What Does a Home Inspection Form Look Like?
Home inspection forms - or home inspection checklists - are used to assess the current condition of the residential property. It helps to check the property for any existing or potential structural damage and defects. Property owners, sellers, or buyers can conduct timely repairs or make a decision when a real estate transaction is involved.
It is possible to hire a trained and qualified home inspector to assess the home. Inspecting a home is the best way to make sure you avoid potential issues when buying or selling a house. It helps the seller to choose a reasonable price for the property, and the buyer can make a knowledgeable decision about the future purchase. You can browse our library of home inspection checklist templates to create the form that will suit your specific needs.
Different Types of Home Inspections
There are various types of home inspections. The most common include the following:
- Move-in and move-out inspections. Those are conducted to assess the state of the rented property when the tenants arrive and leave the rental unit. The information provided by the move-out inspection is crucial and, compared to the move-in checklist, serves as a basis for security deposit deductions;
- Landlord inspections. According to the agreement between the landlord and the tenant, the landlord can visit the rented property to make sure everything is working fine, there is no illegal activity, and no tenancy agreement breaches. However, the first thing landlord must do is give the tenant notice, so that the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment is not violated;
- Tenant inspections. Tenants also can perform a general inspection when moving, once a month or once a year. It is recommended to do a visual check of the entire property, taking pictures of any dents, damages, or marks.
How to Perform Your Own Home Inspection?
Commonly home inspection checklists involve a visual examination of the property. They should include the following sections:
- Structural - roof, ceilings, walls, door frames, windows, foundation;
- Grounds - yard, landscaping, driveways, drainage;
- Rooms - especially kitchen and bathroom;
- Utilities - plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditioning.
As a tenant, you should be involved in the move-in inspection. Always document any pre-existing damages you find and notify the landlord about them. Pay attention to electrical items or appliances - since you just begin to live in the new residence, you are not obliged to fix broken things, such as switches, plug sockets, and ceiling lights. Probably the most important things to remember are health and safety. Make sure the doors shut properly, locks are working, and smoke detectors are all thoroughly tested. Otherwise, the property is deemed unsafe. Document everything using the camera on your phone and then write all the facts down. The more you write, the safer you will be.
Documents
Form 15-H Inventory and Condition Form - Texas Apartment Association - Texas
Roof Inspection Checklist Template - Progressive Materials
