Client Resource

Inspection Checklist
& Process

Know exactly what gets inspected, what to look for, and which Arizona-certified inspectors to call. A thorough home inspection protects your investment before you close.

10+Areas Inspected
2–4 hrsTypical Duration
~$350–$500Average AZ Cost

The Inspection Process

Here's what happens from the moment your offer is accepted through receiving your inspection report.

01

Schedule Immediately

Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 10 days under the Arizona Purchase Contract to complete your inspection. Schedule your inspector within 24–48 hours of acceptance — inspectors book fast.

02

Choose a Certified Inspector

Select an inspector who is ASHI-certified (American Society of Home Inspectors) or InterNACHI-certified and licensed in Arizona. See the directory below for recommended inspectors.

03

Attend the Inspection

You have the right to be present during the inspection. Plan to attend — the inspector will walk you through findings in real time. Bring a notepad and ask questions freely.

04

Review the Report

You'll receive a written report — usually within 24 hours — detailing every finding with photos. Review it carefully with your agent. Items are typically flagged as safety concerns, major defects, or maintenance items.

05

Request Repairs or Credits

Using the BINSR form (Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response), you can request repairs, ask for a price reduction, or accept the property as-is. Your agent will guide this negotiation.

06

Consider Add-On Inspections

Standard inspections don't cover everything. In Arizona, consider: Termite/WDO inspection (required by many lenders), Pool/spa inspection, Sewer scope, Roof certification, or Mold/air quality testing.

Complete Home Inspection Checklist

Every area a licensed Arizona home inspector evaluates. Use this as your guide during the walkthrough.

Exterior & Site

  • Drainage grades away from foundation
  • Driveway, walkways, and retaining walls
  • Fencing and gates condition
  • Patio, porch, deck, and handrails
  • Exterior siding — cracks, rot, warping
  • Windows and doors — seals, operation
  • Garage door safety sensor and operation
  • Exterior lighting and outlets (GFCI)
  • Vegetation clearance from structure
  • Signs of standing water or erosion

Roof

  • Shingles/tiles — missing, cracked, curled
  • Flashing around vents, skylights, chimney
  • Gutters and downspouts — secure and clear
  • Soffit and fascia condition
  • Roof age and estimated remaining life
  • Signs of moss, algae, or pooling water
  • Chimney — cracks, cap, and crown
  • Skylights — seals and leaking
Arizona Tip: Flat or low-slope roofs are common in AZ. Ask specifically about foam roof condition and coating age.

Foundation & Structure

  • Foundation walls — cracks, settling, movement
  • Wall framing and columns — integrity
  • Visible beams and joists — sagging, rot
  • Crawlspace — moisture, pest activity
  • Floors — levelness, soft spots, sagging
  • Staircase — railings, rise/run, creaking
  • Evidence of past repairs or patching
  • Signs of soil movement near foundation
Arizona Tip: Expansive clay soils and heat extremes can cause foundation movement. Look for diagonal cracks at door corners.

Attic

  • Insulation — type, depth, coverage
  • Ventilation — ridge, soffit, gable vents
  • Framing and sheathing — integrity
  • Water stains or signs of past leaks
  • HVAC ducts in attic — leaks, insulation
  • Pest or rodent activity, nests, entry points
  • Electrical wiring condition
Arizona Tip: Attic temperatures exceed 150°F in summer — proper ventilation and radiant barriers are critical for energy efficiency.

Plumbing

  • Main water shut-off — location and function
  • Water pressure (40–80 psi normal range)
  • All faucets, sinks, tubs — flow and drainage
  • Toilets — flush, seal, stability
  • Water heater — age, condition, T&P valve
  • Visible pipes — corrosion, leaks, type
  • Gas lines — connections, shutoffs
  • Hose bibs and anti-siphon devices
  • Sewer line scope (add-on — highly recommended)
Arizona Tip: Most AZ homes have hard water. Check water heater condition closely — sediment buildup is extremely common.

HVAC

  • AC/heating unit — age, condition, operation
  • Thermostat — programmable and functioning
  • Air filters — condition and accessibility
  • Ductwork — leaks, insulation, cleanliness
  • Registers and vents — airflow at each room
  • Condensate drain line — clear and sloped
  • Evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) if present
  • HVAC service and maintenance records
Arizona Tip: AC units work extremely hard in AZ. A unit over 12–15 years old may need replacement soon — budget $5,000–$12,000.

