Building Inspection Checklist
A free building inspection checklist for FM and property teams — roof, fabric, structure, services, and safety checks across the whole building.
Periodically — commonly monthly walk-rounds and an annual or periodic condition survey
FM, estates, or property teams; a building surveyor for detailed condition surveys
Good practice (supports duties under health, safety, and building legislation)
A building inspection is a periodic condition and safety survey of a building's fabric, structure, and services, used by FM and property teams to spot deterioration, defects, and hazards early. It supports planned maintenance, budgeting, and duty-of-care obligations. This checklist provides a general framework for a routine building condition inspection, to be adapted to the building.
Building Inspection Checklist: what to check
Roof & rainwater
Roof coverings sound, gutters and downpipes clear and flowing
External fabric
Walls, cladding, windows, and doors sound and weathertight
Structure
No signs of cracking, movement, or structural distress
Internal fabric
Ceilings, walls, and floors sound with no water damage or damp
Fire safety
Escape routes clear, fire doors and compartmentation intact
Services
Mechanical and electrical plant operating without obvious defects
Access & egress
Stairs, walkways, and external areas safe and well lit
Welfare & cleanliness
Facilities clean and functional
External areas
Car parks, paths, and grounds safe and well maintained
Record
Defects logged with photos, priority, and remedial actions
Download printable checklist templates from the templates library, or build a custom one with the checklist generator.
Common inspection failures
- Blocked gutters and downpipes leading to water ingress
- Water damage, damp, or staining indicating leaks
- Compromised fire compartmentation or blocked escape routes
- Trip and slip hazards on paths, stairs, and floors
- Defects logged but not actioned between inspections
Related inspection checklists
Frequently asked questions
Keep inspection records searchable
Once inspections are running, the records pile up. PM Assist makes your inspection records, O&M manuals, and certificates instantly searchable — so you can produce evidence on demand.