Property Inspection Checklist Builder

Build a comprehensive property inspection checklist for the following scenario:

Inspection Context:
Property Type: [SINGLE-FAMILY/MULTI-FAMILY/COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL]
Inspection Purpose: [PRE-PURCHASE/ANNUAL/MOVE-IN/MOVE-OUT/INSURANCE]
Property Age: [YEAR BUILT]
Square Footage: [SIZE]
Stories: [NUMBER]
Special Features: [POOL/SEPTIC/WELL/BASEMENT/ATTIC/ELEVATOR]
Climate Zone: [HOT/COLD/HUMID/ARID/COASTAL]
Known Issues: [ANY REPORTED PROBLEMS]

Section 1 - Exterior and Site Assessment:
Create detailed inspection items for the building exterior including roof condition with material-specific checkpoints, gutters and drainage, siding or exterior cladding, foundation visible portions, windows and doors, exterior paint or stain, chimney if present, and all exterior penetrations. Include site items such as grading and drainage, driveways and walkways, retaining walls, fencing, landscaping, and outdoor structures. Provide rating criteria for each item using a scale of satisfactory, needs monitoring, needs repair, and safety concern.

Section 2 - Structural and Foundation:
Detail inspection points for foundation walls, floor joists, support beams, load-bearing walls, roof framing, and any visible structural connections. Include checks for signs of settlement, cracking patterns that indicate structural movement versus cosmetic issues, water intrusion evidence, and pest damage. Specify when a structural engineer referral is warranted. Note differences in inspection approach for slab, crawl space, and basement foundations.

Section 3 - Major Systems Evaluation:
Create comprehensive checklists for HVAC systems including age, capacity, condition, and remaining life estimate. Cover plumbing systems including supply lines, drain lines, water heater, fixtures, and water pressure testing. Detail electrical system inspection including panel capacity, wiring type, grounding, GFCI protection, and outlet testing. Include any specialized systems such as fire suppression, security, or building automation.

Section 4 - Interior Condition Assessment:
Develop room-by-room checklists covering walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, outlets, switches, lighting, and built-in fixtures. Create specific checklists for kitchens including cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, ventilation, and storage. Build bathroom checklists covering fixtures, tile, caulking, ventilation, water damage indicators, and functionality testing. Include basement, attic, and utility room specific items.

Section 5 - Safety and Compliance:
List all safety inspection items including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, egress windows and doors, handrails and guardrails, stairway conditions, garage door auto-reverse, and water temperature testing. Include environmental hazard screening for asbestos, lead paint, radon, mold, and underground storage tanks. Note which items are code requirements versus best practices.

Section 6 - Documentation and Reporting:
Create a reporting template that organizes findings by severity and system. Include a photo documentation protocol specifying what to photograph and how to label images. Design a summary section that highlights critical findings, estimated repair costs, and recommended follow-up inspections. Provide a framework for presenting findings to different audiences including buyers, sellers, property managers, and insurance adjusters.