Use this form to organize safe homeowner observations or evaluate a professional report. It is not a substitute for a qualified on-site inspection. Do not climb a ladder, walk on a roof, enter an unsafe attic or approach wet electrical equipment to complete it.
Property and assignment
- Property address: __________
- Client/owner: ________
- Inspection date/time: ______
- Inspector/company: _________
- Purpose: ☐ routine ☐ leak ☐ storm ☐ purchase/sale ☐ post-installation ☐ other
- Agreed standard or scope: _________
- Weather now / recent weather: ____
- Roof material and source: _________
- Known installation date and source: _____
Methods used
Check only methods actually used.
- ☐ Ground observation
- ☐ Eave observation
- ☐ Roof surface
- ☐ Drone
- ☐ Pole camera
- ☐ Accessible attic/interior
- ☐ Thermal imaging
- ☐ Moisture meter
- Other: _________
Areas not accessed and why: _________
Component record
For each row, use Observed, Not observed, Not accessible or Not in scope. Do not use “pass” when an area was not visible.
| Component | Status | Location | Observation | Photo ID | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof covering | |||||
| Ridges and hips | |||||
| Valleys | |||||
| Eaves and edges | |||||
| Gutters/downspouts | |||||
| Wall/chimney flashing | |||||
| Plumbing/mechanical vents | |||||
| Skylights/roof windows | |||||
| Visible decking/framing | |||||
| Attic insulation/ventilation | |||||
| Interior ceilings/walls |
Finding detail
Repeat this block for each material finding.
- Finding ID: ____
- Exact location: _______
- Observable condition: _______
- Method/viewpoint: _____
- Consequence if unaddressed: _______
- What remains unknown: _______
- Priority: ☐ immediate hazard/active water ☐ prompt evaluation ☐ repair/maintenance ☐ monitor
- Recommended professional or action: _____
- Photo IDs: ______
- Follow-up date: _______
Photo log
| Photo ID | Date/time | Direction/room | Wide/detail | Unedited original saved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | ||||
| ☐ | ||||
| ☐ |
Limitations and unanswered questions
- Weather limitation: _________
- Access limitation: __________
- Concealed components: _______
- Equipment/material limitation: ____
- Further evaluation recommended: ___
Documents collected
- ☐ Prior inspection
- ☐ Contract/invoice
- ☐ Product and color details
- ☐ Permit/final approval where applicable
- ☐ Manufacturer warranty
- ☐ Workmanship warranty
- ☐ Repair history
- ☐ Before/after photos
Sign-off questions
- Which condition requires action first, and why?
- Which areas were not visible?
- Which suspected causes need verification?
- Does each recommendation identify a location and finding?
- Does the provider sell the work recommended?
- What should be monitored, and on what date?
Accessible printable asset plan
The downloadable version should be offered as both semantic HTML and a tagged PDF. Use real form labels and table headers, a logical reading/tab order, 12-point minimum print text, high contrast, visible checkbox states and instructions that do not depend on color. Keep blank writing space generous. The PDF should remain useful when printed in grayscale. The direct download must be ungated; a separate newsletter opt-in can be offered without preselected consent.
How to use the completed form
Keep the original with dated photos and source documents. Use observations, not claims: “three displaced shingles visible on west slope” is stronger than “storm destroyed roof.” Send the same record to each professional so estimates answer the same question.
InterNACHI’s standard provides one recognized model for a visible, non-invasive inspection and its limitations. Your inspector’s contract and state requirements may differ.
Source
- InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice, visible components, method and exclusions; accessed October 17, 2026.
Related guide: After completing the form, use how to read a roof inspection report.
