Residential subject inspection checklist

[kfallsalan]

I always use the checklist I created years ago in Excel, and update periodically and print out on graph paper I use for my sketch at the property. It becomes automatic, and of course I take a bunch of photos, but sometimes there are distractions, so after inspection I often just go over that checklist in the car before leaving the property. If you are interested, I could send you the template.

Can you email me a copy?

 

[Fernando]

Never really used a checklist. I find it to slow me down in appraising. I go in, observe and get out as quickly as possible.
At times, I forget something when I review my notes and have to go back inside subject.
That still works for me.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Video it then pull snapshots out of the video

 

[TC]

Same. I average 80-100 pics for the average assignment. I just keep snapping pics of everything. Only about 20-30 end up in the average lending report. Think my record was 240 for an estate job and only 1 ended up in the report.

I used the VA checklist when I first started, but as others said once you've been doing them long enough you won't need it.

You'd go broke back in the film days.

 

[gorillakimchi]

1. Let's say it is a complicated, large, old house, like a 125 year old Victorian in San Francisco that has had numerous updates or. a 3500 sf 100+year old Craftsman up in the North Bay. Then I would probably go through then entire house with a GoPro and take a video of everything , each room 360 degrees - just in case I miss something in the photos. Same outside - try to get every thing.
2 Then I would go through the house floor by floor in. a consistent direction e.g. clockwise, taking photos. Use a flash always to bring out true colors. But a tripod helps too, to help get high res photo without blur. Ensure good photos of sinks, cabinets and below sinks. Engage in overkill taking photos of hallways and stairs - because they are connection points. (Same with measurements).
3. Exterior photos, Front, back and each side, as well as street - each direction. Photos of crawlspace and attic.
4. Drone for roof and side photos: Straight overhead, then 45% above the roof, back, front and sides. Especially older homes that have not been well maintained - get 2nd floor eaves, decks, etc..
5. Then I would do measurements exterior and then interior.
6. For FHA - you should have a checklist for what they need in addition to the above. Same for all FM and lender guideline issues.
7. Review inspection of Windows and Doors for signs of dry rot and or water leakage.
8. Look for signs of water problems and/or mold everywhere.

Checklists are good - except if you have a lot work to do, you need to be concerned with workflow and efficiency. You need a pattern of work that fits the house - and ordinary checklists are generally too rigid. But have a general purpose one and review it before you take off just to help make sure you didn't forget anything.

- And I am writing this late at night, strictly from memory. So, I probably miss

Just wondering how long it will take to finish the inspection

 

[Tom D]

Just wondering how long it will take to finish the inspection

i seem to be doing the same little big city row home forever. they all look alike, have the same everything. 1 photo of each interested item. and i get paid the same, or more, than you suburban people. but, i do feel bad, sometimes, about my privileged appraiser life.

 

[Vermonter]

You'd go broke back in the film days.

Does that justify resistance 30 years later?

 

[andrew81]

Hello all. I was wondering if any of you have an inspection checklist/form you bring to every inspection to make sure you collect all data and just to make your life easier? I am thinking about making one and would appreciate any guidance. Thanks!!

I print page one of the URAR. Do my walk through, photos, measurements, notes, and before leaving I fill out the URAR from site section down.

 

[RCA]

Just wondering how long it will take to finish the inspection

1-1.5 hours max. I have run into some pretty complex homes to measure …

 

[TC]

Does that justify resistance 30 years later?

Not at all.