Electrical

  • Main panel — labeling, overcurrent protection
  • Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI)
  • GFCI outlets — bathrooms, kitchen, exterior, garage
  • All outlets tested — proper grounding, polarity
  • Light switches and ceiling fans — function
  • Visible wiring — condition, knob-and-tube, aluminum
  • Service entrance — condition and size (200-amp typical)
  • Doorbell — working condition
  • Smoke detectors — placement and function
  • Carbon monoxide detectors — required in AZ

Interior

  • Walls, ceilings, floors — cracks, staining, slope
  • All doors — operation, latching, weather stripping
  • All windows — operation, seals, condensation
  • Closet doors and built-ins
  • Fireplace and fireplace insert — damper, firebox
  • Ceiling fans — balance and function
  • Stairs and railings — stability and code compliance
  • Evidence of water intrusion or mold
  • Smoke and CO detectors — location and operation

Kitchen & Appliances

  • Cabinets and countertops — condition and function
  • Sink, faucet, and drain — leaks and flow
  • Garbage disposal — operation
  • Dishwasher — operation and connections
  • Range/oven — burners, oven, and venting
  • Refrigerator (if included) — operation
  • Range hood and exhaust fan — venting to exterior
  • Washer/dryer hookups — condition

Bathrooms

  • Sink, faucet, and drain — flow and leaks
  • Tub/shower — faucets, drains, surrounds
  • Toilet — flush, seal, stability, fill
  • Caulking and grout — cracks and missing sections
  • Exhaust fan — vented to exterior (not attic)
  • GFCI outlets — required near water
  • Cabinet and medicine cabinet — condition
  • Signs of water damage behind walls

Pool & Spa (if applicable)

  • Child safety provisions — barrier and alarms
  • Interior finish — cracks or staining
  • Pump and motor — operation and condition
  • Filter system — operation and backwash
  • Pool equipment — heater, blower, timer
  • Electrical — bonding, GFCI protection
  • Drain covers — entrapment hazards
  • Deck and coping — cracks and settling
  • Ladders, railings, and diving board safety
Arizona Tip: Over 50% of AZ homes have pools. A dedicated pool inspection (~$150 add-on) is strongly recommended.

Termite & Pest (WDO)

  • Wood-destroying organisms (termites, beetles)
  • Evidence of current or past infestation
  • Wood-to-soil contact points
  • Mud tubes — subterranean termite evidence
  • Conducive conditions for infestation
  • Damage to framing, subfloor, or trim
Arizona Tip: Arizona is a high-termite-activity state. Many lenders require a WDO/termite clearance letter (WDIIR) before funding. Budget ~$75–$150.

Arizona Home Inspector Directory

Certified inspectors across Arizona. Always verify current licensing at AZROC.gov before hiring.

Phoenix Metro / Maricopa County

AZ Home Inspection Services
ASHI Certified

10,000+ inspections completed. Covers the full Valley of the Sun. Offers buyer, pre-listing, new construction warranty, termite, mold, and pool inspections.

Phoenix Metro azhiservices.com
Good Look Home Inspection LLC
InterNACHI & ASHI

Veteran-owned company. Every inspection completed by an InterNACHI or ASHI Certified Inspector. Easy online scheduling. Rated #1 in Phoenix area.

623-824-9776 giveitagoodlook.com
AZ Property Inspections
ASHI + Termite Certified

Exceeds Arizona and ASHI standards. Inspectors located statewide — Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff. Licensed by AZ Dept. of Agriculture for termite inspections.

Statewide inspectionsaz.com
Protect Property Inspections (PPI AZ)
AZ Licensed

Offers free downloadable pre-inspection and pre-listing checklists. Detailed reports with photos. Serves Phoenix metro area.

Phoenix Metro ppi-az.com

Tucson / Pima County

Arizona Home Inspections LLC
BPI Certified

Specializes in Tucson and surrounding areas. Includes infrared and thermal imaging with every inspection at no extra cost.

520-661-7929 inspectingtucson.com
Tanque Verde Home Inspections LLC
AZ Licensed

Local Tucson inspection company. Detailed reports with photos. Call or text for a quote. Serves Tucson metro and surrounding communities.

520-462-8844 tvhiaz.com
HomeTeam Tucson
National Franchise

Sends a team instead of one inspector — faster, more thorough coverage. Full-service inspection including termite, mold, and air quality. Online scheduling available.

520-254-6697 hometeam.com/tucson
HouseMaster Tucson
National Franchise

One of the most trusted names in home inspections nationally. Comprehensive inspections with thousands of positive reviews. Covers Tucson and surrounding communities.

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Questions About Your Inspection Report?

Not every finding in an inspection report is a dealbreaker. Your For The People agent will help you understand which items are safety concerns, which are negotiation leverage, and which are normal wear-and-tear. Don't panic — get clarity.

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