FICTIONAL SAMPLEFor illustration only

Residential home inspection · example format

A closer look.
A clearer picture.

Example home — no real address

Fictional Southern California property

A worked example of the report format. The observations, priorities, and limitations illustrate how findings can be explained. No site visit, equipment operation, client engagement, or inspection took place. The illustrations are diagrams, not photographs of inspected conditions.

Prepared for: Sample reader — no client
Inspection date: Not applicable — fictional scenario
Property example: Single-story home · 1,850 sq ft
Report reference: FICTIONAL-SAMPLE-ONLY

Read findings together with the scope, system observations, and limitations. “Inspected” describes an observation status in the example; it does not mean a component is defect-free.

01 / Scope

How to read this example

Scenario: Fictional single-family home
Reported year built: 1998 — example only
Reported interior size: 1,850 sq ft — example only
Occupancy: Furnished home in the fictional scenario
Conditions: Dry weather; cooling operation restricted in the example
Agreement: Illustrative scope only; no contract or service was performed

Example scope

Visual, noninvasive observations of accessible residential systems and components, with normal controls used where the fictional conditions permit. Specialty testing, engineering analysis, code certification, pest inspections, sewer scopes, and VA appraisals are outside this example.

Overall limitations

The scenario includes furniture and storage, inaccessible equipment, concealed building components, and limited roof/attic views. Each system records the relevant access or operating limitation. The sample is not a statement that every possible defect can be found, nor is it a warranty or guarantee.

A real inspection’s written agreement establishes its scope. Findings, photographs, access limitations, and recommendations must reflect the actual property and observations.

02 / Findings

Observations & next steps

Five fictional findings show how a safety concern, a repair, further evaluation, and maintenance can be presented. The summary is a guide to this sample; read the system details and limitations as well.

1Safety concern

1Repair recommended

2Further evaluation

1Maintenance

0Information-only findings

Safety concern

Front entry walkway

Site & exterior · fictional example

Example observation: The fictional walkway has a raised transition between adjacent surfaces.
Why it matters: The uneven edge creates a potential trip point along the entry route.
Recommended next step: Have a qualified contractor correct the transition. Use care and keep the area clearly visible until corrected.

Repair recommended

Kitchen sink cabinet

Plumbing & water heating · fictional example

Example observation: During the fictional fixture test, water drips from a visible drain connection beneath the kitchen sink.
Why it matters: Continued leakage can wet cabinet materials and conceal additional damage. The full extent is not determined by this visual example.
Recommended next step: Have a qualified plumbing contractor repair the connection, check the affected materials, and verify the repair under normal use.

Further evaluation

Cooling system

Cooling · fictional example

Example observation: Cooling operation is not performed because the example outdoor conditions do not permit an appropriate equipment test.
Why it matters: The visual observations do not establish that the system cools or drains correctly during operation.
Recommended next step: Arrange an appropriate operating evaluation by a qualified HVAC contractor when conditions permit, before relying on cooling performance.

Further evaluation

Interior electrical panel

Electrical · fictional example

Example observation: Stored items obstruct safe access to the distribution panel. The cover is not removed in this fictional inspection.
Why it matters: The panel interior and its connections remain unassessed; hidden concerns cannot be ruled out.
Recommended next step: Have the authorized property representative clear access and arrange evaluation by a qualified electrical contractor. Do not remove electrical covers yourself.

Maintenance

Attic hatch area

Attic, insulation & ventilation · fictional example

Example observation: A small area of loose-fill insulation is displaced near the hatch in the fictional scenario.
Why it matters: Uneven coverage can reduce local insulation performance. The concealed ceiling surface is not assessed.
Recommended next step: Have a qualified contractor restore appropriate insulation coverage while maintaining required clearances and ventilation paths.

03 / The systems

System observations

All entries below belong to the fictional scenario. “Not inspected” identifies an actual limitation within the scenario; “Not present” identifies a component that the fictional home does not have.

