Home Inspection Checklists TexasFloridaInterNACHIASHI

InterNACHI home inspection checklist (Standards of Practice)

The InterNACHI Standards of Practice are the most widely used home inspection standard in states without their own licensing rules. This page turns sections 3.1 to 3.10 of the SOP (last revised October 2022) into a working checklist: what the inspector shall inspect, shall describe, and shall report as in need of correction, section by section.

This checklist is a working document structured from the cited Standards of Practice. It does not replace the applicable Standard of Practice, nor any report form required by your state. You are responsible for your inspection and your report — your license is on the line.
Standard: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022
Official source: InterNACHI (nachi.org)
Every section verified against the source on: September 12, 2026

1. Roof

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.1 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect from ground level or the eaves

The roof-covering materials
The gutters
The downspouts
The vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations
The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs

Describe

The type of roof-covering materials

Report as in need of correction

Observed indications of active roof leaks
Not required by SOP 3.1 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Walk on any roof surface, or on areas that appear unsafe or might be damaged
  • Predict the service life expectancy
  • Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes
  • Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit observation
  • Move insulation
  • Inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments
  • Perform a water test, warrant or certify the roof, or confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material

2. Exterior

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.2 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The exterior wall-covering materials
The eaves, soffits and fascia
A representative number of windows
All exterior doors
Flashing and trim
Adjacent walkways and driveways
Stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps
Porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports
Railings, guards and handrails
Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion

Describe

The type of exterior wall-covering materials

Report as in need of correction

Any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails
Not required by SOP 3.2 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting
  • Inspect items not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including window and door flashing
  • Inspect or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions
  • Inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment
  • Inspect seawalls, breakwalls or docks, erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures
  • Inspect for safety-type glass
  • Inspect underground utilities or underground items, wells or springs
  • Inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems, swimming pools or spas
  • Inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools, irrigation or sprinkler systems, drainfields or dry wells
  • Determine the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals

3. Basement, foundation, crawl space and structure

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.3 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The foundation
The basement
The crawl space
Structural components

Describe

The type of foundation
The location of the access to the under-floor crawl space

Report as in need of correction

Observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil
Observed indications of active water penetration
Observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unlevel floors
Any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may present a structural or safety concern
Not required by SOP 3.3 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Enter any crawl space that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard
  • Move stored items or debris
  • Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats
  • Identify the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems
  • Provide any engineering or architectural service
  • Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component

4. Heating

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.4 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The heating system, using normal operating controls

Describe

The location of the thermostat for the heating system
The energy source
The heating method

Report as in need of correction

Any heating system that did not operate
If the heating system was deemed inaccessible
Not required by SOP 3.4 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Inspect, measure, or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh-air intakes, makeup air, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems, or solar heating systems
  • Inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems
  • Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system
  • Light or ignite pilot flames
  • Activate heating systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment
  • Override electronic thermostats
  • Evaluate fuel quality
  • Verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks
  • Measure or calculate the air for combustion, ventilation, or dilution of flue gases

5. Cooling

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.5 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The cooling system, using normal operating controls

Describe

The location of the thermostat for the cooling system
The cooling method

Report as in need of correction

Any cooling system that did not operate
If the cooling system was deemed inaccessible
Not required by SOP 3.5 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system
  • Inspect portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters
  • Operate equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment
  • Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks
  • Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage

6. Plumbing

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.6 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The main water supply shut-off valve
The main fuel supply shut-off valve
The water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing
Interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water
All toilets for proper operation by flushing
All sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage
The drain, waste and vent system
Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats

Describe

Whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence
The location of the main water supply shut-off valve
The location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve
The location of any observed fuel-storage system
The capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled

Report as in need of correction

Deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously
Deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets
Active plumbing water leaks that were observed during the inspection
Toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate
Not required by SOP 3.6 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Light or ignite pilot flames, or operate any valve
  • Measure the capacity, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater
  • Inspect the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems
  • Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water supply, or its quality, potability or reliability
  • Open sealed plumbing access panels
  • Inspect clothes washing machines or their connections
  • Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or functional overflow protection
  • Evaluate compliance with conservation, energy or building standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components
  • Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices, or whether there are sufficient cleanouts
  • Evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems
  • Inspect wastewater treatment systems, water treatment systems or water filters, water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks
  • Evaluate wait time to obtain hot water, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements
  • Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air
  • Test, operate, open or close safety controls, manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief valves, control valves, or check valves
  • Examine ancillary or auxiliary systems such as solar water heating and hot water circulation
  • Determine the existence or condition of polybutylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic piping
  • Inspect or test for gas or fuel leaks, or indications thereof

7. Electrical

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.7 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

The service drop
The overhead service conductors and attachment point
The service head, gooseneck and drip loops
The service mast, service conduit and raceway
The electric meter and base
Service-entrance conductors
The main service disconnect
Panelboards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses)
Service grounding and bonding
A representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including AFCI-protected receptacles using the AFCI test button, where possible
All ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible
For the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Describe

