Building Inspection Checklist Templates

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Identify issues, streamline maintenance and ensure optimal property condition using our free building inspection checklists that provide a structured framework for building audits. Pick a building inspection template from our library and customize to your requirements. Available for free in PDF or in-app.

Key to Efficient Audits: Building Inspection Checklist Forms & Templates

Inspectors and property managers can use building inspection checklists to evaluate and record the condition of commercial, residential, public and other facility buildings. These checklists can be used to assess the building’s structural features, utilities, safety protocols, compliance with building codes, and more.

Using a building condition assessment checklist offers several benefits that include:

Enhanced safety and compliance
Efficient preventive and corrective maintenance
Consistent, accurate, and comprehensive data collection

With the GoAudits Property Inspection App, you can:

Permits And Plans

Exterior

Decks, Stairs, And Walkways

6. Do deck lateral connections require a minimum of (2) 1,500 lb. hold-down tension devices, installed in not less than two locations (ends) per deck, installed and connected to interior parallel joists per IRC figure 507.2.4 (exception for decks < 30” above grade)?

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30. Do exterior doors have landings, minimum 36"x 36", or per size of door opening? The floor or landing at the exit door shall not be more than 1.5” lower than the top of the threshold. Floors or landing at doors other than the exit door don’t have to meet this requirement. May step down 7 3/4" below the door opening unless the door swings over the landing. Where a stairway of two or fewer risers is located on the exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door.

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Interior

Attics

Crawl Space

Stairs And Handrails - Windows And Glazing

1. Is the bedroom window sill, not more than 44" from the floor to the bottom of the window opening? Does it have a minimum clear opening of 5.7 sq.ft., a minimum width of 20", and a minimum height of 24"? Are grade floor openings meeting the minimum 5 sq. ft. clear opening requirement?

Photo Comment

8. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, and showers where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60” above any standing or walking surface.

Photo Comment

9. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in fixed or operable panels adjacent to a door where the nearest vertical edge is within a 24” arc of either vertical edge of the door in a closed position and where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60” above the walking surface.

Photo Comment

10. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in an individual fixed or operable panel with an exposed area greater than 9 sq.ft., a bottom edge less than 18” above the floor, a top edge greater than 36” above the floor, and one or more walking surfaces within 36” horizontally of the glazing (except when a protective 1 ½” wide bar is installed on the accessible side of the glazing 34”- 38” above the floor and capable of withstanding a load of 50lbs per linear foot).

Photo Comment

12. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas where the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 60” above a walking surface and within 60” horizontally of the water’s edge.

Photo Comment

13. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing adjacent to stairways, landings, and ramps within 36” horizontally of a walking surface when the exposed surface of the glass is less than 36” above the plane of the adjacent walking surface (except when a handrail or guard is installed)

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14. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing adjacent to stairways within a 60” arc horizontally of the bottom tread of a stairway less than 180 degrees from the bottom tread nosing when the exposed surface of the glass is less than 36” above the nose of the tread (except when the side of the stair, landing, or ramp has a guard or handrail with balusters or in-fill panels and the plane of the glass is more than 18” from the railing).

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Safety

Effective

Caring

Responsive

Smart inspection app for your digital checklists

What is a Building Inspection Checklist?

A building inspection checklist is a document used by inspectors to systematically assess the condition of a building. It helps standardize inspections and ensure that inspectors cover all the areas necessary for a safe dwelling for the existing or future occupants.

Although the building owner or property manager can fill out a basic building inspection form sample, it is recommended to work with a professional inspector for accurate assessment.

A building inspection sheet should include sections related to structure, safety, utility services, maintenance and compliance. Depending on the location and the type of the building, there may be specific sections related to basements, attics, lead poisoning, etc.

Importance of Building Audit Checklists

Building audit checklists provide a structured framework to evaluate a property’s condition consistently and thoroughly. With each item enlisted, checklists reduce the risk of missing out on any important detail. Furthermore, they help inspectors save time by avoiding the pitfalls of unstructured inspections.

Besides its primary function of identifying issues, a building inspection checklist sample can assist in prioritizing repairs and maintenance tasks. This ensures critical problems are addressed promptly, thereby solidifying the safety of the occupants.

