What should a checklist include?

A checklist should list inspected components, observed conditions, photos, inspector name and license, date, client name, and any scope limitations. Factual, concise entries preserve the checklist’s usefulness for negotiations and future reference.

Is a notary required for the checklist?

Typically no. Home inspection checklists are informational and do not usually require notarization unless a supporting document or state-specific disclosure demands it. Check the purchase contract and state rules before arranging notarization.

Can the checklist be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally legally binding under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.

How quickly will I receive the final report?

Turnaround varies by inspector but most digital workflows deliver a signed, photo‑embedded PDF within 24–72 hours. Urgent requests can often be accommodated but confirm timing before scheduling.

What are common errors to fix before finalizing?

Common issues include missing photos, unspecified locations for defects, inconsistent dates, and incomplete inspector credentials. Address these before signing to reduce later disputes.

How do I change or update a completed checklist?

Create an addendum or corrected report that references the original checklist and includes the correction date and signature. Maintain both versions and a short explanation to preserve auditability.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Other
Home Inspection Checklist

Home Inspection Checklist

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Home Inspection Checklist

This home inspection checklist is for use by a prospective buyer of the property during the showing of the home, or thereafter, at the election of the buyer. This form is designed to provide the buyer with basic information about the property and a location to place notes buyer determines are important.

To be completed by Seller

Property Address:

Number of Bedrooms:

Baths:

Total Square Feet (Heating and Cooled):

Age of House:

Asking Price:

Years Occupied by Seller:

Reason for Selling:

No. of Stories: Wood Frame Brick Frame Wood and Brick

To be completed by Buyer

Near Work	Yes No	Street/Alleys Well Maintained	Yes No
Near Schools	Yes No	Traffic Volume	Yes No
Near Shopping	Yes No	Parks	Yes No
Near Expressways	Yes No	Neighbor’s Land Well Kept	Yes No
Near Public Transportation	Yes No	All Utilities Installed	Yes No
Near Doctor/Dentists	Yes No	Neighborhood Covenants/Restrictions	Yes No
Near Churches	Yes No	Near Trains/Airport	Yes No
Garbage Collection	Yes No	Area Zoned Residential	Yes No
Street Lights	Yes No	Near Industry	Yes No
Sidewalks	Yes No	Proposed Special Assessments	Yes No

For use by Buyer

Entrance Doors: OK Need Paint Water Damage

Entrance Hall

Walls: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Kitchen

Walls: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Den: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Dining Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Living Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Bedroom 1: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Bedroom 2: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Bedroom 3: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Master Bath: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Bath 2: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Bath 3: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Breakfast Area: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Game Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Carport/Garage: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Room: Paint Wallpaper Other

Floor: Carpet Wood Other

Ceiling notes:

Outlets: Cable Phone

Fireplace: Yes No Number In Which Rooms

Roof:

Attic: Walk-up Hatch Room for Storage

Insulation: Adequate Inadequate

Evidence of Past Water Intrusion: Yes No

Outside / Utilities / Notes

Outside Paint

Foundation

Utilities

Oil Heat

Gas Heat

Electric Heat

Hot Water Heat

Insulation

Central Air Conditioning

Estimated Water Bill

Estimated Electric Bill

Energy-Conservation Features

Age of Heating System

Age of Water Heater

Capacity of Water Heater

Age of Electrical Wiring

Plumbing Condition

Estimated Heating Bill

What I like

What I dislike

General Notes

Buyer Signature

Date

Seller Signature

What the Home Inspection Checklist Is and Why It Matters

A Home Inspection Checklist is a structured report used by licensed inspectors, buyers, sellers, and agents to record the observed condition of a residential property. It lists exterior and interior elements, systems, and potential safety hazards, captures measurements and photos, and documents recommended repairs or further evaluation needs. The checklist standardizes inspections for consistency, creates a written record for contract contingencies, and supports negotiation or disclosure obligations during a real estate transaction.

Primary benefits of using a standardized checklist

A checklist reduces oversights, ensures consistent coverage of major systems, documents defects with dates and photos, and creates a defensible record for negotiations and repairs.

Who typically completes and relies on this checklist

Different parties use the Home Inspection Checklist at distinct stages of a transaction: inspectors collect data, buyers review findings, and agents coordinate follow-up.

Licensed home inspectors — perform standardized walk-throughs and document system status and safety concerns.
Home buyers and their agents — review results for contingency decisions and for repair or credit negotiations.
Sellers and listing agents — use checklist results to plan repairs, price adjustments, or required disclosures.

Clear role separation helps preserve the checklist as an objective record and reduces later disputes about scope or missing items.

Essential sections to include in a professional checklist

A complete Home Inspection Checklist groups observations by readily understood categories so readers can find issues quickly and compare systems across properties.

Exterior

Covers grading, siding, foundation visible conditions, windows and doors, and evidence of water intrusion with photographic notes.

Roof & Attic

Documents roof covering, flashing, gutters, attic ventilation, insulation levels, and any signs of past or active leaks.

Structural

Notes visible framing issues, foundation cracks, sagging members, and signs of settlement or structural movement.

Electrical

Lists service size, panel condition, wiring issues, ground/neutral observations, and missing or unsafe devices.

