STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
Free DIY Home Inspection Checklist
- (*Safety concern) Denotes a Safety Issue which should be considered very important
Wall Framing
- Wall framing Okay
- Wood framing is visibly damaged / cracked / missing
- Termite damage
- Moisture damaged
- Contact with grade
- Framing members appears to have been repaired (*DIY TIP: Have contractor evaluate)
- Framing members appear to have been modified (*DIY TIP: Have contractor evaluate)
Roof Framing
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- Roof framing Okay
- Missing framing members
- Cracked roof framing members
- Moisture stained wood
- Repairs observed
- Wood trusses cracked / damaged / missing
- Truss / Ceiling joists removed for whole house fan
- Cracks in wood framing members
- Wood which is too long for span
- New Tile roofing on existing roof framing
- Scorching suggests previous fire
Concrete Slab Foundation
- Slab Okay
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- Vertical cracking in stem-wall of the slab
- Horizontal cracking in stem-wall of slab
- Deteriorated concrete slab (crumbling)
- Repairs to the concrete slab
- Post tension slab with cracks larger than 3/32” (*DIY TIP: Have contractor evaluate)
Raised Foundation
- Accessibility Okay
- Not accessible – no entrance
- Access screen damaged / missing
- Access too small – unable to access
- Not entered due to pests observed under the house
- Not accessed – too wet
Sub-Grade Area
- Sub grade area Okay
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- Sub grade moist….. Very Moderately Somewhat damp
- Signs of previous moisture
- Water currently standing / ponding under house
- Deep ruts cut from plumbing repairs or otherwise (* Ask seller if any repairs were performed)
- Vegetation growing under house
- Debris under the house
- Rodent activity
- Termite activity
- Mold / mildew
Raised Foundation Ventilation
- Ventilation Okay
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- No vents for sub-grade area
- Vent screens damaged – may allow rodents into sub-grade area
- Vents too close to the ground – may allow water under the building
- Too few vents for size of underfloor area – too little ventilation
- Ventilation helped by fan – indication of too little ventilation
- Additional ventilation needed – mold – mildew – moisture observed under the house
Raised Foundation Framing
- Framing Okay
- Missing framing
- Undersized framing
- Moisture / insect damaged framing
- Soil contact with wood framing
- Seismic upgrades Noted / Needed
- Holes drilled / Notches cut into framing
- Newer framing / repairs noted
Raised Foundation Electrical
- Electrical Okay
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- Loose exposed wiring not terminated (live / dead)
- Loose / damaged junction boxes
- Open junction boxes
- Wiring laying on ground
- Melted wiring
- Loose Romex (NM) wiring hanging
Stem-Wall Foundation
- Stem walls Okay
- All conditions listed below (if checked) require an additional inspection by a professional of this trade
- Vertical cracking 1/16” to 1/8” 1/8” to 1/4” 1/4” Plus ++
- Horizontal Cracking 1/16” to 1/8” 1/8” to 1/4” 1/4” Plus ++
- No stem walls / framing sitting on….. Rock Dirt Wood
- No visible foundation bolts
- Foundation Bolt spacing is less than building code requires **1/2” bolt spaced no less than 6’ and 4’ for 2 story
Free Structural home Inspection Checklist
MAZZA inspection group offers a free online home inspection checklist to those of you who wish to become your own home inspector for a day. First off, a home inspection is the single most important component to any real estate transaction. Moreover, a good inspection performed either by a professional inspection company or an inspection performed by you, should be performed with care and patience. Likewise, the agent should be open to the fact that you wish to conduct your own inspection and who knows… you’d probably make a better inspector than half of the other “certified” only inspectors out there doing this.
Home inspection checklist free
In the event that you wish to use our free checklist to perform you own home inspection, keep in mind it’s no easy task. Furthermore, you will need too understand that when you do find issues or conditions which are beyond your skill level, you are always suggested to have a professional contractor evaluate the condition.