Sample Inspection Report
See exactly what you'll get: a full PDF report with photos of every finding, written so buyers, sellers and agents can act on it. The property and client in this sample are fictional.
What's in every report
Photos of every finding
Each item comes with clear photos, with arrows pointing at the problem, so you can see the issue without going back to the house.
Plain-language notes
What we found, where it is, and what it means, without jargon or alarm.
A one-page summary
Every item that needs attention is listed in one place, grouped by system, so the important findings come first.
Ready for repair requests
Organized so agents can quickly pull items into a request for repairs or credits.
Summary of Items Needing Attention
This is the summary page from a 57-page sample report, with 43 items. Items with an orange edge are marked Not Acceptable: a safety hazard or not working properly. All others are marked Needs Attention.
Electrical System
- Main Electrical Service › Building Electrical ServiceThe main electrical line from the power pole to the building has some contact from tree branches and limbs and they may need to be trimmed back at times to keep them from putting pressure on the line.
- Exterior Electrical › ConditionThere is a missing light with exposed wire outside the rear garage exterior door.
- Fixtures › ConditionThere are light fixtures that did not work. This can be a burnt out bulb but it is not known exactly why they are not working such as at the main bedroom ceiling and 2nd bedroom bath vanity.
- Smoke Alarms › ConditionRight hall detector is hanging down from ceiling area.
Heating & Cooling System
- Cooling › Condensate LineThe condensate drain line is too short and does not extend out to the edge of the foundation but terminates over / beyond the gutter.
Attic & Roof System
- Attic › Attic Framing ConditionThere are areas of stains on the framing lumber, it is usually not possible to tell if this is from past or present roof leaks. See roof notes for details on any needed repairs.
- Attic › Insulation ConditionThere is little insulation provided in the attic. When this building was built it was not common to install the amount that is required today. 8 - 12 inches of insulation is standardly recommended in the attic for energy savings.
- Attic › Insulation ConditionThe insulation has been disturbed and good coverage is no longer present in some portions of the attic. 8 - 12 inches of insulation is standardly recommended in the attic for energy savings.
- Roof › Shingle Roof Covering StatusThere are areas of displaced and damaged and deteriorated shingles.
- Roof › Shingle Roof Covering StatusThe shingles are older, deteriorating and losing their surface granules. It is nearing the time to replace this roof. Consult with a roofing specialist on its expected remaining life.
- Roof › Shingle Roof Covering StatusThere are branches laying or rubbing against the roofing material. These need to be trimmed back or removed to prevent damage from occurring to the roof.
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionOne of the flashings has been cut open and needs repairs.
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionThe metal flashings are rusting and corroded in areas.
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionSome of the flashings were placed over the roofing material, this is not standard and is not considered a reliable installation, they will require high maintenance to ensure that they remain leak free.
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionSome of the flashings are missing screens to prevent animals from entering into the area below them.
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionThe area where the flashing slope meets the roof is wide and flat and is prone to hold debris and water and is a potential leak source. Current recommendations are for a raised area to be installed behind the areas to direct the water around this area and off the roof (called a 'cricket').
- Exposed Flashings › ConditionThe satellite dish was bolted directly through the roof material and is not considered a reliable installation and will require maintenance to ensure the penetrations remain sealed.
- Gutters, Downspouts & Roof Drainage › Downspout ConditionThe downspouts do not all route the water away from the building but instead deposit it next to the structure which commonly causes problems to the foundation over time. Ideally these would extend 4-6 feet away from the foundation.
Exterior
- Exterior Window Surfaces › ScreensThere are screens that are ripped and torn such as at the left rear bedroom.
- Exterior Trim › ConditionThere is bubbled paint on the exterior trim.
- BBQSome of the ignitors are not working and igniting for the gas burners.
Grounds
- Walkways › ConditionThere are cracked areas of the walkways that are typical for the age and style of construction.
- Drainage › Drainage ConditionThere was no termination located for the planter area drains. Check with the seller as to where these are located.
- Drainage › Drainage ConditionThere are planted areas next to the foundation, these are not recommended unless fully drained as they can allow moisture to oversaturate the soil and cause erosion and settlement over time. If severe enough this can also deteriorate the foundation walls over time.
Foundation System
- Foundation › Crawl SpaceThere is dirt to wood contact, this dirt should be cleared away from the wood to prevent damage / deterioration.
- Foundation › Raised FoundationThe concrete foundation has cracking. If a more detailed evaluation is required, it could be obtained from a structural engineer or foundation specialist.
- Foundation › Foundation Cripple WallsSome of the waterproof paper on the cripple walls is ripped / torn or missing.
- Foundation › Foundation Cripple WallsThe cripple walls, or portions of it, have not been strengthened with seismic reinforcement (shear panels etc). 'Cripple walls' are short walls between the foundation and the under side of the building framing. Although this may not be required, seismic reinforcement would help reduce damage to the structure during seismic activity. For detailed information consult with a foundation specialist.
- Foundation › Floor FramingThere are stained and deteriorated areas of floor framing - it is advisable to consult the structural pest control operator report for more information on this situation.
- Foundation › Posts And PiersThere is earth-to-wood contact observed on some of the posts. This should be corrected. See the structural pest control operator's report for more information.
- Foundation › Posts And PiersThe posts are not up to current standards to be considered sufficient. They are 2x4 posts rather than 4x4 posts and have no straps to help secure them in place.
- Foundation › Foundation VentsSome of the crawl space vents are at or below grade level, this can allow moisture intrusion during wet conditions or rains. This should be corrected as by adding a curb around this opening, as coordinated with a foundation specialist.
Interior
- Interior Rooms › Bar AreasThe counter and backsplash grout is cracking / separating.
- Windows › Window ConditionThere was condensation between the panes of glass in the dual glazed window. This indicates a broken seal between the panes of glass and replacement is usually necessary to correct the condition such as at the back left bedroom.
Kitchen
- Kitchen Area › Garbage Disposal · Not AcceptableThere are exposed electrical wires running to the garbage disposal.
- Kitchen Area › OvenThe light on indicator light on the left is damaged.
- Kitchen Area › Ventilation FanMissing screens at vent lights.
Laundry
- Clothes Dryer Hookups · Not AcceptableFlexible ducting is being used in areas of the attic (this duct material is only allowed to be used inside the immediate laundry area at a length of not greater than six feet). It should not pass through walls/floors or be installed in the crawl space, garage or exteriors. Smooth wall metal should be used. This was observed in the attic.
Bathroom
- 2nd Bedroom Bathroom › Tub FixturesThe tub stopper did not work.
- 2nd Bedroom Bathroom › Shower WallsThe shower has areas of deteriorated grout.
- Hallway Bathroom › Bath VentilationThe ventilation fan in the bathroom does not vent the exterior of the building. The exhaust is going into the attic instead.
- Main Bedroom Bathroom › Walls And CeilingStress cracks and nail pops at the half wall area. These appear cosmetic and can normally be patched / painted.
- Main Bedroom Bathroom › Shower WallsThere are stained and worn areas of grout that need to be cleaned or replaced.
Every report arrives within 24 hours, or the same day on request.