The main service disconnect's amperage rating, if labeled
The type of wiring observed

Report as in need of correction

Deficiencies in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors' insulation, drip loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs
Any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled
The presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible
Any tested receptacle in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, and where the receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall
The absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors
Not required by SOP 3.7 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Insert any tool, probe or device into panelboards or electrical fixtures, or remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts
  • Operate electrical systems that are shut down, or operate or re-set over-current protection devices
  • Operate or test smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or alarms, or any security, fire or alarm systems
  • Measure or determine amperage or voltage if not visibly labeled
  • Inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control devices
  • Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized
  • Inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or time-controlled devices
  • Verify the service ground
  • Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources (generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, battery storage)
  • Inspect spark or lightning arrestors, or inspect or test de-icing equipment
  • Conduct voltage-drop calculations, determine the accuracy of labeling, or inspect exterior lighting

8. Fireplace

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.8 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

Readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys
Lintels above the fireplace openings
Damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable
Cleanout doors and frames

Describe

The type of fireplace

Report as in need of correction

Evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers
Manually operated dampers that did not open and close
The lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace
The lack of a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace
Cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material
Not required by SOP 3.8 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Inspect the flue or vent system, or the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels
  • Determine the need for a chimney sweep
  • Operate gas fireplace inserts, or light pilot flames
  • Determine the appropriateness of any installation
  • Inspect automatic fuel-fed devices, combustion and/or make-up air devices, or heat-distribution assists
  • Ignite or extinguish fires
  • Determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics
  • Move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents
  • Perform a smoke test, dismantle or remove any component, or perform an NFPA-style or Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection

9. Attic, insulation and ventilation

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.9 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

Insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawl spaces and foundation areas
Ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawl spaces and foundation areas
Mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area

Describe

The type of insulation observed
The approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure

Report as in need of correction

The general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces
Not required by SOP 3.9 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard
  • Move, touch or disturb insulation or vapor retarders
  • Break or damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels or covers
  • Identify the composition or R-value of insulation material
  • Activate thermostatically operated fans
  • Determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring
  • Determine the adequacy of ventilation

10. Doors, windows and interior

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022, SOP 3.10 — verified September 12, 2026

Inspect

A representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them
Floors, walls and ceilings
Stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps
Railings, guards and handrails
Garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls

Describe

A garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener

Report as in need of correction

Improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, guards and railings
Photo-electric safety sensors that did not operate properly
Any window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals
Not required by SOP 3.10 — do not present these as inspection items
  • Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments, floor coverings or carpeting
  • Inspect central vacuum systems, security systems or components, or for safety glazing
  • Evaluate the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures
  • Move furniture, stored items, or coverings such as carpets or rugs, or move suspended-ceiling tiles
  • Inspect or move any household appliances, or inspect items not permanently installed
  • Verify or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or related safety feature of a garage door
  • Operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms
  • Operate any system, appliance or component that requires special keys, codes, combinations or devices
  • Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal lights
  • Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens
  • Operate or examine small, ancillary appliances (sauna, steam equipment, ice maker, coffee maker, etc.)
  • Inspect elevators or remote controls
  • Discover firewall compromises
  • Inspect pools, spas or fountains, or determine the adequacy of whirlpool jets or the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas

Limitations and exclusions — SOP 2.1 and 2.2 (summary)

Source: InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice — last revised October 2022 — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector is not required to:

How to use this checklist

Open it on any phone, tablet, or computer during the walkthrough. Mark each item OK (inspected, no deficiency observed), DEF (deficient — the finding goes in your report), or N/I (not inspected, with the reason in the section notes). Then print or save the page as a US Letter PDF: the printed document carries the standard's reference, the verification date, and the disclaimer. Nothing is stored anywhere — the page holds your marks only until you close it, which is the point: your working document leaves with you as a PDF.

The collapsed “Not required” block inside each section lists what the standard explicitly excludes. Those exclusions are part of the standard: they are shown so that no exclusion is ever mistaken for an inspection item, and so you can point a client to the exact limitation when a question comes up.

Frequently asked questions

Which version of the InterNACHI SOP does this checklist follow?

The InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice last revised in October 2022, published at nachi.org/sop.htm. Sections 3.1 through 3.10 are reproduced here as structured checklist items, each with its section reference.

When should I use the InterNACHI checklist instead of a state checklist?

In states that do not license home inspectors and therefore have no state standard of practice. In a licensed state, the state SOP is the legal floor and takes precedence — use the state checklist.

Does the InterNACHI SOP require walking on the roof?

No. Section 3.1 requires inspecting the roof from ground level or the eaves, and explicitly does not require walking on any roof surface.

What properties does the InterNACHI SOP cover?

Properties with four or fewer residential units and their attached garages and carports, per the limitations in section 2.1.

Does this tool store my inspection data?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Marks and notes exist only until you close the page — print or save the PDF before leaving. There is no account and no server storage.

Get notified when new state checklists are added

Optional. One email when a new state SOP checklist goes live — nothing else. Everything else on this page runs entirely in your browser.