Home Inspection Checklist

Deadbolt Locks 

• Are your dead-bolt locks equipped with a minimum one-inch throw bolt that penetrates a metal strike plate? (See references photos at the bottom of the page)
• Is there any breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock? If so, double sided deadbolt is required (keyed on both sides)

Examples of Locks

Metal Strike Plate

Single Sided Deadbolt

Double or Dutch Door Locking Device

• Windows must be secured by auxiliary or secondary locking devices. A secondary locking device is in addition to the lock already equipped with the original window. These types of “locks” may include wooden dowels, pinning devices or thumb-screw locks (See reference photos at the bottom of the page).
• Storm windows meet the requirements of auxiliary window-locking devices if installed over the manufactured window.
• Primary window locks must be operational

Auxiliary or Secondary Window Locks

The windows on your home will already be equipped with some type of locking mechanism. An Auxiliary or secondary locking device acts as a back-up should your original window lock fail.

Garage Area 

• (If connected to the House)- Is your overhead roll up garage door(s) equipped with a key-operated locking device?
• Note: Any key-operated locking device (even a hasp and padlock) will qualify an overhead garage door. Electric garage door openers also qualify as a key-operated locking device.
• If your attic door is in the garage, do you lock it?

Alarm System Contact Information 

All exterior structure openings must be contacted. “Contacted” means each window and exterior door should have a physical appliance (contact sensor) that will trigger the alarm if the door or window is opened when the house alarm is armed.

• The attached garage overhead/bay (roll up) door.
• Any other exterior openings in the garage (if connected to the house).
• All exterior doors and windows (upstairs included)
• All other entrances into the residence

Additional Alarm System Considerations

• Does your alarm system include an interior and an exterior siren?
• Is all alarm equipment Underwriters Laboratory approved and the alarm is monitored by a U. L. approved central station or by the homeowner via an alarm internet application?
• Wireless connection to service provider?
• Motion and/or glass breakage sensors near valuables and covering all entrances and pathways?
• Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide sensors?
• Is your alarm call list current?
• Is your alarm permit current?
• Do you regularly test your alarm system and connections?
• Do you neighbors know what to do if your alarm goes off?

Exterior Considerations 

• It is recommended, but not necessary, that shrubbery and bushes be cut to a point the upper edge of the foliage is below the window line and the bottom should be cut upward 12”-18”.
• **This is a measure put in place so no potential intruder can hide behind the bushes or shrubbery.
• It is recommended, but not necessary, that outdoor lighting be placed in a manner to illuminate those areas where an intruder might hide at night to conceal themselves
• Is the house address clearly posted and visible from the street?
• Do you have window decals or yard signs indicating the presence of an alarm?

Interior Considerations 

• Do you have an inventory and identification marks on all valuables?
• Timers on interior lights and TV when away?
• Have you considered video cameras?

Away From Home Considerations

• Do not share travel plans needlessly and on social media.
• Arrange for a vacation house check with LCPD.
• Alert trusted neighbors of travel plans and alarm information.
• Forward calls to your cell phone
• Stop deliveries and newspapers
• Have mail picked up
• Never hide keys