Site & exterior

Example components: Fictional stucco-sided home with concrete walks, a covered entry porch, and landscaped yard.
Example observation method: Example walk-around observation of accessible exterior areas from ground level.
Access & limitations: Dense vegetation limits the view of a short rear-wall section. Below-ground drainage and concealed wall assemblies are outside this visual example.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Ground slope & drainage	Inspected	Visible soil at the accessible side yard slopes away from the home. Rainfall performance is not established by this dry-weather example.
Wall surfaces & trim	Inspected	Accessible stucco and trim surfaces are recorded as viewed. The section behind dense rear-yard vegetation is not visible.
Exterior doors & windows	Inspected	The entry door and accessible exterior window perimeters are included. Concealed flashing and wall cavities are not evaluated.
Walks, steps & landings	Inspected	A raised transition is shown at the front walkway. See finding 01 for the concern and recommended next step.
Decks, balconies & porches	Inspected	The accessible concrete entry porch is included. No elevated deck or balcony is present in the fictional scenario.
Guards & handrails	Not present	The fictional home has no elevated porch, deck, or exterior stair requiring a guard or handrail assessment.
Vegetation & adjacent structures	Inspected	Vegetation obstructs one rear-wall section. Clear the area and arrange a view of the concealed surface before relying on its condition.

Illustration of the example finding

A real report uses inspection photographs where applicable. This public sample uses an expressly labeled diagram instead of representing an image as evidence from a property.

**Illustration — not a photograph**Illustration of the raised transition described in finding 01. This is not an inspection photograph.

Roof

Example components: Fictional composition-shingle roof with visible metal flashings and gutters.
Example observation method: Example observation from ground level and accessible eave views; roof walking is not part of this scenario.
Access & limitations: Some upper roof surfaces and the back sides of penetrations cannot be seen from these views. No prediction of remaining roof life or watertightness is made.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Roof surfaces	Inspected	Visible shingle areas are recorded as viewed. Areas hidden from the ground and eave positions remain unassessed.
Edges, joints & penetrations	Inspected	Visible edge and penetration flashings are included; concealed laps and rear-facing surfaces are not visible.
Gutters & roof drainage	Inspected	Accessible gutter edges and downspouts are viewed. Buried drain connections and rainfall performance are not tested.
Visible roof structure	Inspected	A limited view of framing is available at the attic opening; refer to the attic section for access limits.
Evidence of water entry	Inspected	No separate water-entry finding is selected for the visible areas in this fictional example. Dry conditions cannot rule out leaks during rain.

Foundation & structure

Example components: Fictional slab-on-grade foundation with wood-framed walls and roof framing.
Example observation method: Example observation of accessible foundation perimeter and framing visible from the attic opening.
Access & limitations: Finishes, stored belongings, soil, and insulation conceal most structural connections. This is not an engineering analysis.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Visible foundation	Inspected	Accessible slab perimeter is viewed; concealed or below-grade portions are not visible.
Visible framing & supports	Inspected	Framing is viewed only where exposed at the attic opening. Concealed wall and floor framing are not assessed.
Basement or crawlspace	Not present	No basement or crawlspace is present in this slab-on-grade fictional home.
Moisture & drainage evidence	Inspected	Accessible foundation edges are viewed for visible moisture indicators. Concealed conditions and future drainage performance are not established.
Accessible ventilation & separation	Not present	No underfloor ventilation system is present because the fictional home has no crawlspace. Attic ventilation is addressed separately.

Heating

Example components: Fictional gas-fired forced-air furnace and accessible supply/return distribution.
Example observation method: Example normal thermostat operation with accessible visual observations.
Access & limitations: A short operating response does not establish performance under every load. Concealed heat-exchanger surfaces and buried ducts are not examined.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Heating equipment	Inspected	Accessible furnace exterior and readable identification are recorded. Internal disassembly is not included.
Normal operating response	Inspected	In the fictional scenario, the unit responds to the thermostat and warm air is observed at sampled registers.
Distribution	Inspected	Accessible registers, returns, and visible ducts are included; concealed duct runs are not inspected.
Visible fuel, venting & clearances	Inspected	Visible vent portions and connections are viewed without operating gas shutoffs or dismantling equipment.

