Inspection Checklist
Site
- Property
- Address
- Owner
- Address
Records
- Original drawings
- Records of past additions or alterations
- Maintenance records
- Maintenance contracts
- Guarantees or warranties
- Insurance policies
- Monitoring apparatus (telltales)
- Services
- Gas - provider:
- Electricity -provider:
- Sewage - type and location:
- Water - source:
- Telephone - provider:
- Mail delivery
- Storm drainage system
- Trash removal - provider:
- Other municipal services
Grounds
- Soil type: clay, silt, gravel, sands, boulder, bedrock till,
rocky, clean fill, organic matter fill
- Drainage of lot sufficient
- Ruts, low spots, or wet ground present
- Condition of lawn
- Bare spots in lawn
- Edges and borders
- Street sweepings on lawn
- Street trash on lawn
- Salt damage near sidewalks or street
- Condition of trees (insects and/or rot)
- Condition of shrubs
- Trees need pruning (dead limbs)
- Shrubs need pruning
- Noxious weeds present
- Plants holding water against structure
- Trees overhang or touch structure (damage or leaf buildup)
- Are shrub or tree roots damaging the structure
- Presence of creepers or vines
- Damage caused by creepers or vines
- Do grounds show signs of rodents
- Safe refuse storage area present
- Health hazards: animal/bird feces, lead paint, chemicals
- Services of a landscape architect required
Sidewalks or driveways
- Sidewalk material(s): concrete, asphalt, pavers, gravel, soil
- Sidewalk safety hazards
- Sidewalk cracked, heaved or sunken
- Sidewalk spalled
- Driveway material(s): concrete, asphalt, paver, gravel, soil
- Driveway is cracked, heaved or sunken
- Driveway bumper clearance at curb is sufficient
- Safe view when backing/driving out of the driveway
- Driveway width is sufficient
- Driveway shows oil stains
Fences, play equipment, etc.
- Wood fences, rails or posts have rot present
- Wood fences out of alignment
- Metal fences dented or rusted
- Fences pose safety hazards
- Fences are properly painted
- Children play equipment free of sharp edges, rotted cords,
rotted wood members
Foundations
- Material: concrete, block, stone, brick, pressure treated
wood
- Pointing: lime, cement
- Stucco: lime or cement, pigmented
- Pointing needs repair - amount (%) damaged
- Nature of previous repointing
- Joint profile appropriate to the structure
- Stucco needs repair - amount (%) damaged
- Condition of stucco repairs
- Quality of previous stucco repair
- Moisture - rising damp present (average height)
- Moisture - backsplash from ground (distance soil to organic
material)
- Moisture - shrubs holding moisture to structure
- Water drains away from foundation (positive drainage)
- Neighboring buildings preventing proper drainage
- Moisture problem is general or local
- Spalling from freezing present
- Spalling from subflorescence (salts) present
- Efflorescence present
- Cracks
- Cracks - probable result of material shrinkage
- Cracks - have old building debris in them
- Cracks - caused by structural movement
- Cracks - require additional monitoring (telltales)
- Uneven settlement present (location)
- Foundations shows tilts or bulges
- Evidence of oxide jacking (rust bulges) present
- Iron rust stains present
- Copper stains present
- Organic stains present
- Foundation crawl space vents operable and clear of vegetation
- Foundation openings (door and windows) show:
- rust - location:
- rot - location:
- insect attack - location:
- paint failure - type/location:
- soil buildup - location:
- deflection of lintels - location:
- Exterior cellar steps safe
- Exterior cellar door weather tight
- Exterior cellar door free of biological attack
- Exterior cellar door properly painted - failure:
- Exterior cellar door secure, with lock and proper hinges
- Services of a structural engineer required
Structure
Type of wall
- Solid masonry: poured concrete, cement block, brick, cut
stone, random ashlar, terra cotta, other:
- Clad wood frame: heavy timber, balloon, platform, log, stacked
plank, other:
- Metal skeleton
Cladding Material
- Wood: clapboard, cut shingle, split shingle, board and batten
- plywood panels, other:
- stone veneer, other:
- Modern products: vinyl siding, aluminum siding, metal clad,
asbestos shingles,
insul-brick, carrara glass, plastic, other:
