Virginia home inspection report template

Set up for Virginia

• The report gives the licensee's name, address, telephone, email or other contact, and license number with its expiration date, followed by NRS when inspecting a new residential structure18VAC15-40-130 (B) (1), Home inspection report
• The license expiration date is on the report18VAC15-40-130 (B) (1) (d)
• The licensee's address is on the report18VAC15-40-130 (B) (1) (b)
• The report gives the name and contact information of the client or the client's authorized representative, and the physical address inspected18VAC15-40-130 (B) (2), (3)
• The report gives the date, both the start and finish times of the home inspection, and the weather at the time18VAC15-40-130 (B) (4)
• The weather at the time of the home inspection is on the report18VAC15-40-130 (B) (4)
• Any component or system that could not be inspected is identified with an explanation, and systems that were off, winterized or secured are left as found with the reason stated18VAC15-40-130 (D), (E)

Also required in Virginia

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

• The report describes in writing the composition and characteristics of the listed components (structure, roof and attic, exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning) and their readily observable defects, except as limited by the contract18VAC15-40-130 (C)
• The method of inspecting the crawl space and the method of inspecting the roof covering are noted and explained18VAC15-40-130 (C) (1) (d), (2) (a)
• For each readily accessible smoke alarm the report determines whether it is in good working order (securely attached, not physically damaged, test function successful), and states when an alarm was not readily accessible or describes any limits on that determination18VAC15-40-130 (F) · 18VAC15-40-10, Definitions ("good working order")
• The report includes the substance of the regulation's smoke alarm statement: alarms on each level and in every sleeping area, replace alarms not in good working order, a test reflects only the time of inspection and is no guarantee, and follow the manufacturer's instructions18VAC15-40-130 (F) (3)
• If yellow corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is seen in a home built before May 1, 2008, the report includes that observation and the statute's bonding and grounding statement word for wordCode of Virginia s. 54.1-517.2:1 · 18VAC15-40-130 (G)
• A home inspection report may not cite, state or represent that a violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code exists18VAC15-40-155 (10) (d), Prohibited acts
• The inspector may not advise the client whether to engage in the real estate transaction or give an opinion of the property's value18VAC15-40-155 (10) (e)
• Before work begins or payment is accepted, the client and the licensee sign a written contract stating the terms, the areas and systems to be inspected, the cost, the exclusions, and that the inspection is not a review for code compliance; the client gets a fully signed copy18VAC15-40-120, Home inspection contract
• The licensee may not design or perform repairs on a home they inspected within 12 months after the inspection, inspect under an agreement where pay or referrals depend on the findings or the sale, or disclose the results without the client's approval except where life or health is in imminent danger18VAC15-40-140, Conflict of interest
• The licensee keeps all records of each home inspection, including the written report and supporting documentation, for three years from the inspection date18VAC15-40-160 (C)

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

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