Point-of-sale inspection checklist: what inspectors flag most
Updated November 2026
The items city inspectors flag most often at point-of-sale, occupancy and Truth-in-Housing inspections, and how to fix them before the inspector arrives.
Every city has its own checklist, but the same items fail again and again. Fixing the cheap ones before the inspection keeps them off the report, and off the buyer's negotiating list.
Safety items (almost every city)
- Smoke alarms on every level, inside bedrooms or outside sleeping areas, and not past their 10-year date.
- Carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas when there is a gas appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
- GFCI outlets at kitchen counters, bathrooms, laundry, garage, exterior and unfinished basements.
- Handrails on stairs with four or more risers, firmly attached and graspable.
- Guardrails on decks, porches and landings more than 30 inches above grade.
- Missing covers on outlets, switches and junction boxes. Exposed or open splices.
- Extension cords used as permanent wiring.
- Water heater with a proper relief valve and discharge pipe, and correct venting.
- Gas appliance venting and connectors in good condition.
- Egress windows in bedrooms that open and are not painted shut.
Exterior and property maintenance
- Peeling or chipped paint, especially on pre-1978 homes.
- Gutters and downspouts attached and draining away from the house. In Pittsburgh-area towns they must not drain into the sanitary sewer.
- Cracked, heaved or trip-hazard sidewalks, driveways and aprons.
- Roof damage, missing shingles and rotted trim.
- House numbers visible from the street, often at least 3 to 4 inches tall.
- Broken windows, torn screens and damaged doors.
- Garage door auto-reverse and attached-garage fire separation.
- Fences, sheds and retaining walls in disrepair.
Plumbing and sewer
- Sump pumps discharging into the sanitary sewer instead of the yard or storm system.
- Leaks under sinks and at toilets. Loose toilets.
- Missing cleanout caps.
- In sewer lateral cities, cracks, roots and offset joints in the lateral.
Paperwork
- Open or expired building permits.
- Finished basements, decks or additions with no permit on file.
- Unpaid water, sewer or trash bills, which some towns check before issuing the certificate.
Not sure what your city checks? Find your city, or ask for a pre-inspection walkthrough.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common reason to fail a point-of-sale inspection?
Missing or expired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, missing handrails, and missing GFCI outlets are the most common items. They are also among the cheapest to fix before the inspection.
Can I fix items myself before the inspection?
Simple items like alarms, outlet covers and house numbers usually can be. Electrical, plumbing and structural work often needs a licensed contractor and a permit, which the inspector may ask to see.
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