The Complete Checklist for a Full Spectrum Home Inspection

Introduction

A full spectrum home inspection covers every aspect of a property that can affect safety, health and long‑term performance. Whether you are a homeowner preparing for resale, a buyer conducting due diligence or an inspector following best practices, a comprehensive checklist ensures nothing is overlooked. Below is an expansive guide detailing each area to evaluate, why it matters and how to document findings effectively.

1. Exterior Components

Roof and Flashing: Check for missing or damaged shingles, rusted flashing around chimneys and vents, and proper nail placement.

• Gutters and Downspouts: Verify secure attachment, absence of debris, and that downspouts funnel water at least five feet from the foundation.
  
• Siding and Trim: Look for rot, insect damage or peeling paint that can let moisture infiltrate.
  
• Foundation Walls: Inspect for vertical or horizontal cracks, efflorescence (white salt stains) and signs of water intrusion.
  
• Site Grading: Ensure the ground slopes away from the house to prevent pooling.
  
• Walkways and Driveways: Check for settlement, large cracks or tree root upheaval.
  
• Decks and Porches: Examine ledger boards, joists, and footing depth for structural integrity.
  

2. Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Hazards

• Air Sampling for Mold Spores: Place calibrated pumps in living areas, bedrooms and basements to capture representative spore counts.
  
• VOCs and Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: Use direct‑reading monitors to log volatile organic compound and CO₂ levels for several hours.
  
• Radon Test Placement: Set continuous radon monitors in the lowest occupied rooms, ensuring closed‑house conditions for accurate readings.
  
• Lead Paint Testing: In homes built before 1978, scan painted surfaces with an XRF device to detect lead concentrations.
  
• Asbestos Sampling: Collect bulk samples of suspected friable materials (floor tiles, insulation) and send to certified labs.
  
• Surface Swabs: Test suspect mold hotspots behind appliances and in damp corners.
  
• Ventilation Assessment: Check operation of exhaust fans, makeup air inlets and ensure fresh air intake is adequate.
  

3. Structural and Thermal Assessments

• Infrared Thermal Imaging: Scan all accessible walls, ceilings and mechanical rooms for cold or hot anomalies indicating leaks, missing insulation or overloaded circuits.
  
• Moisture Meter Readings: Confirm thermal findings with pin or pinless moisture meters in suspect areas.
  
• Attic Inspection: Measure insulation depth, check for air leaks at top plates, and examine roof sheathing for rot or insect damage.
  
• Crawl Space Evaluation: Inspect for standing water, pest intrusion, structural supports and vapor barriers.
  
• Framing and Load‑Bearing Walls: Look for sagging joists, cracked beams or compromised joints.
  
• Beam End Conditions: Examine where joists meet masonry or steel for signs of decay or corrosion.
  

4. Mechanical Systems

• HVAC System: Check furnace age, filter condition, duct leaks and proper vent termination.
  
• Air Handler and Ductwork: Observe insulation, dampers, and note any visible microbial growth.
  
• Water Heater: Inspect tank condition, venting, pressure relief valve operation and evidence of corrosion.
  
• Well Pump Operation: Test flow rate and pressure tank recharge cycles.
  
• Water Filtration and Treatment: Evaluate UV, softener or carbon systems and replace filters where needed.
  
• Electrical Panel: Verify breaker labeling, proper grounding, neutral connections and absence of double‑tapped breakers.
  

5. Waste and Plumbing Systems

• Sewer Scope Inspection: Run a waterproof camera from the house to the main municipal connection, noting cracks, offset joints and infiltration.
  
• Septic Dye Test: Introduce tracer dye into the septic tank and observe drain field for proper dispersion without backups.
  
• Supply and Drain Lines: Check under sinks and behind toilets for leaks and verify water pressure at fixtures.
  
• Gas Lines and Shutoffs: Inspect for corrosion on black iron piping and test manual shutoff valves.
  

6. Ancillary Structures

• Chimney Interior Scan: Use a borescope to check flue tiles, mortar joints and creosote accumulation.
  
• Deck, Porch and Stair Safety: Examine joists, railings, fasteners and post footings for rot or insect damage.
  
• Garage Doors and Openers: Test balance, reverse sensors and manual release.
  
• Detached Outbuildings: Walk foundations, frames and roofs of sheds, barns or workshops for structural soundness.
  
• Docks, Seawalls and Boat Lifts: On waterfront properties, inspect anchor points, pilings, ledger attachments and corrosion on metal components.
  

7. Reporting and Follow‑Up

• Photographic Documentation: Capture clear images of major defects with annotations showing location and severity.
  
• Lab Sample Records: Include chain‑of‑custody forms, lab certificates and summary tables.
  
• Prioritized Recommendations: Organize findings by safety concerns first, then maintenance items and long‑term improvements.
  
• Cost Estimates and Timelines: Provide ballpark repair costs and suggested scheduling, for example, mold remediation within 30 days, roof repair in six months.
  
• Client Consultation: Offer a debrief call or meeting to explain findings, answer questions and clarify next steps.
  

Final Review and Client Handoff

Before signing off, remind clients: if you skip critical components like air quality, radon or sewer inspections, you leave risks unaddressed. If it wasn’t full spectrum inspected, it wasn’t fully inspected. Encourage them to review the full spectrum home inspection report thoroughly and consult qualified contractors for any recommended repairs. A comprehensive, science‑backed checklist is not just best practice, it is essential to protect health, safety and long‑term investment.