Finish Materials
__ Type: latex paint, alkyd paint, oil paint, cement paint, lime
paint, varnish,
oil, stain, metal paint ______ __ Texture: flat, eggshell, satin,
semi-gloss, gloss, ______
Condition of Masonry Wall (Solid of veneered) ______
__ Moisture problems present: rising damp, rain penetration, ______
condensation moisture from plants, falling damp from roof, sills,
or ledges ______
__ Spalling from freezing present: Location:___________________
______
__ Spalling from subflorescence present Location:___________________
______
__ Efflorescence present Location:____________________ ______
__ Pointing in lime or cement ______
__ Pointing needs repair? Amount damaged, %___________________
______
__ Quality of previous repointing is good ______
__ Cement pointing used as repair material ______
__ Original joint profile damaged in previous repairs ______
__ Joint profile appropriate to structure ______
__ Weep holes present and open ______
__ Arches or lintels deflected Rot, rust, building movement ______
__ Walls are plumb ______
__ Walls show bulges ______
__ Metal masonry ties are probably rusted ______
__ Cracks - probably result of material shrinkage ______
__ Cracks have old debris present in them ______
__ Cracks - caused by structural movement ______
__ Cracks require additional monitoring ______
__ Uneven settlement present ______
__ Stains present - rust, copper, organic, paint ______
__ Surface weathered, acid etched, or crusted ______
__ Surface needs cleaning ______
__ Surface has been sandblasted ______
__ Surface has sealant on it: When treated________ ______
__ Masonry has had plastic repairs ______
__ Original masonry repaired with matching material ______
Condition of Wooden Elements
__ Moisture problem present_____________________ ______
__ Insect attack present_____________________ ______
__ Fungal attack present_____________________ ______
__ Other forms of biological attack_______________________ ______
__ Wood surface badly weathered from UV ______
__ Wood is warped, cupped, twisted ______
__ Wood is split, checked or has loose knots ______
__ Nails are pulling loose or rusted ______
__ Mitre joints opening from shrinkage and structural movement
______
__ Mechanical damage to wooden elements ______
Condition of Exterior Surface Finish Material
__ Surface finish shows:
__ Solvent blistering ______
__ Moisture blistering ______
__ Sag or wrinkling ______
__ Alligatoring ______
__ Peeling from wood - intercoat failure ______
__ Peeling from wood - moisture induced ______
__ Peeling from masonry - caused by efflorescence ______
__ Peeling from masonry - caused by moisture ______
__ Chalking ______
__ UV induced varnish failure ______
__ Surface finish has following stains:
__ Rust ______
__ Bleeding knots ______
__ Mildew ______
__ Colored paint drip mars ______
__ Other stains _____________________ ______
__ Surface finish cleanliness:
__Dirt and grease under soffit ______
__Dirt and grease by air vents ______
__General surface soiled ______
__ Surface finish neatly applied ______
__ End grain stopped ______
__ Caulking is sound, well applied and flexible ______
__ Architectural detail muted ______
Openings: Windows
Glass
__ Glass is optically clear, cracked, scratched, bubbled, seeds,
reams ______
__ Glass has oily grime deposit on exterior surface ______
__ Glass is missing ______
__ Double glazed sash has fogged over inside its glass sandwich
______
__ Percent of original glass present (____%) ______
Glazing
__ Glass is back puttied ______
__ Putty has perished ______ __ Putty is brittle and falling out
______
Sash Frames
__ Sash painted shut ______
__ Condensation damage to wood and paint present ______
__ Sash easy to operate ______
__ Frame is free of distortion ______
__ Joints are open to moisture and penetration ______
__ End grain is properly stopped-up ______
__ Frame is badly weathered ______
__ Sash is probably of original design format ______
Hardware
__ Window pulleys turn freely ______
__ Sash cords are sound ______
__ Window locks are secure and free of rust at anchor screws ______
__ Hinges swing freely ______
__ Storm window and shutter hardware is present and in good operating
condition ______
