Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist

Title Page

Customer Name
Location
Conducted On
Conducted By
Inspection Type

EXTERIOR INSPECTION

ROOFS

Asphalt Shingles: Condition of shingles on the ridge, hips, and at roof edges. Look for: Mineral granules almost totally worn off shingles Mineral granules collecting in gutters and base of downspouts Edges of shingles look worn Nails popping up Roof looks new but lumpy Mold or moss forming on shingles Holes in the roof from guy cables, TV antennas etc. Leading edge of roof damaged by ladders
Slate: Is the slate properly laid? Top quality slate should last a century or more (slate longevity varies depending on slate source). Check for: Broken slates Missing slates Slate flaking apart Nails letting go Slate particles collecting in valley flashing
Metal: Does the roof show signs of corrosion? If the metal isn't copper, zinc, stainless steel, and other corrosion-resistant metal blends your primary task will be to fight rust by keeping the roof painted. Check for: Rust or corrosion spots Signs of previous patch jobs Punctures in metal Joints and seams broken
Wood Shingles and Shakes: Is there proper air circulation underneath? For maximum roof life, shingles and shakes require proper air circulation underneath so they can dry after rain. Therefore, they should be laid on open sheathing. If you find that they are improperly laid, you can help them dry by providing adequate ventilation in your attic. Look for: Biological attack (moss or mold, insects, birds) Cupping and warping Deep cracks and splits Wood has become unevenly thin from erosion
Built-up Roof: Does the roof membrane of a built-up roof consist of one or more plies of roofing felt bonded together either by hot or cold applied roof coatings? Deterioration of the membrane produces areas of the surface of the roof where leaks can occur. It is particularly difficult to diagnose leaks in flat roofs because water can enter at one point and migrate horizontally for long distance before leaking inside the building. Check for: Blisters or slits in the membrane Ponding of water (or dried areas where ponding was) Drain pipes are plugged Drip edges are provided Gravel covers roof well Flashing is well positioned or seated Trash build-up
Membrane Roof: Composed of rolls/sheets of materials such as synthetic rubber, thermoplastics, or other man-made materials. Such roofs are often installed over a layer of rigid insulation. These types of membrane roofs may not have a stone top layer. Also, these roofs are often white or other reflective colors to reduce solar heat gain and the urban heat island effect. Checklist is generally similar as noted in "Built-up Roof".
Green Roof: The "green roof" with a living plant material layer at the top surface is typically a membrane roof as noted above. Does the Green roof have a root-resisting and waterproof layer(s) to isolate the living plant material layer from layers below?
Clay Tiles: Do any clay tiles show signs of breakage from mechanical shock, such as a falling tree limb or people walking on the tiles without protecting them? Check for: Broken tiles Missing tiles Nails popping up Mold or moss forming on tile

ROOFING ELEMENTS

Projections: Is there anything that breaks through the roof surface, such as a chimney or vent pipe? This offers an entrance for water and so must be adequately flashed. Check that no projection or ornament is so weak or damaged that it could topple and smash roofing materials. Check for: Proper flashing around projections Weathering of mortar joints at chimneys Loose mortar joints that admit water Chimney leans Loose and wobbly antennae Loose lightning rods Loose and wobbly weather vane
Galvanic Action: Is there any corrosion of metals caused by galvanic action? Check for: Ferrous metals touching dissimilar metals, such as galvanized nails in copper flashing
Cornice: Roofs frequently fail first at the edges and admit water into the cornice. Are the cornices in good condition? Check for: Moisture causing paint to peel on cornice, especially at the underside Broken or missing cornice Cracks and other damages
Underside of Roof: Are there any water stains on the projections and eaves? Inspect on a rainy day to see if water stains are current or past problem. Look for: Water stains on soffit boards Damaged soffit boards Damaged fascia boards
Flashing: Flashing is usually made of thin metal, such as copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel. Is it installed completely around every protrusion through the roof, and at every joint where vertical wall intersects the roof? Check for: Loose, corroded, or broken flashing Missing and uncaulked openings at the tops of flashing Daubs of roof cement on flashing (They may hide leaks that have not been corrected) Base flashing and counterflashing of vertical joints
Gutters and Leaders: Leaking gutters can cause extensive damage to the entire building, not just the roof. Is there any damage to built-in gutters which can feed hidden leaks directly to the cornice and down into the main structure? Check for: Gutters clogged with debris or ice Gutters that are rusty or corroded Gutters that are loose, tilted, or missing Broken seams in metal linings of built-in gutters Birds nests and roosting places