Cooling

Example components: Fictional split-system cooling equipment serving the forced-air distribution.
Example observation method: Exterior visual observation only; cooling operation is not performed in this scenario.
Access & limitations: Example outdoor conditions do not permit an appropriate operating test under the equipment requirements. Cooling performance remains unverified.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Cooling equipment	Inspected	Accessible outdoor cabinet and visible connections are viewed; concealed coil surfaces are not examined.
Normal operating response	Not inspected	Cooling operation is deferred because of the example operating-condition limitation. See finding 03.
Air distribution	Inspected	Accessible registers and returns are viewed, but cooling delivery is not established without an operating test.
Condensate & visible connections	Inspected	Visible drain and insulation portions are observed. Concealed routing and drainage under cooling operation remain unverified.

Plumbing & water heating

Example components: Fictional visible copper supply piping, plastic fixture drains, and a garage-mounted gas water heater.
Example observation method: Example operation of accessible fixtures, with a view of exposed supply, drain, and water-heating components.
Access & limitations: Concealed plumbing, underground drains, and sewer conditions are not evaluated. Shutoff and pressure-relief valves are not operated.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Visible supply & fixtures	Inspected	Accessible kitchen and bathroom fixtures are run in the fictional scenario. No claim is made about concealed piping.
Visible drains & fixture drainage	Inspected	Water drips from the kitchen sink drain connection during the example fixture test. See finding 02.
Water-heating equipment	Inspected	Accessible water-heater exterior and identification are viewed. This example does not establish remaining service life.
Water-heater venting & connections	Inspected	Visible piping, venting, and discharge routing are included; concealed sections are not evaluated.
Water-heater support & restraint	Inspected	Visible support and restraint components are viewed. No building-code certification is provided.
Visible service shutoff locations	Inspected	The fictional accessible main-water shutoff is identified near the front exterior wall; the valve is not operated.
Visible fuel piping	Inspected	Accessible rigid fuel piping is viewed. Refer to the California section for the yellow-CSST observation limitation.

Illustration of the example finding

A real report uses inspection photographs where applicable. This public sample uses an expressly labeled diagram instead of representing an image as evidence from a property.

**Illustration — not a photograph**Illustration of the drain connection described in finding 02. This is not an inspection photograph.

Electrical

Example components: Fictional exterior service equipment, an interior distribution panel, and accessible household devices.
Example observation method: Example accessible visual observations and representative normal device checks. The obstructed interior panel is not opened.
Access & limitations: Stored items block safe access to the interior distribution panel. Concealed wiring and inaccessible equipment are not evaluated.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Visible service equipment	Inspected	Accessible exterior service components and readable labels are viewed; concealed capacity or utility-side conditions are not inferred.
Accessible distribution equipment	Not inspected	Stored items prevent safe access to the interior distribution equipment. The cover is not removed. See finding 04.
Visible branch wiring	Inspected	Only exposed wiring portions in accessible areas are viewed; concealed runs and the obstructed panel remain unassessed.
Representative outlets, switches & lights	Inspected	Representative accessible switches, lights, and receptacles are included. Devices hidden by furnishings are not assessed.
Accessible protective devices	Inspected	Accessible user-test controls are included where appropriate in the fictional scenario. Every circuit and concealed protective arrangement is not verified.
Smoke & carbon-monoxide devices	Inspected	Visible smoke and carbon-monoxide devices are recorded. A user-test-button response does not verify sensor sensitivity or every alarm condition.

Fireplaces & solid-fuel features

Example components: No fireplace or solid-fuel appliance is present in this fictional home.
Example observation method: Example observation of the accessible interior and exterior.
Access & limitations: No chimney or solid-fuel appliance assessment is applicable to the fictional scenario.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Visible firebox & hearth	Not present	No fireplace, solid-fuel appliance, or associated component is present in this fictional scenario.
Doors, screens & accessible controls	Not present	No fireplace, solid-fuel appliance, or associated component is present in this fictional scenario.
Visible chimney or vent portions	Not present	No fireplace, solid-fuel appliance, or associated component is present in this fictional scenario.

