Home Safety Inspection Checklist

This easy-to-read inspection checklist is specially designed for senior homeowners who wish to maintain their independence in the comfort and security of home and want to have their homes inspected for potential updates to address safety, convenience and accessibility concerns.

 

This specialized checklist is also useful for any homeowner or resident whose mobility or physical condition is or may become compromised.

This inspection checklist highlights specific exterior and interior components for which the inspector may provide suggestions and recommendations for modification, which will then assist homeowners in prioritizing, planning and budgeting appropriately for any necessary upgrades, both short-term and long-term.

 

NOTE: This inspection checklist is not meant to replace the requirements of a standard residential home inspection, but can be used in addition to a standard home inspection for clients with special needs.

 

 

KEY:OK = No modification or repair is needed or recommended.MOD = Inspector recommends minor modification or repair.REP = Inspector recommends repair or replacement of same. NEW = Inspector recommends new installation. NA = Not applicable to residence. SN = See inspector’s note.

 

 

EXTERIOR

 

________ Slip-resistant stairs and ramp, with color contrast or glow-strips at treads

________ Handrails are easy-to-reach, of graspable size and slip-resistant

________ Porch area is in usable condition and free of obstructions or dark areas

________ Accessible doorways for walkers, wheelchairs, etc.

________ Lighting (security or interior-controlled, or both)

________ Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc.)

________ Driveway and walkways (in good repair for safe walking)

________ Yard, gates, fence (easy to access, locking/secured)

________ Garage (attached or freestanding); other outbuildings

________ Low-maintenance shrubs and plants, lawn care, trees on property

________ Snowblower or other provisions for snowy weather, where applicable

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

ENTRANCE

________ House number is clearly visible from street for first-responders

________ Sensor/security light at main exterior door

________ Peephole of proper height for all residents (may require multiples)

________ Doorbell in accessible location

________ Surface on which to place packages while opening door

________ All exterior doors have secure, easy-to-use locks, bolts and knobs

________ Non-slip flooring in foyer

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

INTERIOR: Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security

________ Light-activated doorbell for hard-of-hearing residents

________ Smoke and CO detectors

________ Security alarm, emergency alert system and/or video-monitoring system

________ Thermostats are easy to locate; settings are easy to read (and no higher than 48 in. from floor); thermostats are pre-programmed

________ Light switches located near each entrance to each hallway and room

________ Standard light switches, or rocker or touch light switches

________ Two light bulbs or receptacles in each vital place (exits, bathrooms, etc.)

________ Electrical cords out of the flow of traffic

________ Receptacles are easy to reach; receptacles are not overloaded

________ Windows and safety locks are easy to operate

________ Window drapes/shades/cords are easy to reach and open/close

________ Interior stairs use contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs, with use of lighting

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

KITCHEN: Appliances & Maneuverability

________ Microwave oven in wall or on counter; settings are easy to read

________ Refrigerator and freezer are a side-by-side unit

________ Side-swing or wall oven; settings are easy to read; knobs are easy to turn

________ Raised washing machine and dryer; settings are easy to read; knobs are easy to turn; washing machine is front-loading

________ Raised dishwasher with push-button controls or easy-to-turn knobs

________ Stoves with electric cooktops (safer than gas), with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot

________ Space around counters, islands, etc., are wide enough for residents: 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, and 60-inch diameter clear space for turns

________ Cabinets are easy to reach; knobs/pulls are easy to use to open/close, or shelves are open/doorless, or have glass fronts

________ Counters are of ample area; custom-height/adequate and safe for residents; countertops have contrasting-color edges for the vision impaired and to provide visual orientation to workspace

________ Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas

________ Rugs have slip-resistant backing to prevent slips and falls

________ Window curtains/shades/cords are easy to reach and open/close

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

BATHROOM: Fixtures & Maneuverability

 

________ Counter heights are custom-fit/adequate and safe for residents

________ Rugs have slip-resistant backing to prevent slips and falls

________ Windows are easy to reach and open/close

________ Door access to tub/shower

________ Fold-down seat installed in shower

________ Shower/s equipped with adjustable showerhead with 6-foot hose

________ Shower stall has recessed, waterproof, automatic light

________ If stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide; if tub is used, it is low for easy access and egress

________ Flooring in bathtub/shower is slip-resistant

________ Emergency call button or intercom is located in bathroom, easy to reach, and is easily operated

________ Wall grab-bars of appropriate height located in tub/shower/toilet areas

________ Adjustable or appropriate-height counters with removable base cabinet for wheelchair-accessibility

________ Countertops have contrasting-color edges

________ Toilet is raised or height-adjustable

________ Toilet-paper holder is designed such that rolls can be switched out using only one hand

________ Faucet handles are lever design rather than knob, or pedal-controlled

________ Cabinets are easy to reach and are open shelves/glass fronts/doorless

________ At least one bathroom is wheelchair-accessible and on main level

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

FLOORING

________ If carpeted, use low-density pile with firm pad

________ Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces

________ Color and texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels

________ Rugs and rug runners are secure and non-slip; edges are secured down

________ No steps between rooms on a single level

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

 

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS:

________ In multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities located on same floor as master bedroom

________ Main living area is on a single story, including full bath

________ 5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in all main rooms

________ For multi-level home, residential elevator or lift installed

________ Lighting in all closets

NOTES: _____________________________________________________________

****************PRIORITY REPAIR / INSTALLATION LIST******************

SHORT- TERM: _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

NEXT YEAR: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

LONG- TERM: __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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