Home Inspection Checklist For Inspectors in Connecticut?

As a licensed home inspector in Connecticut, the role is important in protecting both clients’ investments by uncovering hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs and professional reputation by preventing missed defects that could result in costly consequences.

In Connecticut, missing key issues during an inspection can lead to repair costs potentially reaching up to $18,000. 

45% of homeowners report feeling their property is less safe due to unresolved issues, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive inspection. This home inspection checklist for inspectors is to ensure compliance with the latest state regulations and to help deliver thorough, defensible results.

Use it as a guide to manage the inspection process efficiently and professionally.

Before the Inspection

Taking the right steps before starting an inspection sets the stage for a smooth, efficient, and thorough process. Here is the home inspection checklist for inspectors to help ensure every inspection begins with the right preparation and attention to detail.

1. Review state regulations and standards

• Stay current with Connecticut’s Home Inspector Licensing Board requirements and the latest regulations, especially regarding smoke and CO detector checks.
• Confirm your continuing education is up to date (20 hours every two years, including 3 hours on legislation and regulations).

2. Confirm inspection scope

• Clarify with the client which systems and components are to be inspected.
• Ensure all areas are “readily accessible,” as defined by Connecticut law.

3. Prepare tools and equipment

• Flashlight, moisture meter, electrical tester, ladder, camera (including 360° or body cam for documentation), PPE, telescoping mirror, water pressure gauge, tape measure, and crawlspace robot if needed.
• Consider using mobile inspection apps to streamline documentation and reporting.
• For hard-to-reach roofs, a drone can provide safe, detailed aerial inspections.

4. Verify access

• Confirm all utilities (water, gas, and electric) are on.
• Ensure access to the attic, basement, crawlspace, garage, and exterior structures.

5. Review property information

• Gather any available documentation on recent repairs, upgrades, or permits.

6. Safety and liability

• Review your insurance coverage.
• Bring all necessary safety gear.

During the Inspection

Staying organized and following a clear home inspection checklist for inspectors makes it easier to catch important details and keep track of everything that matters. This way, nothing gets missed along the way.

1. Exterior

• Grounds and drainage: Check grading, driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, and vegetation for drainage issues.
• Structure: Inspect siding, trim, wall coverings, flashing, soffits, fascias, and exterior doors for damage.
• Decks/Porches/Railings: Assess for structural integrity and safety.
• Roof: Examine shingles, flashing, chimneys, gutters, and downspouts for leaks or damage.

2. Foundation, Basement, and Crawlspace

• Foundation: Look for cracks, movement, water intrusion, and settlement.
• Basement/Crawlspace: Check for moisture, insulation, sump pump operation, and pest activity.
• Structural components: Inspect floor joists, beams, and columns for rot or insect damage.

3. Interior

• Walls/Ceilings/Floors: Check for cracks, stains, water damage, and structural issues.
• Doors/Windows: Test operation and locks, and look for broken glass or failed seals.
• Stairs/Railings: Ensure safety and secure handrails.
• Attic: Inspect insulation, ventilation, roof structure, and signs of leaks or pests.

4. Plumbing System

• Pipes/Fixtures: Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and proper support.
• Water heater: Check for leaks, corrosion, and operation.
• Shut-off valves: Ensure accessibility and function.

5. Electrical System

• Service panel: Inspect for proper labeling, no double taps, and no exposed wiring.
• Outlets/Switches: Test for functionality, GFCI/AFCI protection, and missing cover plates.
• Visible wiring: Check for open boxes, exposed splices, and damaged cables.

6. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

• Furnace/Boiler: Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and operation.
• Ductwork: Check for leaks and insulation.
• Thermostats/Filters: Test operation and check filter condition.

7. Safety and Environmental Hazards

• Smoke and CO detectors: Connecticut Requirement: Report on the presence, location, and number of detectors. Note if you can test them, the method and result, and whether you can verify they are less than 10 years old. If unable to test, state this clearly in your report.
• Other hazards: Note visible evidence of lead paint, asbestos, radon mitigation systems, or pest infestation.

8. Documentation

• Photograph defects and non-defect areas: Take clear, high-resolution photos to document both defects and non-defect areas for your report and liability protection.
• Document inaccessible areas: Photograph any inaccessible areas and note the reasons for inaccessibility to ensure comprehensive reporting.

Important Licensing Requirement for Inspectors in Connecticut Before conducting inspections, Connecticut requires home inspection interns to complete 40 hours of education, including 10 directly supervised and 90 indirectly supervised inspections. Additionally, licensed inspectors must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification and stay up to date with state regulations.

After the Inspection

Once the inspection is finished, a few important steps help wrap things up and keep everything on track. Taking care of these details makes sure the job is complete and meets all the right standards.

1. Complete and deliver report: Prepare a detailed, written report per Connecticut regulations, including:

• All systems and components inspected
• Significant deficiencies and recommendations
• Smoke/CO detector compliance details
• Limitations and inaccessible areas

2. Follow-up: Be available to clarify findings or answer client questions.
3. Continuing education: Stay updated on Connecticut regulations, code changes, and best practices for home inspectors.

Raising the Standard for Home Inspections in Connecticut

Home inspections in Connecticut go beyond just following a home inspection checklist. Each inspection helps protect the safety, value, and future of every property. The process relies on careful work by the inspector, good judgment, and honest reporting, things that can’t be replaced by technology or generic forms.

Attention to detail and a willingness to use new tools and follow updated standards help keep the quality of inspections high across the state. In a place where homes come in all shapes and sizes, thorough work by the inspector and clear reports support confident decisions for everyone involved.

This steady commitment to quality turns a regular inspection into an important part of Connecticut’s real estate system. High standards in home inspections help keep the market strong and trustworthy.