By using checklists, inspectors can verify if buildings comply with safety regulations and industry standards, mitigating potential risks and liabilities for their clients.

👉 Learn More: How Woodside Homes leverages digital building audit checklists to streamline inspections.

Types of Building Inspection Checklist Templates

Building inspection checklists can be broadly classified into two types.

Building Inspection Forms Based on Property Type

These are property management building inspection checklists that cover the overall structure and quality of the property. These require inspectors to review the property for any signs of damage and suggest corrective and preventive measures based on the building codes and local regulations.

Commercial building inspection checklist
Residential building condition assessment checklist
Facility inspection checklist (this may include checklists for schools, dorms, offices, shopping centers, etc.)

Building Inspection Templates As Per Audit Purposes

These are some specialized building audit checklists that focus on specific purposes:

Pre-purchase Building Inspection Template: This checklist is designed to assess the condition of a building before a purchase.
Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist: As the name suggests, it is used to evaluate the overall condition of a building and identify any maintenance issues.
Code Compliance Inspection Checklist: It is used to verify that a building meets all applicable building codes and federal and state regulations. Some examples include the International Building Code, Building Codes (US), and Building Regulations (UK).
Building Safety Inspection Checklist: This checklist is used to assess the overall safety of a building. It may include items related to fire safety, electrical safety, structural safety, hazardous materials, etc.

👉 Explore: GoAudits library covering all types of building inspection checklists.

Things Included in a Building Inspection Form

The exact items and sections in a building inspection template depend on the inspection purpose and thus the checklist type you work with. However, irrespective of these factors a general building inspection checklist has the following sections:

Building Details

The very first section in any building inspection template includes the address of the building, the name of the inspector(s), the date of inspection, and the name of the inspection company.

Building Areas

This comprises the next two sections of a building walkthrough checklist.

Building Exterior

Here you’ll find elements related to the exterior features.

Roof: Signs of wear, missing or damaged shingles, leaks or visible damages, etc.
Exterior Walls: Insulation, siding condition, and cracks or other damages.
Doors and Windows: Functioning locks, no broken glass, and damaged frames.
Foundation: Signs of settling, the distance between draining and foundation, visible cracks, etc.

Building Interior

This section includes questions about the condition of the elements inside the building.

DryWalls and Ceilings: Are they structurally sound? What is the finish on the walls and ceilings? Are there any signs of moisture or air leaks?
Stairways: Are the treads and risers in good condition? Are the stairways wide enough for safe passage? Are handrails on both sides secure?
Railings: Do railings have any loose or damaged parts? Is the height adequate for occupants’ safety?
Basement: Are there any signs of mildew or mold? Is the basement flooring in good condition? Is there proper ventilation?

Utilities

It is important to assess the quality of utility services in a building. In some cases, companies offer specialized inspection packages covering only building utilities.

Plumbing: Includes questions related to leaks, water damage, water pressure, and the functioning of faucets, toilets, drains, etc.
Electrical System: Check if the wiring is up to date, if there are any exposed wires, and if the residual-current device (RCD) is functional.
HVAC System: Check if the heating and cooling system is correctly functioning and has clean and well-maintained air filters.
Pest Control: Look for signs of pests like droppings, review the existing control measures, and verify the reputation of the agency responsible for pest control.

Safety Features

The following are the common safety checks mentioned in most building inspection form templates.

Fire Safety: Check if all fire extinguishers are functional and the building has a clear fire escape plan.
Emergency Exits: Verify if the emergency exits are free of obstructions and the exit signs are visible and correctly illuminated.
Smoke Detectors: Test smoke detectors to ensure they have operational batteries and are functional.

Additional Areas

It has questions related to miscellaneous items like building appliances (if kitchen/canteen/cafeteria appliances are operating and washers, driers, etc., are in working condition) and risks like the presence of radon, asbestos, lead, etc.

Sign-Offs

This is the last section where the inspector signs and certifies the completion of the building inspection. This section also has space for the inspector to rate the overall condition of the building, mention additional remarks or comments, and recommend repairs or replacement tasks.

Digitize your Property inspections

Easily perform audits anywhere in the facility using a mobile device.
Attach photos to document issues or prove compliance
Assign tasks, set deadlines and track progress - all within a single app
Analyze data from audits to identify trends, pinpoint recurring issues, and assess compliance levels.

