California home inspection report template

Set up for California

• A home inspection report clearly describes and identifies the inspected systems, structures or components of the dwellingCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (c)
• Where the dwelling has a pool or spa, the report identifies which of the seven drowning prevention safety features of Health and Safety Code 115922 (a) it is equipped with, states specifically if it has fewer than two, and says whether the features are in place, in good repair, operable as designed and, if applicable, appropriately labeledCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (a) (2), (c) · Cal. Health & Safety Code s. 115922 (a)

Also required in California

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• The report identifies any material defects: conditions that significantly affect the value, desirability, habitability or safety of the dwelling (style or aesthetics are not defects)Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (b), (c)
• The report gives any recommendations regarding the conditions observed, or recommendations for evaluation by appropriate personsCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (c)
• Where the dwelling has a pool or spa, the report includes a written statement that a pool isolation fence (Health and Safety Code 115923) is the most studied and effective drowning prevention safety feature for preventing a child from reaching a pool or spa unsupervised, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2019 policy statementCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (c) · Cal. Health & Safety Code s. 115923
• If any shade of yellow corrugated stainless steel tubing is observed, the report includes the observation and the statute's bonding and grounding notification word for wordCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7196.2 (SB 988, Stats. 2018 ch. 225)
• A home inspector may not give an opinion of valuation on a propertyCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195.7 (AB 1018, Stats. 2019 ch. 267)
• A home inspection is a noninvasive, physical examination, for a fee and in connection with a transfer, of the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components of a dwelling of one to four units, designed to identify material defects; on request it may include energy efficiency itemsCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7195 (a) (1), (3)
• A home inspector who is not a licensed general contractor, structural pest control operator or architect, or a registered professional engineer, must inspect with the degree of care a reasonably prudent home inspector would exercise; a contract clause that waives that duty or limits liability to the inspection fee is invalid, and a suit must start within four years of the inspectionCal. Bus. & Prof. Code ss. 7196, 7198, 7199
• It is an unfair business practice for a home inspector or their company to offer repairs, for an extra fee, on a structure they reported on in the past 12 months, to inspect property they have an interest in, to pay owners, brokers or agents for referrals, or to accept an inspection whose fee depends on the findings or the close of escrowCal. Bus. & Prof. Code s. 7197 (a)

What is in it

• RoofRoof covering, Flashing, Skylights, chimneys and penetrations, Gutters, downspouts and roof drainage
• ExteriorWall cladding and trim, Exterior doors and windows, Decks, porches, balconies, steps and railings, Walkways, driveways, grading and drainage
• Structure and foundationFoundation, Basement or crawlspace, Floor structure, Wall, ceiling and roof structure
• HeatingHeating equipment, Ducts, vents and distribution, Flue and venting, Thermostat and controls
• CoolingCooling equipment, Condensate drainage, Operation and temperature differential
• PlumbingWater supply and distribution, Drain, waste and vent, Water heater, Fixtures and faucets, Sump pump
• ElectricalService entrance and grounding, Main panel and overcurrent protection, Branch wiring, GFCI and AFCI protection, Receptacles, switches and fixtures, Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Fireplaces and chimneysFireplace, firebox and hearth, Chimney, flue and cap, Damper
• Attic, insulation and ventilationAttic access, Insulation, Attic ventilation, Bath, kitchen and dryer exhaust
• InteriorWalls, ceilings and floors, Interior doors and windows, Stairs, handrails and guards, Cabinets and countertops
• Built-in appliancesRange, oven and cooktop, Dishwasher, Built-in microwave, Food waste disposer
• GarageGarage door and opener (auto-reverse), Fire separation and entry door, Floor, walls and ceiling
• Pool or spa: drowning prevention safety featuresEnclosure that isolates the pool or spa from the home, Removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate, Safety pool cover, manual or powered, with its label, Exit alarms on doors and windows with direct access to the pool or spa, Self-closing, self-latching devices on doors with direct access, release at least 54 inches above the floor, Alarm in the pool or spa that sounds when someone enters the water, Other means of protection, independently verified and labeled

Rules last reviewed October 10, 2026. Read the full California home inspection report requirements.