South Dakota home inspection report template

South Dakota rules for this report

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

• The written report, in narrative or checklist form or both, describes the components inspected under the standards of practice and which of them were found to be in need of immediate major repairARSD 20:74:06:04
• A home inspector employs the Commission's standards of practice, which apply to buildings of four or fewer dwelling units and their garages or carports; the inspection is visual, tests normal operating devices, and is not invasive or technically exhaustiveARSD 20:74:06:01, 20:74:06:04
• For the roof the inspector reports the methods used to observe the roofing, the apparent life of the roof covering, missing shingles and hail and wind damage, loose or missing flashing or drip edging, leaking gutters and missing downspouts, splash blocks and extensions, and the sections of the roof not visible from the groundARSD 20:74:06:08 (2)
• For the structure the inspector reports on noted indications of water penetration, differential settlement and cracking indicating movement, harmful condensation, major moisture damage, and visible damage by wood destroying organisms or insects or major areas of rot (not a substitute for a wood destroying insect inspection); crawl spaces and attics with less than three feet of clearance need not be enteredARSD 20:74:06:06
• Inside, the inspector reports the presence or absence of a heating source in each living area and its operation, stair handrails and balcony guardrails, functional flow and drainage at each fixture with hot water at each hot water source, bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans, kitchen appliances, GFCIs tripped from the test button and an external tester, and smoke detectors (hard-wired or battery) tested from the test buttonARSD 20:74:06:09 (1)
• For the electrical system the inspector reports the service entrance (underground or overhead), the meter and mast, the main panel location and voltage and amperage rating, the service entry conductor material, the main disconnect size and grounding, branch circuit protection, aluminum branch circuit wiring, multiple-tapped breakers or fuses, melted insulation or signs of arcing, mismatched wire and circuit protection, and subpanelsARSD 20:74:06:10 (1)
• For plumbing the inspector reports the incoming water supply material and main valve location, the distribution and drain, waste and vent materials, the water heater's fuel type, flue and vent, capacity, age and pressure and temperature relief valve with appropriate extension, and the presence and location of water conditioning, private well equipment and sump pumpsARSD 20:74:06:11 (1)
• For heating the inspector reports the type of system, fuel, manufacturer, estimated age, operation from the thermostat, general condition, air flow at registers, positive pitch of flue pipes, humidifiers, supplemental heat, and a leak check of gas control and shutoff valves; for central cooling, the type, manufacturer, operation (unless the outside air is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit) with verification of cooling, condition and air flowARSD 20:74:06:12, 20:74:06:13
• For insulation and ventilation the inspector reports the presence of insulation in the attic and crawl space, its material, thickness and approximate R-value, unusual conditions, and the presence of ventilation and fans; for fireplaces and stoves, fuel type, location, firebox cracks, damper operation, flue liner and, for stoves, distance from combustible surfacesARSD 20:74:06:14, 20:74:06:15
• Every inspection contract is in writing and contains the signatures of the client (or representative) and the inspection company, a list of the general areas and components to be inspected, a list of general exclusions, the date, the price, the full names and addresses of the client and inspection company, the property address, the person who will receive the report, and the inspector's license or registration numberARSD 20:74:06:03
• A home inspector may not bid on any recommendation for repair documented in the inspection report, disclose results without the client's approval, accept pay from more than one interested party without everyone's written consent, or accept compensation from parties dealing with the client, and must promptly disclose any business interest that may affect the clientARSD 20:74:06:02 · SDCL 36-21C-13
• No one may provide, or offer to provide, a home inspection for compensation unless registered or licensed by the Real Estate Commission; a violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and the Commission may fine up to 2,500 dollars for a violation of the chapter or its rulesSDCL 36-21C-3 · SDCL 36-21C-11
• The inspector is not required to report on life expectancy (other than the roof covering's apparent life), causes, methods, materials or costs of major repairs, code compliance, market value, or the advisability of purchaseARSD 20:74:06:05

What is in it

• RoofRoof covering, Flashing, Skylights, chimneys and penetrations, Gutters, downspouts and roof drainage, Apparent life of the roof covering, Roof sections not visible from the ground
• 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, Incoming water supply material and main valve location
• 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, Insulation material, thickness and approximate R-value
• InteriorWalls, ceilings and floors, Interior doors and windows, Stairs, handrails and guards, Cabinets and countertops, Heating source in each living area
• 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

Rules last reviewed October 15, 2026. Read the full South Dakota home inspection report requirements.