__ Sliding hardware operates smoothly ______
Storm Windows
__ Each opening has its proper storm window ______
__ Storm windows seat snugly against frame or weather stripping
______
__ Aluminum storms properly installed, free of air leaks and operates
freely ______
__ Storm window sash show evidence of condensation damage ______
Frames and Sills
__ Frame is plumb, level and square ______
__ Sills show weather checking ______
__ Drip cap flashings are present and free of corrosion ______
__ Sills have drip grove on underside ______
__ Caulking between frame elements and cladding material is secure
and flexible ______
Openings: Doors
Wooden Doors
__ Joints are secure ______
__ Door sags at its joints ______
__ Door sags on its hinges ______
__ Door has been clipped top or bottom to fit non-square opening
or uneven floor ______
__ Door seats against its stops or weather stripping without springing
the hinges ______
__ Door panels are cracked ______
__ Panels show past repair attempts ______
__ Excessive paint build-up at panel edges ______
__ End grain of exterior door is stopped - up ______
__ Exterior plywood doors delaminating ______
__ Bolection moldings secure and not nailed to panels ______
Metal Doors
__ Show signs of corrosion ______
__ Sprung from excessive heat ______
__ Door fits properly against its stops ______
Door Hardware
__ Hinges are sprung ______
__ Hinges need lubrication ______
__ Locks work freely ______
__ Latches work freely ______
__ Extra sets of keys are available ______
__ Door stops are effective ______
__ Door can be easily jimmied ______
__ Glass in Door ______
Door Frames
__ Door frames are plumb, level and square ______
__ Door frame wicking up water ______
__ Door frame well caulked to cladding ______
__ Sill is worn ______
Additional Information
__ Storm doors present ______
__ Screen doors present ______
__ Door width meets code requirements ______
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters
__ Material is: galvanized iron, copper, aluminum, plastic ______
__ Size of gutter (____ mm) will handle water load ______
__ Sagging and ponding present (caused by ladder, snow or ice
load) ______
__ Gutter mounting brackets are secure ______
__ Gutters show signs of corrosion ( acid fluxedjoints, ponding,
etc.) ______
__ Gutters filled with trash from trees ______
__ Gutter screens present ______
__ Copper free from iron contact ______
Downspouts
__ Material is: galvanized iron, copper, aluminum, plastic ______
__ Size of downspout (____ mm) will handle water load ______
__ Leader boxes are of sufficient size ______
__ Water is flushing against the structure ______
__ Down spouts can be loosened for inspection and maintenance
______
__ Feed out is securely attached and runs water away from building
______
__ Feed outs can be moved around without damage ______
Roof
Type of Roof and General Comments
__ Design: gable, hip, flat, dormers, valleys, other __________________
______
__ Materials: sawn shingle, shakes, slate, asphalt shingles, rolled
asphalt
galvanized iron shingle or sheet, tin clad iron, lead, stainless
steel,
hot tar, rubber membrane and built up. ______
__ Are there water blockage points behind chimneys, plugged valleys,
etc. ______
__ Has the leading edge of the roof been damaged by ladders ______
__ Is there a drip edge present ______
__ Is there leading edge of the roof wet ______
__ Is there evidence of biological attack ______
__ Is there evidence of broken shingles, wind damage or severe
weathering ______
__ Is the nailing sound or are shingles dangling ______
__ Have there been previous repairs ______
__ Are wooden shingles cupped or split ______
__ Are roof vents sufficient for attic size ______
__ Is the soffit vented ______
__ Is there cathodic reaction between metals ______
__ Are there holes in the roof from guy cables, ice removal, etc.
______
__ Are nails pulling loose ______
__ Flashing are well seated ______
__ Metal seams are well crimped ______
__ Heater cables worn ______
Flat Roofs
__ Is there trash build-up ______
__ Blisters of slits in the membrane ______
__ Roof well covered with gravel ______
__ Drain pipes are plugged or standing proud ______
__ Flashings are well seated ______
__ Ponding of water is present ______
Chimneys
