A standard inspection walks the whole property: site and exterior first, then roof, structure, and every major system, finishing room by room inside.
Site and grounds: grading and drainage direction, walkways, driveways, vegetation against the structure, fences and retaining walls. Exterior: cladding, trim, flashing, windows, doors, decks and porches, plus visible foundation. Roof: covering, penetrations, flashing, gutters and downspouts — from the ground, ladder, or roof surface as conditions allow. Pool and spa equipment and barriers where present.
Attic and structure: framing, sheathing, insulation depth, ventilation, and signs of leaks or pests. Garage, electrical: panel labeling and condition, wiring methods, outlets, GFCI/AFCI protection. Plumbing: supply, drains, water heater (age from the data plate matters — see equipment age lookup), fixtures. HVAC: heating and cooling equipment, distribution, filters, condensate handling, manufacture dates off the plates.
Kitchen and laundry: appliances (a 184-entry comment set exists for kitchens alone in InspectDeck's library), plumbing, ventilation. Bathrooms: fixtures, tile and grout, ventilation, signs of leaks. Interior, rental and furnishings sections cover walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, stairs and railings room by room.
A standard inspection is visual and non-invasive: no opening walls, no engineering calculations, no code certification, no environmental testing unless separately arranged. Pools, septic, wells, mold and radon are typically separate services governed by your state SOP and your agreement. Exact scope always comes from the inspector's agreement and state standards — this overview is orientation, not a standard.
See how InspectDeck covers it →
A faster full home inspection →
How long does an inspection take? →
← All field notes
