Property Inspection Checklist
5 categories · 30 inspection items · Editable
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About This Template
Before buying, investing in, or renting out a property, a structured inspection checklist helps you spot issues that could become costly surprises. This Property Inspection Checklist covers five critical areas: exterior, major systems, kitchen & bathrooms, general interior, and safety equipment.
This checklist is designed to be used alongside — not instead of — a licensed professional inspection for purchase transactions. It's especially useful for: investors doing a quick property walkthrough before making an offer, landlords conducting periodic rental inspections, and buyers doing a final walkthrough before closing.
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What's Included
Exterior ChecklistRoof, foundation, siding, windows, driveways & landscaping.
Major SystemsHVAC, water heater, electrical panel & plumbing checks.
Kitchen & Bathroom DetailAppliances, fixtures, caulking & ventilation.
General InteriorWalls, floors, attic/basement, outlets & switches.
Safety EquipmentSmoke detectors, CO detectors, GFCI outlets & handrails.
Print-Ready FormatTake it on-site as a printed PDF or fill digitally.
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Property Inspection Checklist
Exterior · Interior · Systems · Safety
Property Address:
Inspection Date:
🏡 Exterior
Roof — missing/damaged shingles, flashing, gutters
Foundation — visible cracks, settling, drainage
Siding/exterior walls — condition, paint, damage
Windows & doors — seals, locks, screens
Driveway & walkways — cracks, trip hazards
Landscaping/grading — slopes away from foundation
Deck/porch — structural integrity, railings
🔧 Systems
HVAC — age, function test, filter condition
Water heater — age, leaks, capacity
Electrical panel — capacity, labeling, condition
Plumbing — visible leaks, water pressure, pipe material
Sump pump (if applicable) — function test
🏠 Interior — Kitchen & Bathrooms
All appliances — function test (stove, dishwasher, etc.)
Cabinets & countertops — condition, function
Faucets & fixtures — leaks, water pressure
Toilets — function, stability
Caulking & grout — signs of water damage
Ventilation fans — function test
🚪 Interior — General
Walls & ceilings — cracks, water stains, mold
Floors — damage, unevenness, squeaks
Windows & doors — operation, drafts
Electrical outlets & switches — function test
Attic/basement — insulation, moisture, pests
🚨 Safety
Smoke detectors — present & functional in every required room
Carbon monoxide detectors — present & functional
Fire extinguisher — present & not expired
GFCI outlets in kitchen/bathrooms/exterior
Handrails on stairs — secure
Template by diblk.com — for general informational use only. Not a substitute for a licensed home inspector's report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a replacement for a professional home inspection?▼
No. This checklist is a helpful screening tool for quick walkthroughs, investment due diligence, or routine rental inspections — but it does not replace a licensed home inspector's detailed report, which includes specialized tools, moisture meters, and professional liability. Always get a professional inspection for purchase transactions.
What should I look for during a property walkthrough?▼
Focus on the 'big four' cost items: roof condition, foundation/structural issues, HVAC age and function, and plumbing/electrical systems. These are the most expensive to repair or replace. Also check for signs of water damage (stains, musty smells) which often indicate hidden issues.
How often should landlords inspect rental properties?▼
Most landlords inspect rental units at move-in, move-out, and annually (or semi-annually) during the tenancy — always with proper notice as required by local law (typically 24-48 hours). Regular inspections catch maintenance issues early and document property condition.
What are red flags during a property inspection?▼
Major red flags: foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch, sagging rooflines, water stains on ceilings, mold/mildew smell, knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, galvanized or polybutylene plumbing, and HVAC systems older than 15-20 years. Any of these warrant a closer professional look.
Can I use this checklist on my phone during a walkthrough?▼
Yes — download the PDF and open it on your phone or tablet, or print it to bring along. The DOCX version can be edited digitally if you prefer typing notes directly into the document during your walkthrough.
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