Plumbing

Records water supply, waste lines, visible leaks, water heater condition, and drainage performance where observable.

HVAC & Appliances

Reports on furnace/AC operation, age, maintenance indicators, and the functional status of major built-in appliances.

Required identifying and scope details to record

Inspector License: State license number

Property Address: Street, city, ZIP

Inspection Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Client Contact: Buyer or agent phone/email

Scope Limits: Areas or systems excluded

Inspection Type: Pre-listing, buyer, or warranty

Step-by-step: completing a Home Inspection Checklist

Follow a consistent workflow to collect accurate data, reduce rework, and produce a timely report for contractual deadlines.

01

Prepare the property: Confirm access, utilities on, and required keys present.
02

Systematic walkthrough: Inspect each checklist area top-to-bottom and photograph issues.
03

Record findings: Note severity, recommended action, and responsible party.
04

Deliver report: Provide signed digital report to client and agent promptly.

How to set up an online inspection workflow

Configure the digital checklist to match your inspection routine and reduce manual entry while preserving audit-ready records.

Field	Configuration
Auto-fill address	Enable \| Use property database lookup
Photo attachment	Required \| Enforce minimum two photos per major defect
Signature capture	Required \| Signer initials and final signature
Report export	PDF \| Include photos and audit trail

Typical routing: from inspection to signed report

A clear electronic workflow shortens turnaround and preserves a timestamped audit trail for contract use.

Upload checklist: Inspector loads completed checklist into the system.
Assign signer: Send to client and agent for review and signature.
Sign and timestamp: Parties sign electronically; system records IP and time.
Distribute copies: Automatically send signed PDF and certificate to stakeholders.

Technical considerations for electronic completion and delivery

Ensure the platform supports required file formats, basic integrations, and secure signer authentication to maintain record integrity.

File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Integrations: Salesforce, Google Workspace, NetSuite
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or KBA

Common timing expectations tied to contracts

Contract language typically sets inspection-related deadlines; verify the purchase contract for exact timing and any automatic waivers.

Inspection contingency deadline:

Typically 7–14 days from contract acceptance

Reinspection window:

Commonly within 3–7 days after repairs

Report delivery:

Inspectors often deliver within 24–72 hours

Response negotiation period:

Buyers may request repairs within contingency period

Contract cure timeframe:

Contract may set a fixed cure period for seller responses

Sequential milestones from offer to closing

Track inspection milestones in order to meet contingency and financing deadlines and to preserve negotiation rights.

01

Offer accepted

Contract goes effective and sets inspection timeframe.

02

Schedule inspection

Arrange access and utilities within the agreed window.

03

Receive report

Client and agent review findings and photos.

04

Negotiate repairs

Buyer requests repairs, credits, or price adjustments.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the checklist

Incomplete addresses or wrong parcel numbers causing misfiling and confusion among title and escrow teams.
Failing to document inaccessible areas or conditions that limit inspection scope, leaving parties with unclear expectations.
Using subjective language instead of factual descriptions, which weakens the checklist as evidence in disputes.
Not attaching photos or timestamped evidence for each significant defect increases disagreement over severity or timing.

Risks and contractual consequences of an incomplete or inaccurate checklist

Missed defects: Buyer bears unexpected repair costs

Contingency waiver: Buyer may lose negotiation rights

Liability claim: Inspector risk for negligent omissions

Contract default: Delays or termination of sale

Insurance dispute: Coverage arguments over preexisting damage

Regulatory violation: Disclosure failures may trigger fines

Select e-signature vendor comparison for checklist signing and distribution

Pricing and feature availability vary by vendor and plan; signNow is listed first for parity and ease of comparison.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about using a Home Inspection Checklist

Answers address scope, signing, retention, and common execution issues encountered during residential transactions.

Need help? Contact support

What should a checklist include?
A checklist should list inspected components, observed conditions, photos, inspector name and license, date, client name, and any scope limitations. Factual, concise entries preserve the checklist’s usefulness for negotiations and future reference.
Is a notary required for the checklist?
Typically no. Home inspection checklists are informational and do not usually require notarization unless a supporting document or state-specific disclosure demands it. Check the purchase contract and state rules before arranging notarization.
Can the checklist be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally legally binding under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
How quickly will I receive the final report?
Turnaround varies by inspector but most digital workflows deliver a signed, photo‑embedded PDF within 24–72 hours. Urgent requests can often be accommodated but confirm timing before scheduling.
What are common errors to fix before finalizing?
Common issues include missing photos, unspecified locations for defects, inconsistent dates, and incomplete inspector credentials. Address these before signing to reduce later disputes.
How do I change or update a completed checklist?
Create an addendum or corrected report that references the original checklist and includes the correction date and signature. Maintain both versions and a short explanation to preserve auditability.

Explore Templates

DV-110K Temporary Restraining Order DV-112 Waiver of Hearing on Denied Request for Temporary DV-112 Waiver of Hearing on Denied Request for Temporary Restraining Order Waiver of Hearing on Denied Request for Temporary Restraining Order Waiver of Hearing on Denied Request for Temporary Restraining Order DV-115 Request to Continue Court Hearing

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now