The FHA Home Inspection Checklist & Guidelines
Site Hazards and Nuisances
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Sinkholes
- Active or planned gas-drilling within 300 feet
- Within 75 feet of operating oil/gas well with no visible mitigation measures
- Abandoned oil or gas well within 10 feet
- Slush pits
- Excessive noise or hazard from heavy traffic area
- Dwelling or improvements within 10 feet of easement for high-pressure gas or petroleum line
- Dwelling or improvements within fall distance for overhead towers (high-voltage, radio/TV, cell phone etc)
- Excessive smoke, fumes, offensive noises or odors
- Stationary storage tanks with more than 1000 gallons of flammable or explosive material
Soil Contamination
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Surface evidence of underground storage tank
- Proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites that could contain hazardous materials
- Presence of pools of liquid, pits, ponds, lagoons, stained soils or pavement
Grading and Drainage
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Grading does not provide drainage away from structures
- Standing water near structures
Individual Water and Sewage Systems
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Private sewage system show evidence of system failure
- Separation between well and septic drain field less than 100 ft, (75 ft may be acceptable if local authorities allow.)
- Separation between well and property line is less than 10 ft. (If local authority requires greater distance that requirement must be met.)
- Property lacks connection to public water (Lender/jurisdiction may require water test and connection to public water if feasible)
Wood Destroying Insects
Presence of the following will require a termite inspection and treatment if infestation is present:
- Structure is ground level and wood is touching ground
- House or other structure show obvious evidence of infestation
- Local jurisdiction requires inspection
- Inspection is customary to the area
Private Road Access
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Property inaccessible by foot or vehicle
- Property accessible only by private road without permanent recorded easement
Floor Support Systems
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Significant cracks
- Evidence of water damage
- Evidence of spongy/weak/rotted flooring
Framing/Walls/Ceiling
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Significant cracks
- Visible holes in exposed areas that could affect structure
- Damaged plaster, sheetrock, or ceiling materials in homes constructed before 1978
- Significant water damage
Attic
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Inadequate access
- Evidence of holes
- Support structure damaged
- Significant water damage visible from interior
- No ventilation by vent, fan, or window
Basement
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Blocked or inadequate access
- Evidence of significant water damage
- Significant cracks or erosion in exposed areas that affect structural soundness
Crawl Space
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Blocked or inadequate access
- Space inadequate for maintenance (recommended 18 inches)
- Support beams not intact
- Excessive dampness or ponding of water
Slab
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Significant cracks that could affect structural soundness
Roof
Presence of the following will require a roof inspection and possible repair:
- Missing tiles, shingles, flashing etc
- Signs of leakage
Furnace/Heating System
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Unit does not turn on
- Heat is not emitted
- Unusual noise
- Smoke or irregular smell
- Significant holes or deterioration on unit
Electrical System
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Electrical switches don’t work
- Outlets don’t work
- Presence of smoke or sparks from outlet
- Exposed frayed or unconnected wiring
Plumbing System
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Significant drop or limitation in water pressure
- No hot water
- Toilets don’t function or have been removed
- Toilet leaks
- Sinks/bathtub/shower leaks (very minor leaks may be acceptable)
- Sinks/bathtub/shower does not work or have been removed
- Swimming pools not operational, in bad repair or not maintained
Paint
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Chipped or peeling paint on interior or exterior of home and/or structures and improvements if home built before 1978
- Chipped or peeling paint on exterior surfaces if finish is unprotected (ie, bare wood) if home built after 1978
Other
Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:
- Missing or inoperable exterior doors
- Broken or missing stairs
- Absence of built-in appliances
- Absence of free-standing stove (Santa Ana HOC only)