Materials
__ Chimney constructed of brick, stone, lime mortar, cement mortar,
refractory cement, tile lining, metal lining, metal insulated
chimney ______
__ Chimney is interior or exterior ______
__ Number of flues:______ ______
General Conditions
__ Chimney standing proud from exterior foundations ______
__ Chimney repaired above roof line ______
__ Condition of pointing sound ______
__ Inner lime or cement parging sound ______
__ Cleanout present ______
__ Chimney needs cleaning or creosote ______
__ Air tight wood stove in use ______
__ Type of fuel burnt: oil, wood, gas, coal ______
__ Chimney has stainless steel liner ______
__ Chimney can be cleaned and inspected easily from the roof ______
__ Flue is round or square (size____ mm) ______
__ Condensation problems present ______
__ Chimney leans ______
__ Combustible material clearance meets code ______
__ Chimney cap present ______
__ Metal chimney shows "hot spots" from settlement ______
__ Smoke bomb test warranted ______
__ Chimney is well flashed ______
__ Number of appliances on each flue:______________ ______
Porches and Open Balconies
Materials
__ Wood, concrete, stone brick, metal, other __________________
______
General Conditions
__ Steps are safe ______
__ Handrails are secure ______
__ Salt damage present ______
__ Support post shows rot in base ______
__ Iron fittings are corroded ______
__ Area is well lit ______
Plumbing
Water Supply
__ Potable water source: municipal, well, cistern, stream, lake
______
__ Water test conducted:
Potable_______________________ ______
Iron content______________________ ______
Mineral content_______________________ ______
__ Water pressure (______ psi) ______
Pressure limiting valve present ______
__ Curb stop location:_________________________________________
______
__ Depth of water main:___________________ ______
__ Metered / Non- metered ______
Meter location:_______________________________________ ______
__ Water main: lead, galvanized iron, "K" copper ______
Size:______________ ______
Condition:__________________ ______
Distribution System
__ Material, lead, iron, K,L,M, copper, polyethylene ______
__ Approximate age:_______ Condition: good, fair , poor ______
__ Mixed material ______
__ Main distribution size:_______________ ______
__ Branch distribution size:_______________ ______
__ Pipes insulated ______
__ Pipes slope for complete drainage ______
__ Pipe location limits basement use ______
__ Vacuum breakers outside on bibs ______
__ Vacuum breaker present on boiler supply ______
__ Location of main shut-off valve:______________________________________
______
Fixtures
__ Number of fixtures: sink_____, laundry tub_____, bath tub_____,
shower_____, water closet______, lav_____, bidet_____ ______
__ Bathroom location, number of pieces, condition ______
No. 1_______________________________________________________
No. 2_______________________________________________________
No. 3_______________________________________________________
No. 4_______________________________________________________
__ Leakage on underside or at traps ______
__ Water pressure sufficient ______
__ Faucets drip ______
__ Shut offs on W.C. and bidets ______
__ Tank gaskets on W.C. brittle ______
__ Showers, tubs and sinks well caulked ______
__ Chrome fittings worn or marred ______
__ Plaster damage by fixtures from wetting ______
Water Heater
__ Make:____________________, Model:______________________,
Wattage:____________________ ______
__ Tank lining: glass or galvanized ______
__ Owned or rented ______
Cost per month:______________ ______
__ Gals. / Liters:_________ ______
__ Approximate Age:___________ ______
__ Temperature / Pressure release valve ______
__ Overflow pipe ______
__ Tank easy to drain ______
__ Tank properly vented ______
__ Insulated blanket present ______
__ General condition: good, fair, poor ______
Shut-off Valves
__ Risers to separate dwelling ______
__ Main drain valve present ______
__ Separate lines have bleeders ______
Vent System
__ All fixtures vented ______
__ Island sinks vented ______
__ Height of vent above roof:______________ ______
__ Diameter of roof vent:____________ ______
__ Vent pipe insulated in attic ______
Waste disposal system