Building Inspection Checklist Templates

Key to Efficient Audits: Building Inspection Checklist Forms & Templates

1. Is permit and approved plans on-site and accessible to the inspector?

2. Is permit information correct (address, permit number, description of work, etc.)?

3. Have all other finals been approved? (R109) (Check with the local jurisdiction for required finals.)

4. Is a FEMA elevation certificate by a licensed surveyor provided for construction in flood-hazard areas?

1. Are house numbers plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property, with a minimum size of 4” and of contrasting color?

2. Have all exterior windows, penetrations, and openings been caulked?

3. Are chimney terminations 2' above any roof/structure within 10' and not less than 3’ above the highest point where the chimney passes through the roof?

4. Have spark arresters been installed on top of the chimney?

5. Is there a 6" distance from soil to wood siding/trim?

6. Does the grade at the foundation fall away from the building a minimum of 6” within the first 10’? Is the minimum slope 5% where there is less than 6” fall in 10’? Are swales (if used) meeting the minimum 2% slope?

7. Are carports not open on at least two sides inspected as garages, and do all fire separation requirements apply?

1. Have deck placement, setback, size, and materials been verified per approved plans?

2. Is the deck positively attached and capable of supporting both lateral and live loads (40lb/sq.ft. minimum)?

3. Are all deck materials treated or naturally resistant to decay? Are cuts, notches, and holes treated with preservatives?

4. Are fasteners and hardware for pressure preservative and fire-retardant-treated wood made of hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze, or copper?

5. Is the ledger for decks bolted/lagged to the structure in accordance with table 507.2.1 or per approved plans?

6. Do deck lateral connections require a minimum of (2) 1,500 lb. hold-down tension devices, installed in not less than two locations (ends) per deck, installed and connected to interior parallel joists per IRC figure 507.2.4 (exception for decks < 30” above grade)?

7. Are cantilevers blocked at the bearing line if >12"?

8. Are the bottom of the footings a minimum of 12" below grade for freeze protection?

9. If the deck is >30" vertically above the grade plane, within 3’ horizontally, is a guard installed?

10. Is there a minimum headroom of 6'8" at stairways measured vertically from the nose of the treads, landings, or platforms?

11. Do all stairs have illumination and a light switch at each floor level of 6 or more risers? Is exterior stairway lighting controlled from within the building? (R303.7, R303.7.1)

12. Is stair nosing ¾” – 1 ¼” required when solid risers are installed except when the tread depth is 11” minimum? (R311.7.5.3)

13. Do open risers not allow passage of a 4” sphere, except for stairs with a rise of 30” or less? (R311.7.5.1)

14. Is the radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread not over 9/16”? (R311.7.5.3)

15. Does the greatest nosing projection not exceed the smallest by >3/8”? (R311.7.5.3)

16. Is the stair riser maximum 7 3/4", and the tread minimum 10"? (R311.7.5.1)

17. Does the stair riser/tread maximum dimension not exceed the smallest by >3/8"? (R311.7.5.1)

18. Do guards not allow passage of a 4" sphere? (R312.1.3)

19. Do guards installed at the sides of stairs not allow the passage of a 4 3/8” sphere? (R312.1.3 Exception 2)

20. Does the triangle formed by the riser, tread, and bottom element of the guardrail not allow passage of a 6” sphere? (R312.1.3 Exception1)

21. Are guards adjacent to floor surfaces over 30” from the adjacent floor or grade a minimum of 36" in height to the top of the guard? (R312.1.2)

22. Do open sides of stairs with a total rise of 30” above the floor or grade below have guards that are a minimum of 34” in height when measured vertically from the stair nosing to the top of the guard? (R312.1.2 exceptions 1 & 2)

23. Are handrails and guards capable of withstanding 200 lbs. applied in any direction at any point on the rail? (IBC 1607.8.1.1)

24. Is there a handrail at the stairs with 4 or more risers?

25. Is the handrail a minimum of 34" to a maximum of 38" above the nose of the tread to the top of the handrail? (R311.7.8.1)

26. For Type I handrails with circular cross-sections, is the diameter between 1 1/4” - 2"? (R311.7.8.3)

27. For Type I handrails with noncircular cross sections, does it have a perimeter dimension of 4” – 6 ¼” with a maximum cross-section of 2 ¼”?