EXTERIOR WALL MATERIAL

Masonry & Mortar: Any loose mortar joints, cracks, stains and wet spots on the wall? Document the nature of the crack, explaining as best as possible the causes of the cracks. Note if cracks are running through just the mortar or also the masonry units.
Mortar: Are mortar joints loose or missing? Evaluate their condition as good, fair or poor.
Brick: Are there any stains, wet spots, bulges, spalling, efflorescence, and missing brick?
Stone: Does the stonework have any wet spots, stains, spalling, bulges, and efflorescence?
Stucco/Plaster: Are there any cracks, staining, loose stucco, soft spots, blisters or bulges, and falling stucco?
Siding, Shingles, and Sheathing: Has hot sun, wind, rain, hail, dust and winter snow and ice caused damage to siding and sheathing? Inspect siding, shingles, soffits and wood trim such as cornices for: Cracked boards, loose boards, or broken boards Rotted and missing members Signs of veins of dirt (termite tunnels)

EXTERIOR FINISHES

Painting: Do any finished surfaces have signs of peeling, cracks, or alligatoring? Document the overall findings as good, fair, or poor
Decorative Elements: Is there any wear and tear on ornamental elements? Inspect not only the ornament but also its supports, such as anchors, for expansion due to rust. Cast iron: Inspect for rust, deterioration, corrosion, and loose and missing members Stone/terra cotta: Inspect for loose, eroded, spalled, and stained tiles Wood: Inspect for rot, moisture, cracks, missing and loose members

EXTERIOR CEILING AND DECKS

Porch: Are there any moisture problems in the exterior ceiling or indications of faulty drainage from the roof above? Inspect the roof to make sure water isn't entering the main structure of the building as well. Check for: Peeling paint and water stains on the ceiling Rotted and warped boards in the deck Damaged and/or loose steps and handrails Rotted boards and other damages to ceiling Cracks and other damages on a concrete floor Spalling, cracks, loose and/or missing mortar joints on brick or stone
Wooden Supports: Are any wood destroying insects or fungi causing considerable damage to the wooden supports of exterior ceilings and decks? Early detection of pests and decay can help building owners avoid expensive repairs. Pay particular attention to: Molds and fungus Wood rot and termite infestation Seal of deck at foundation Corrosion of iron fittings on members
Infestation: Has there been any chemical treatment of the structure and adjacent soil to drive insects away? No matter what protective measures are taken, a periodic inspection should be made at least every six months. The existence of termites or infestation in older buildings with crawl space is difficult to detect because contact with the soil is usually direct and termite tubes are not evident. Inspection by professional exterminators is essential in such cases. Check for: The need of treatment for ants and other wood destroying insects Termites Damage and rot on all wood members

GROUNDS

Driveways and Sidewalks: Check for: Safety hazards (heaves and depressions) Cracks on and deterioration of paved material Damages to and curb clearances Oil stains and pools of water
Window Well: Check for: Leaks and standing water Leaves and other debris Other damages to window well material
Storm Drains: Check for proper drainage and/or clogging of drain line.
Retaining Wall: Check for: Cracks, spalling from subflorescence and freezing Leaning and Bulges Loose, crumbling, and missing mortar joints
Foundation: Inspect to ensure that there is no collection of leaves and other debris at the edges of the foundation and for proper drainage. Check for: Cracks, spalling from subflorescence and freezing Leaning and Bulges Loose, crumbling, and missing mortar joints
Landscape: Check all landscape features eg. Trees, Bushes for diseased or dead parts. Check if: Trees overhang or touch building which cause damage or trash build-up Creepers and vines are causing damage (paint peeling, joint deterioration etc.) Plants holding water against structure Tree roots damaging structure Bare spots show in lawn and /or shrubs need pruning

INTERIOR INSPECTION

INTERIOR WALLS

Load Bearing Masonry Wall: Inspect load bearing walls for structural damages paying particular attention to the following: Cracks caused by either structural movement or material shrinkage Leaning and bulges Loose/damp mortar joints and spalling Wet spots, stains and water penetration Insect/termite infestation and decay on wood members
Cast-in-Place Concrete Wall: Look for: Settlement, cracks, and leaning Water penetration, wet spots, and stains Moisture conditions (dampness etc.) Insect/termite infestation and decay on wood members
Interior Wall Finishes: Includes but not limited to plaster/stucco, gypsum board, wood, and wallpaper. Push on suspect wall surfaces to check for looseness Check for signs of dampness (this suggests leaks, either from the roof or internal pipes) Inspect for cracks, bulges, peeling, blistering and mildew

INTERIOR FINISHES

Ceiling Finishes: May be plaster/stucco, gypsum board, wood, wallpaper, or any other material. Specify this other material in your inspection record sheet. Check for: Signs of damp plaster on ceilings (this suggests leaks from the roof or plumbing and mechanical pipes) Loose plaster, cracks and bulges Blistering and peeling
Interior Decorative Masonry: This includes window sills, walls, wainscot, and floors. Check for: Dullness of surfaces Stains, dampness, and spalling
Stairs: (refers to wooden stairs) Check for: Secureness of all railings Gaps between treads, risers and stringers Stair pulling away from the wall Looseness or other damage to balustrades Looseness and other damage to newel post Irregular riser-tread ratios
Fireplace: Inspect active fireplaces thoroughly for fire safety, material soundness, and structural stability. Check for: Connection with flues If damper is operable If the flue is lined with a clay-tile liner to prevent fire and fumes leakage into the building If the flue is unobstructed all the way to the roof If the fire box has a firebrick liner
Metal Surfaces: Brass, cast iron, and bronze. Inspect all exposed ornamental metal trim. Check for: Built-up dirt, stain and rust Corrosion and cracked surfaces
Kitchen Cabinets/Counters: Inspect cabinets and counters to ensure that all drawers and doors are properly hung and secure, and that no movements are restricted and to ensure that all units are securely anchored to walls and floor. Check for: Missing handles and hardware Badly worn or stained countertops Condition of finish