Attic, insulation & ventilation

Example components: Fictional wood roof framing, loose-fill insulation, and visible soffit ventilation openings.
Example observation method: Example view from the accessible hatch; the attic is not traversed.
Access & limitations: Insulation, narrow clearances, and the viewing angle limit the area observed. Concealed framing and remote exhaust terminations are not verified.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Visible attic framing	Inspected	Only framing visible from the hatch is included; distant or concealed members remain unassessed.
Visible insulation	Inspected	Displaced insulation is visible near the hatch in the fictional scenario. See finding 05.
Ventilation openings	Inspected	Visible ventilation openings are recorded from the hatch; overall ventilation performance is not established.
Accessible exhaust terminations	Not inspected	Remote exhaust termination points cannot be followed from the available view. Have a qualified contractor verify routing where inaccessible.

Interior, doors & garage

Example components: Fictional painted wall and ceiling finishes, interior doors, accessible windows, and an attached garage.
Example observation method: Example room-by-room observations with representative normal door/window operation.
Access & limitations: Furniture, rugs, and stored belongings limit some surfaces. Belongings are not moved and concealed assemblies are not opened.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Walls, ceilings & floors	Inspected	Accessible wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces are viewed. Covered areas and cosmetic conditions outside the agreed scope are not evaluated.
Interior doors	Inspected	Representative accessible doors are operated in the fictional scenario. Locked or obstructed areas are outside the viewed sample.
Representative windows	Inspected	Representative accessible windows are operated with normal controls. Hidden seals and concealed wall conditions are not established.
Interior stairs & guards	Not present	No interior stairs are present in the fictional single-story home.
Visible moisture indicators	Inspected	Accessible surfaces are viewed for visible indicators. This is not environmental testing or a guarantee about concealed moisture.
Garage doors & visible separation	Inspected	Accessible garage separation surfaces and door are included within the fictional scope. Stored items limit some wall views.

Installed appliances within scope

Example components: Fictional installed range, kitchen hood, dishwasher, disposer, and visible laundry connections.
Example observation method: Example use of normal controls within the agreed inspection scope; short observations rather than every appliance cycle.
Access & limitations: Appliance disassembly, calibration, every cycle, and concealed connections are outside this example. Laundry machines are not included.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Installed cooking equipment	Inspected	Accessible normal cooking controls are included; calibration and all cooking modes are not verified.
Kitchen exhaust	Inspected	The accessible kitchen exhaust control responds in the fictional scenario. Concealed duct routing is not followed.
Dishwasher	Inspected	An example short operating observation is recorded; all cycles and concealed connections are not verified.
Food-waste disposer	Inspected	Normal disposer control responds in the fictional scenario. No internal disassembly is performed.
Visible laundry connections	Inspected	Accessible laundry supply/drain connections are viewed. Concealed routing and the laundry machines are outside scope.

California reporting topics

Example components: The fictional property has no pool or spa, no yellow CSST observed in the accessible areas, and landscape irrigation outside the agreed assessment scope.
Example observation method: Example visual observations of accessible property areas and exposed fuel piping.
Access & limitations: Concealed piping is not visible. Landscape irrigation efficiency and operation are not included in this fictional agreement.

Component	Example status	Observation / limitation
Pool/spa safety-feature observations	Not present	No pool or spa is present in the fictional scenario, so pool/spa safety-feature observations do not apply to this example.
Observed yellow corrugated gas tubing	Inspected	Yellow corrugated stainless steel tubing is not observed in the accessible areas of this fictional scenario. Concealed piping is not assessed.
Landscape irrigation scope	Not inspected	Landscape irrigation is present but an irrigation-efficiency assessment is not included in the fictional scope.

This example has no pool or spa and no observed yellow CSST. A real report must record the applicable property-specific observations and notices when those conditions are present. Optional irrigation-efficiency work requires an agreed scope.