper tubing is flowing up not down, there is a pressure relief valve before check valve.
No gas odor
Air conditioning and heating to operate well with good air flow throughout home
Air filters clean
thermostats functioning and placed correctly
Flues are clean and have no open seams
Check fireplace for damage or hazards
Chimney has no damage and are clear of tar and creosote
Chimney has screened cap on top, to prevent birds and rain water from entery
registers and heat vents are clean
Duct-work is in good condition
No rust around cooling unit
INSIDE ROOMS
BATHROOMS
Working exhaust fan vents to exterior
Adequate water flow and pressure for hot and cold water at all fixtures
Tub, shower and sink drain smoothly
Visible plumbing under sink is in good condition and cabinet floor shows no water damage
Toilets flush and fill properly
Toilet is stable, with no rocking or stains at base
Caulking inside and outside of tub and shower is in good condition
Tiles are secure
Grout is sealed
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for all electrical outlets located within 6 feet of sinks
No evidence of leaking around base of tub or shower
KITCHEN
Working exhaust fan vents to outside
Refrigerator coils are clean
Refrigerator door shuts on its own
Refrigerator door seals are not failing.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for all electrical outlets located within 6 feet of sinks
Dishwasher drains properly and shows no evidence of leaks; door and baskets operate properly
Plumbing under sink is in good condition and cabinet shows no stains or decay from past leaks
Garbage disposal is operational and shows no rust or deterioration
Water flow to sink is adequate and drains properly
Built-in appliances operate properly
Cabinets are in good condition; doors and drawers operate properly
Back Splash is sealed, no sign of failure, secured. (Grout is sealed)
Vent-a-hood has working light, working fan, clean filter
INTERIOR ROOMS
Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight, plumb and level; no stains
Doors open without easily and latch properly when closed; no broken hardware
Flooring materials in good condition
No significant cracks in walls or ceilings
Windows and doors operate easily and latch properly, no broken glass, no sashes painted shut
Paint, wall covering, paneling in good condition
Wood trim installed well and in good condition
Lights and switches operate properly
Adequate number of three-pronged electrical outlets in each room
Electrical outlets test properly with spot checks
Heating and air conditioning vents in all rooms
Fireplace has no cracking or damaged masonry and shows no staining, which could indicate back-drafting; flue has been cleaned and is lined; damper works properly
Has shop, utility shed, storage shed, out building, barn, living quarters, live stock or coop, club house, closed in pavilion, open pavilion, boat house, root cellar, storm shelter, or any other structure requiring possible maintenance.
SECURITY & HOME AUTOMATION
Exterior lighting with home security in mind
Interior lighting hooked to transfer switch in-case of power failure
adequate WiFi coverage
Cell phone antennas, towers, cables, bidirectional amplifiers working as expected
Security cameras installed, NVR working; entire system is functioning as expected
Security alarms installed and working
Networking and media cables properly fished behind walls to an exterior faceplate for a clean connection point.
Network switches and hub installed properly.
SMART lights are programmed and working
SMART thermostat is programmed and working
SMART door bell is recording, adjusted properly
SMART lawn & garden watering system is programmed and working properly
Media room is free of clutter and loose/random wires, all devices and players are connected to the TV and/or Speaker system and working properly
MISCELLANEOUS
Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors,
fire extinguishers are of proper type and in the correct location, readily accessible for an emergency.
House has a battery backup system with transfer switch
Battery banks are charged by solar panels, this system is working properly
House has a Rain Water Collection system working properly.
Occupants have a “Fire Escape Plan” in place, two story houses have means of escape, downstairs security windows and doors can be released from inside.
Dryer vent pipe is free of lent (from dryer to exterior)
No dryer lent build up at exterior termination
Stairway treads and risers are solid
Stair handrails located in required areas are in good condition
Automatic garage door operates properly and stops for obstructions