Before the Inspection
Use the checklist while previewing the property to organize visible concerns and questions you want to raise.
What the Checklist Covers
Major Areas to Review Before Your Home Inspection.
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Exterior
Roof coverings, flashing, gutters, siding, trim, decks, driveways, grading and visible drainage conditions.
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Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, railings and visible signs of moisture or movement.
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Kitchen
Visible plumbing fixtures, cabinets, countertops, installed appliances, ventilation and accessible electrical components.
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Bathrooms
Fixtures, drainage, visible leaks, ventilation, surfaces, caulking and water-related conditions.
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Heating & Cooling
Accessible HVAC equipment, visible distribution components, thermostat operation and maintenance indicators.
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Electrical
Service equipment, accessible panels, visible wiring, switches, receptacles and other accessible electrical components.
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Plumbing & Water Heater
Visible supply and drain components, fixtures, water heater condition and signs of leakage or deterioration.
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Attic, Crawlspace & Structure
Accessible framing, insulation, ventilation, foundation areas, moisture conditions and visible structural concerns.
Use This Checklist
Download Home Inspection Checklist
Before, During & After Your Inspection.
During the Inspection
Follow along where practical, ask questions, and use the checklist as a reminder rather than as the inspection scope.
After the Inspection
Compare your notes with the professional report and focus on the inspector’s documented findings and recommendations.
Who This Helps
A Practical Resource for Different Property Decisions.
Home Buyers
Compare visible property features while touring homes and arrive at the professional inspection with better questions.
Home Sellers
Think through access, visible maintenance concerns and simple preparation before a pre-listing or buyer inspection.
Homeowners
Use the categories as a general maintenance-awareness guide between professional inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home Inspection Checklist FAQs.
Is this checklist the same as a professional home inspection?
No. A checklist is a practical observation and preparation tool. A professional home inspection is a structured visual examination performed by a trained inspector and documented in an inspection report.
Should I bring the checklist to the inspection?
You can. It can help you organize questions and remember areas you noticed while previewing the property. The inspector will still follow the professional inspection process and scope rather than relying on your checklist.
Can I use this checklist while touring homes before I make an offer?
Yes. The current My City checklist was created to help buyers observe and compare visible property features while previewing homes. It is not intended to diagnose defects or replace professional inspection.
Can sellers use the checklist too?
Yes. Sellers can use the checklist to think through access, visible maintenance concerns and preparation before a pre-listing or buyer inspection.
Can I use this checklist for a new construction home?
Yes, as a general observation tool, but new construction has its own inspection stages and concerns. A professional new-construction or pre-drywall inspection provides a more appropriate evaluation for those properties.
Is the checklist available as a printable PDF?
Yes. The downloadable My City Home Inspection Checklist is linked directly on this page so you can print it or keep it available on your device.
Ready for the Professional Inspection?
Use the checklist to prepare, then let My City Home Inspectors perform the professional property inspection and reporting.