FLOORS

Wood Joists & Beams: Check for: Sagging at the center of span Springiness or vibration Pronounced slope in one direction Split at bottom of joist or beam Floor squeaking and insect infestation/decay Bearing on masonry Bulging or sagging plaster ceiling Overloading of joists and beams
Steel Beams/Concrete Deck: Check for: Deflection at midspan Sloping floor Corroded connections Missing connections and connections bearing on masonry Settlement effects, mechanical or exterior leakage
Reinforced Concrete Floors: Check for: Spalling and exposed reinforced steel Wide, regularly spaced cracks in floor Cracks near and parallel to masonry wall Surface dusting and cracked concrete near columns
Masonry Floors: Check for: Leaks, cracks, and spalling Alterations and new holes cut on floor for stairs, mechanical installations etc. Efflorescence Sidewalk vaults and subgrade storage Crack at the crown of the arch and between supporting walls
Wood Floor: Wood floor members bearing directly to the soil are susceptible to insect and fungus attack. Check the underside of boards and floor joists for fungus, insect and or termite attack. Look for: Cracks and badly damaged boards Twisted boards Squeaking If floor boards need refinishing
Carpet: Inspect for: Frayed edges Damaged portions Stains and worn out areas
Ceramic Tile: Inspect for: Adherence and grout in joints Loose joints Splits and cracks Missing tiles

WINDOWS & DOORS

Doors: Are the doors, frames, and weatherstripping in good condition? Check: Door alignment All parts for deterioration All door hardware for proper operation
Interior Doors and Wood Trim: Check for: Proper door alignment, fit and operation Presence of all door hardware Proper operation of all locks Deterioration of hinges and pins Condition of finish and other problems
Windows: Do the windows have material soundness at sill, joint between sill and jamb, corners of bottom rail and muntins? Check for: Proper operation of all sash (including upper sash of double hung units) Proper operation of hardware Loose, cracked or missing glazing putty Soundness of weatherstripping Cracks and other damages to lintel Rot and/or deterioration of wood framing
Interior Windows and Wood Trim: Check for: Proper window alignment, fit and operation Presence and functioning of all window hardware Proper operation of locks, hinges and pins Signs of water leakage at frames Movement of sash up and down the frame Seals around window panes Condition of finish and record other problems

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

Condition of incoming service wires and supports?
Are all exterior outlets and switches operational?
All exterior plugs and kitchen, bathroom, wet area plugs as required by code are fitted with ground fault connectors?
Fuses or circuit breakers trip frequently?
Has an electrician periodically checked all aluminum wire connections?
Is power brought in overhead rather than underground (if so, look for trees or other hazards that could cause problems)?

SAFETY & EMERGENCY

Exit lights are working and have battery backup.
Fire extinguishers are full and compliant.

ATTIC

Condensation occurs in the attic principally because of easy pathways for moisture to migrate from the occupied areas, or because of inadequate ventilation. The ventilators (louvers) in the unfinished and unconditioned attic should remain open to provide circulation of air throughout the year
Any signs of roof or flashing leaks on rafters and insulation?
Signs of mildew on underside of roof boards?
Smoke or water leaks or breaks in the mortar joints of the chimney?
Straight and sound condition of roof rafters?
Insulation is adequate and in good condition?
Any nests or blockages of ventilation openings?
Operational vent and/ or attic fan?

COMPLETION

Additional Observations
INSPECTOR NAME AND SIGNATURE

Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist

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EXTERIOR INSPECTION

ROOFS

ROOFING ELEMENTS

EXTERIOR WALL MATERIAL

EXTERIOR FINISHES

EXTERIOR CEILING AND DECKS

GROUNDS

INTERIOR INSPECTION

INTERIOR WALLS

INTERIOR FINISHES

FLOORS

WINDOWS & DOORS

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

SAFETY & EMERGENCY

ATTIC

COMPLETION

Related checklists

Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist

Free Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist Checklist

Go digital today!

Convert your paper checklists into digital forms

EXTERIOR INSPECTION

ROOFS

ROOFING ELEMENTS

EXTERIOR WALL MATERIAL

EXTERIOR FINISHES

EXTERIOR CEILING AND DECKS

GROUNDS

INTERIOR INSPECTION

INTERIOR WALLS

INTERIOR FINISHES

FLOORS

WINDOWS & DOORS

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

SAFETY & EMERGENCY

ATTIC

COMPLETION

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