__ Evidence of recent blockage ______
__ Clean out cap recently removed ______
__ All fixtures have proper traps ______
__ Soil pipe shows deterioration ______
__ Leech field wet, smelly ______
__ Size of leech field:_______________________ ______
__ Age of leeching bed:_________ ______
__ Size of septic tank:_________ ______
__ Record available of past clean outs ______
Well
__ Depth:________ ______
__ Pump type: reciprocating, jet, submersible ______
__ Make:_____________________________ ______
__ Model:____________________________ ______
__ Year:____________________________ ______
__ Serial #:_____________________ ______
__ Pump protected from freezing ______
__ Capacity pressure storage tank:_______________ ______
__ Pressure switch working normally ______
__ Well cap and casing safe from accidental entry ______
__ Distance to waste drainage field or stock yard:_________________
______
Electrical
Service entry
__ Overhead line height:____________ ______
__ Wire size:__________AWG, Amp rating ______
__ Service panel rating:_______amps ______
__ Meter size:_________amps, Location:______________________________
______
__ Approximate age of installation:___________________ ______
__ Current expected load usage:_____________amps ______
__ Building heated electrically ______
Service Panel
__ Circuit AWG Wire Gage Amp # of Outlets Connected to
1 ____________ ____ __________ __________
2 ____________ ____ __________ __________
3 ____________ ____ __________ __________
4 ____________ ____ __________ __________
5 ____________ ____ __________ __________
6 ____________ ____ __________ __________
7 ____________ ____ __________ __________
8 ____________ ____ __________ __________
9 ____________ ____ __________ __________
10 ____________ ____ __________ __________
11 ____________ ____ __________ __________
12 ____________ ____ __________ __________
13 ____________ ____ __________ __________
14 ____________ ____ __________ __________
15 ____________ ____ __________ __________
16 ____________ ____ __________ __________
17 ____________ ____ __________ __________
18 ____________ ____ __________ __________
19 ____________ ____ __________ __________
20 ____________ ____ __________ __________
__ Fuse rejectors present ______
__ Fuse bases pitted ______
__ Circuit jumpers in fuse box ______
Ground Circuits
__ Ground location: street side water meter, earth stake ______
__ Ground connector: loose, heavily corroded ______
__ Branch circuits have ground wire ______
__ Plugs and sockets properly plugged ______
__ Live wires switched ______
Branch Circuits
__ Knob and tube, plastic sheath, or mixed ______
__ Type of wire: copper, aluminum ______
__ If aluminum: connections show signs of corrosion ______
__ Points of heavy load show heat embrittlement of insulation
______
__ Bathroom plugs: Ground Fault Protected ______
__ Refrigerator on separate circuit ______
__ Stove has plug ______
__ Dryer has plug ______
__ Load miser present: what circuit_____________ ______
__ Exterior pugs have GFI ______
__ Switch and outlet boxes papered over ______
__ Placement of wires in basement limits use of space ______
Heating and Air Conditioning
General Information
__ Fuel Source: oil, gas, coal, wood, electric, solar ______
__ Heat distribution: gravity, forced air, hot water, steam ______
__ Fuel storage capability: __________ ______
__ Fuel supplier:_______________________________________________
______
__ Past record of fuel bills available ______
__ Furnace: make______________________, model___________________
serial #______________, BTU____________ ______
__ Service technician:______________________________________________
______
__ Air Filter #:_____________ ______
__ Fuel Filter #:______________ ______
Electric Heat
__ Wattage / room and circuit no:
Kitchen__________________________ bedroom 1______________________
living room_______________________ bedroom 2______________________
dinning room_____________________ bedroom 3______________________
Hall down________________________ bedroom 4______________________
hall up__________________________ den____________________________