28. For Type II handrails with perimeters greater than 6 ¼”, is there a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile? Is the minimum & maximum width above the recess between 1 ¼” – 2 ¾”?

29. Does the handrail return to the wall, with a maximum of 4 1/2" off the wall and a minimum of 1 1/2" clear space from the inside of the rail to the wall?

1. Are single-family garages separated from the residence and its attic area by not less than ½” gypsum board applied to the garage side?

2. Is the garage door to the house weather-stripped?

3. Is the primary heat source not a woodstove, or if it is, is it EPA-certified?

4. Do ducts in garages that penetrate the walls or ceilings separating the dwelling from the garage constructed of a minimum No. 26 gauge sheet metal and have no openings into the garage?

5. Are other penetrations through garage walls and ceilings filled with approved material to resist the free passage of flame and smoke?

6. Is there a 1 3/8" solid door or a 20-minute fire-rated door equipped with a self-closing device between the house and the garage?

1. Are attic accesses required for areas exceeding 30 square feet and having a vertical height of 30” or greater?

2. Are accesses located in hallways or other readily accessible locations?

3. Is the attic access unobstructed and a minimum of 22"x30" or large enough to remove the largest piece of mechanical equipment intact?

4. Is the access door insulated and gasketed at insulated ceilings, with a surrounding curb that is a minimum of 12" in height?

5. Is proper insulation and thickness installed?)

6. Has blow-in insulation not filled/blocked baffles and maintained a 1” clearance between roof sheeting and insulation?

7. Does blow-in insulation have a 1” clearance to gas-fired exhaust vents?

1. Is the floor crawl access a minimum of 18” x 24”?

2. Are openings through a perimeter wall to the crawl space a minimum of 16” x 24”?

3. Is ventilation at the crawl space unobstructed by insulation?

4. Is ventilation at the crawl as shown on the plan a minimum of 1 sq..ft. per 300 sq.ft.?

5. Is the vapor barrier black 6 mil. plastic, covering the crawl completely from wall to wall, with all seams lapped 12"?

6. Is R-30 insulation installed against the bottom of the floor and secured in place?

7. Are pressure-treated wood posts installed at basements or cellars or supported by piers or metal pedestals projecting 1” above the floor or finished grade and 6” above exposed earth and separated by an approved impervious moisture barrier?

8. Are pressure-treated wood posts installed in crawl spaces or unexcavated areas, supported by a concrete pier or metal pedestal 8" above exposed earth and separated by an approved impervious moisture barrier?

9. Has all debris been removed from the crawl space?

10. If floors are constructed of lumber less than 2” x 10” dimensional lumber, are they fire-protected on the underside when a crawl space is for storage or houses fuel-burning equipment?

11. Where required, is flood-resistant construction in flood hazard areas in place (treated/water-resistant materials, flood vents, etc.)?

1. Is the bedroom window sill, not more than 44" from the floor to the bottom of the window opening? Does it have a minimum clear opening of 5.7 sq.ft., a minimum width of 20", and a minimum height of 24"? Are grade floor openings meeting the minimum 5 sq. ft. clear opening requirement?

2. Are emergency escape and rescue openings operational from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge?

3. Is safety glazing installed in hazardous locations marked with type and thickness using acid etching, sandblasting, ceramic firing, embossing, or other permanent means?

4. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in swinging doors except for jalousies.

5. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding door assemblies and panels in sliding and bifold closet door assemblies.

6. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in storm doors.

7. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in all unframed swinging doors.

8. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, and showers where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60” above any standing or walking surface.

11. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in railings regardless of area or height above a walking surface, including structural baluster panels and nonstructural in-fill panels.

12. Is safety glazing installed at hazardous locations - Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas where the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 60” above a walking surface and within 60” horizontally of the water’s edge.

1. Systems, processes and practices keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse.

2. Safety and safeguarding systems, processes and practices are developed, implemented and communicated to staff.

3. People are protected from discrimination (any abuse or cause of psychological).

4. Safety is promoted in recruitment practice, arrangements in place to support staff, disciplinary procedures, and ongoing checks carried out.