Washington home inspection report template

Set up for Washington

• When a system or component the standards require is excluded, at the client's request or because it is inaccessible or dangerous, the report states the reason it was excludedWAC 308-408C-030, Exclusions and limitations

Also required in Washington

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

• A licensed home inspector gives a written report of the home inspection to each person for whom the inspection is performed; the issues it addresses are set by the Department of Licensing's standards of practiceRCW 18.280.120 (1), Written reports
• The report describes the structural building materials, the roof covering type and general condition and how the roof is ventilated, the electrical service type and rating (overhead or underground, voltage, amperage, fuses or breakers, branch wiring), plumbing piping materials and water heating equipment, heating fuel, equipment and distribution, and insulation typeWAC 308-408C-110 (1) (a), Electrical system · WAC 308-408C-070 (1), Structure
• The inspector traverses the roof or, at their discretion, uses an alternate method; if the roof is not traversed, the alternate method used is reported, along with how the roof is ventilated and any multiple layers of roofingWAC 308-408C-090, Roofs
• All wood rot and pest-conducive conditions found are reported; an inspector who is not a currently licensed structural pest inspector (WA-SPI) may not identify specific wood destroying insects and describes them in general terms, and suspected insect issues are referred to a licensed structural pest inspector or pest control operatorWAC 308-408C-070 (1), Structure · RCW 18.280.010 (8), Definitions (wood destroying organism)
• The report gives the presence and location of the main water and fuel shutoff valves or that they were not found, the absence of a temperature and pressure relief valve and its piping, the absence of water heater seismic restraints, and the hot water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit measured at a representative number of locations, with each locationWAC 308-408C-100 (1) (b), (f), Plumbing system
• The report gives the location of any inoperative, absent or missing GFCI or AFCI device where current industry standards recommend or require one, and the client is advised that homes without that protection should have the devices installedWAC 308-408C-110 (1) (f), (g)
• The report notes any evidence of an underground storage tank, any open flame combustion appliance in a sleeping room, the absence of a bollard or other appliance protection in the garage, and, as a fire hazard, any ignition source within 18 inches of the garage floorWAC 308-408C-120 (1) (e), (f), Heating system · WAC 308-408C-180, Attached garages or carports
• The inspector verifies steps, handrails, guardrails, stairways and landings are installed wherever necessary, and reports when they are missing or need repair and when guard spacing exceeds four inches, or 4-3/8 inches on stairsWAC 308-408C-080 (1), Exterior
• For each system, the report describes and identifies any condition that may need to be referred to a specialistWAC 308-408C-070 to -180 (each system)
• From the inspection until one year from the report date, the inspector, their company and affiliated firms may not perform any work on the home other than inspection-related consultationRCW 18.280.120 (2) · WAC 308-408C-020 (8), Ethics
• Before the client signs the preinspection agreement, the inspector discloses in writing any business, family or financial relationship with another party to the transaction; the report may not minimize, maximize or balance information about defects to win referrals, and its contents stay confidential without the client's approvalWAC 308-408C-020 (2), (5), (10), Ethics
• A preinspection agreement is mandatory and states the property address, the fee, the inspector's contact information and license number, what will and will not be inspected, and that mold, asbestos, lead paint, water, soil, air quality and other environmental issues are not included unless agreed in writingWAC 308-408C-050, Contracts
• The inspector keeps preinspection agreements, home inspection reports and their multimedia or drawings for three yearsWAC 308-408C-040, Recordkeeping
• A Washington home inspection assesses the home's condition at the time of inspection by visual observation, simple tools and normal homeowner controls, is not technically exhaustive, and applies to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their attached garages or carportsWAC 308-408C-010, Purpose and scope

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, Main water and fuel shutoff valves, Hot water temperature
• 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 Washington home inspection report requirements.