BelongLog Interactive and printable

Home inspection checklist for buyers

Use this home inspection checklist to follow the exterior, roof, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interior, and included appliances. Check items off on your phone or print a clean copy for the walkthrough.

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This checklist is educational and cannot replace a qualified home inspector. Inspection scope, licensing, and standards vary by state and agreement.

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Direct answer

What should a home inspection checklist cover?

A buyer's home inspection checklist should cover visible and accessible site drainage, exterior surfaces, roof, attic, foundation, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, ventilation, interior rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, safety devices, and included appliances. It should also capture systems that were inaccessible or outside the inspector's scope so the buyer can decide whether specialist review is needed.

Before the walkthrough

Bring context, not just a blank checklist

Read the disclosures

Mark repairs, past water events, additions, and systems that need follow-up questions.

Confirm the scope

Ask what the inspector will observe, what is excluded, and when specialists may be appropriate.

Attend safely

Follow access instructions, take notes, and let the inspector handle panels, roofs, and unsafe areas.

40-point walkthrough

Printable home inspection checklist

0 of 40 reviewed

Site and exterior

Walk the lot and exterior before moving inside.

Grading directs water away from the foundation
Driveways, walkways, steps, and railings appear stable
Siding, trim, paint, and exterior penetrations are intact
Windows, exterior doors, decks, porches, and balconies operate safely
Drainage, retaining walls, trees, and visible site hazards are noted

Notes:

Roof and attic

Ask how the roof was observed and what areas were inaccessible.

Roof covering shows no obvious missing or damaged areas
Flashing, valleys, vents, skylights, and chimney areas are reviewed
Gutters and downspouts are secure and discharge appropriately
Attic framing, insulation, ventilation, and visible moisture are checked
Estimated roof age and known repair history are documented

Notes:

Foundation and structure

Record visible movement, moisture, or access limitations.

Visible foundation walls and slabs are checked for cracks or movement
Basement or crawlspace has no obvious standing water or active leakage
Floors, walls, ceilings, columns, and beams show no unexplained movement
Crawlspace access, ventilation, insulation, and vapor control are reviewed
Signs of wood damage or pest activity are noted for specialist follow-up

Notes:

Plumbing and water

Test representative fixtures and locate key shutoffs.

Main water shutoff and visible supply materials are identified
Fixtures drain and provide functional hot and cold water flow
Visible pipes, traps, valves, and connections show no active leaks
Water heater age, capacity, venting, temperature controls, and drain pan are noted
Sewer, septic, well, sump pump, or backflow systems needing separate review are identified

Notes:

Electrical and safety

Electrical defects can be hazardous; use qualified specialists for repairs.

Service panel, main disconnect, grounding, and visible wiring are reviewed
Representative lights, switches, and receptacles operate
GFCI or AFCI protection is present where required or recommended
Extension cords or exposed wiring are not used as permanent wiring
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations and operation are checked

Notes:

Heating, cooling, and ventilation

Ask for ages, service records, and systems excluded from testing.

Heating and cooling equipment responds to normal controls
Visible fuel lines, flues, exhausts, condensate drains, and filters are reviewed
Supply and return airflow is present at representative registers
Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry exhausts terminate appropriately
Equipment model, serial number, approximate age, and condition are photographed

Notes:

Interior rooms

Open accessible doors and windows and scan every room consistently.

Walls, ceilings, and floors show no unexplained stains, damage, or movement
Windows and interior doors operate and latch
Stairs, guards, and handrails appear secure
Bathrooms have functional fixtures, drainage, caulking, and ventilation
Garage separation, vehicle door, opener safety reverse, and fire concerns are reviewed

Notes:

Kitchen and included appliances

Confirm which appliances convey, then preserve their identifying details.

Cabinets, counters, sink, disposal, and visible connections are checked
Installed cooking, ventilation, dishwasher, and refrigeration equipment are tested as applicable
Laundry hookups and included washer or dryer are reviewed
Each included appliance model, serial number, age, and observed condition are photographed
Manuals, warranties, service records, keys, remotes, and seller disclosures are collected

Notes:

Where BelongLog fits

The inspection documents the house. An inventory documents what you own.

Do not mix defect reporting with a personal property inventory. After closing, preserve the inspection report and repair files separately. Then use BelongLog to record included appliances and the belongings you bring into each room.

Start the post-closing inventory

Inspection and inventory comparison
Home inspection	Home inventory
Structure and systems	Belongings and appliances
Observed condition and defects	Photos, serials, receipts, and values
Purchase due diligence	Insurance and ownership records

Buyer questions

Using the checklist well

Can a buyer use this checklist instead of hiring a home inspector?

No. This checklist helps a buyer organize observations and questions. It is not a substitute for an independent, qualified home inspector or specialist evaluation.

What should I bring to a home inspection?

Bring the property disclosure, this checklist, a phone or camera, a charger, a tape measure, and a way to record questions. Follow the inspector's safety and access instructions.

Should buyers attend the inspection?

When permitted, attending can help buyers understand systems, maintenance needs, limitations, and the significance of findings. Avoid distracting the inspector or entering unsafe areas.

What should I document after closing?

Keep the final inspection report, repair records, warranties, manuals, and photos. Record included appliances by room with model and serial numbers, then build a separate inventory of personal belongings for insurance planning.

Scope references

Home inspection checklist for buyers

What should a home inspection checklist cover?

Read the disclosures

Confirm the scope

Attend safely

Site and exterior

Roof and attic

Foundation and structure

Plumbing and water

Electrical and safety

Heating, cooling, and ventilation

Interior rooms

Kitchen and included appliances

The inspection documents the house. An inventory documents what you own.

Use professional standards as the baseline