Home Inspection Report Template (Free Example)

Searching for a home inspection report template? You are probably either a buyer trying to understand what your inspection report should include, or an agent wanting to know what a complete report looks like. Either way, it helps to understand that a home inspection report is not a fill-in-the-blank form — it is a detailed professional document that covers every major system in the home.

This article breaks down the standard template that professional inspectors follow, section by section, so you know exactly what to expect.

What's in a Standard Inspection Report

A home inspection report is not like a checklist you download and fill in with checkmarks. Professional reports are generated using inspection software and follow standards set by the two major industry organizations: ASHI and InterNACHI. Each report includes detailed findings, photos, ratings for every component, and actionable recommendations.

A typical report runs 20 to 50 pages. It covers every accessible area of the home from the roof down to the foundation, plus all major mechanical systems. The goal is to give the buyer (and their agent) a clear picture of the home's condition on the day of the inspection.

ASHI vs InterNACHI Format

The two major professional associations for home inspectors each have their own Standards of Practice, but the differences are minimal from a buyer's perspective:

• ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) — Requires inspectors to inspect, describe, and report on specific systems and components. Reports tend to use narrative-style descriptions of findings.
• InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) — Uses a similar scope with ratings like IN (Inspected), NI (Not Inspected), NP (Not Present), and D (Deficient). Reports often use a checkbox-plus-narrative format.

Both standards cover the same core systems. What matters more than which format your inspector uses is whether the report is thorough, includes photos, and provides clear recommendations. If you want to see what a finished report looks like, we have a full walkthrough.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Here is what each section of a standard inspection report covers. Understanding these sections will help you follow along when you receive your own report.

Structural Components

This section covers the bones of the house: the foundation, floor structure, walls, columns, and roof structure. The inspector looks for cracks in the foundation, signs of settling, water intrusion in the basement or crawlspace, and the condition of visible framing members. Structural issues tend to be the most expensive to repair, so pay close attention to anything flagged here.

Exterior

Everything on the outside of the house: siding material and condition, trim, windows, doors, the garage, driveways, walkways, and grading. Grading refers to how the ground slopes around the foundation — it should slope away from the house so rainwater does not pool against the walls. The inspector also checks decks, porches, and railings for safety.

Roofing

The roof section covers the type and condition of roofing materials (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, etc.), flashing around penetrations like chimneys and vents, gutters, downspouts, and any visible signs of leaking or damage. The inspector will note the approximate age of the roof and estimate remaining useful life when possible.

Plumbing

This includes supply piping (what brings water in), drain and waste piping (what takes water out), the water heater, fixtures, faucets, and water pressure. The inspector identifies pipe materials — copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized steel, or polybutylene — because some older materials have known failure risks. The water heater's age, condition, and safety features (temperature and pressure relief valve, proper venting) are all documented.

Electrical

The electrical section covers the main service panel, circuit breakers, wiring type, grounding, outlets, switches, and light fixtures. The inspector checks for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. They also identify the panel brand — certain brands like Federal Pacific are known safety hazards — and note any wiring concerns like aluminum branch wiring or double-tapped breakers.

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The inspector documents the type of heating system (gas furnace, heat pump, boiler), the air conditioning system, ductwork condition, thermostat operation, and filter condition. Ages of major equipment are recorded because furnaces and AC units have a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and knowing where your systems fall in that range helps with budgeting.

Interior

Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, doors, and windows throughout the living spaces. The inspector looks for water stains, cracks, evidence of past or present leaks, proper operation of windows and doors, and safety items like handrails on stairs. Built-in appliances (dishwasher, range, microwave, garbage disposal) are tested and their condition reported.

Insulation and Ventilation

This section documents insulation levels in the attic and crawlspace, ventilation in the attic and bathrooms (exhaust fans), and the general energy efficiency of the building envelope. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to moisture problems and premature roof aging. Missing or insufficient insulation affects both comfort and energy bills.

What Makes a Good Report

Not all inspection reports are created equal. Here is what separates a useful report from a mediocre one:

• Specific findings, not vague language — A good report says "Horizontal crack approximately 1/4 inch wide observed on the east foundation wall at 4 feet from the southeast corner." A weak report says "Crack noted in foundation."
• Code references where applicable — When the inspector identifies a code violation, citing the specific code (like NEC 210.8 for missing GFCI protection) adds credibility and helps contractors understand what needs to be corrected.
• Actionable recommendations — Instead of just identifying problems, a good report tells you what to do about them. "Recommend evaluation and repair by a licensed electrician" is more useful than just "Deficient."
• Clear photos — Every significant finding should have a photo showing the issue and its location. This helps you understand what the inspector saw and makes it easier to get repair quotes.
• Severity ratings — The best reports distinguish between safety hazards, needed repairs, and items to monitor. This helps you prioritize what to address first.

For more on interpreting the ratings and recommendations in your report, read our guide to understanding your home inspection report. And to see what a complete, professional report looks like in practice, check out our sample report.