bath 1___________________________ basement_______________________
bath 2___________________________ other___________________________
__ Thermostats function ______
__ Units free of dust ______
__ Maker:_____________________ Model #:__________________ ______
__ Local supplier:____________________________________________
______
Oil Fired Furnace
__ Good spark and points ______
__ Clean yellow frame ______
__ Air blower clean and quiet ______
__ Combustion chamber free of soot ______
__ Service record present ______
__ Combustion chamber free of rust ______
__ Ample air supply present ______
__ Draft regulator on flue pipe ______
__ Thermostat functions ______
__ Fuel line well protected ______
__ Fuel filter easy to change ______
__ Storage tank free of rust ______
__ Fuel filling and vent pipe properly capped ______
__ Fuel level indicator easy to read ______
Gas Fired Furnace
__ Pilot light out for summer ______
__ Thermostat functions properly ______
__ Clean blue flame present ______
__ Ample air supply present ______
__ Unit is free of rust ______
__ Gas line secure and in good condition ______
__ Fuel storage tank in safe location ______
Heat Distribution - Water and Steam
__ Water pump runs quietly ______
__ Pressure relief valves free of corrosion ______
__ Radiators have air vents that work ______
__ Distribution system has corrosion or leaks present ______
__ Radiators free of heavy paint build up ______
__ Pipes interfere with use of basement space ______
Heat Distribution - Forced Air
__ Blower motor quiet ______
__ Filters clean ______
__ Supply of extra filters on hand ______
__ Rust or condensation in duct work ______
__ Duct work free of dust and dirt ______
__ Location and number of cold air returns adequate ______
Humidification Unit
__ Humidistat functions properly ______
__ Humidification unit has scum, rust or mineral deposits in tray
______
__ Unit runs quietly ______
__ Unit leaks water onto furnace unit ______
Air Conditioner
__ Approximate age of unit ______
__ Air or water cooled ______
__ Unit responds to thermostat control ______
__ Unit free of noise and vibration ______
__ Make:________________________Model:_______________________
Serial #:_______________________
Service Rep.:___________________________________________________
Plaster
Materials
__ Lime plaster, gypsum plaster, gypsum wallboard, waterproof
wallboard ______
__ Textures: smooth coat, 2nd coat, applied texture ______
__ Lath type: sawn wood, split wood, expanded metal, "rock lath"
______
__ Plaster grounded to woodwork or woodwork applied over plaster
______
__ Decorative elements: moulding, carvings ______
Condition
__ Plaster keys are sound ______
__ Plaster shows signs of general deterioration ______
__ Distemper paint present ______
__ Wallpaper over plaster ______
__ Movement cracks present ______
__ Shrinkage cracks present ______
__ Older repairs present ______
__ Paper covering on wallboard torn ______
__ Lath telegraphing through ______
__ Plaster by baths and showers sound ______
Interior Finishes
Wallpapers
__ Type: vinyl coated, stripable, historic ______
__ Condition: soiled, torn, abraded, faded, misaligned ______
__ Repair rolls or scraps available ______
Paints
__ Type: oil, latex, alkyd, casein, distemper ______
__ Record of color and manufacturer present ______
__ Cans of touch up paint available and usable ______
__ Condition of paint: soiled, cracked, alligatored, worn, chipped
______
__ Paint on hardware ______
__ Quality of paint work: excellent, good, sloppy ______
__ Walls have decorative stencils present ______
Interior Woodwork and Floors
__ Type of wood:_____________________________ ______
__ Woodwork is historic, replacement, modern ______
__ Woodwork was painted or varnished when new ______
__ Excessive layer of paint present ______
__ Varnish is dull and dirty ______
__ Wooden floors worn ______
__ Wooden floors have recently been sanded ______
__ Wooden floors squeak ______
__ Ceramic tiles are in excellent, fair, poor condition ______
__ Linoleum coverings in excellent, fair, poor condition ______
__ Carpets are clean ______
__ Carpets are in excellent, fair, poor condition ______
__ Carpets are wool, nylon, polyester ______
