Time and time again, we’ve told you how important it is to fill out an inspection checklist for every roofing and/or siding job. But how should you fill it out? What do all the blanks mean? And if you don’t have all the answers, should you keep the sheet to yourself until you get them? You’ve asked, we’re answering. Read on…
What is an inspection checklist?
An inspection checklist is an overview of the existing materials and accessories at the house you’re repairing.
Why should you FILL ONE OUT ON EVERY JOB?
It allows you to see all the components of the project to better estimate the job. It also helps you order the proper amounts of materials needed to complete the repairs.
How do you fill out the inspection checklist?
There are a lot of inspection checklists out there so we’re going to walk you through how to fill out the one we give to our contractors.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, it is important to remember that you only need to fill out the sections and lines relevant to the job you’re working on. If something doesn’t pertain to the job, it’s okay to leave it blank or cross it out. Also, there are some items that you might not be able to know until you start production. It’s okay to turn in a sheet before production and then update us on some items during production. That’s why there are pre and post supplements.
Okay, let’s jump in…
TOP SECTION:
At the top, put your name, the homeowner’s name, the project name (usually the claim #) and the full address of the house.
ROOFING SECTION:
When filling out our roof inspection checklist, it’s important to note that we’re mostly wanting to know if an item exists, and if it does, the quantity.
- ROOF TYPE AND LAYERS: Identify the type of roof (asphalt, slate), type of shingle, and how many layers are on the roof.
- PIPE JACK: We need to know what type of material it is, so circle either neoprene or lead. In the blank, note how many jacks there are with their sizes. Also note if it’s been painted.
- VENTS: for most of the vents, we just need you to write down the quantities in the blanks.
- Ridge vent – you should also note if it’s aluminum or shingle over style
- HVAC vent – also write down the size and model #
- CHIMNEY FLASHING: if there is chimney flashing, write down the size of the chimney and if it is brick or siding.
- SOFFIT OVERHANG MEASUREMENT: Put the width of the soffit in inches here. (Take a picture of the soffit with a tape measure to show the width.)
- ELECTRICAL MAST: Circle split booth or DNR. Note if the electrical mast (power lines) go through the roof.
- SKYLIGHTS: If there are skylights, write down the quantity, size and whether it is flat or domed. Take a picture of the model/serial number.
- DRIP EDGE: Does it exist? If so, note if it exists on the eaves and/or the rakes.
- ICE & WATER SHIELD: If you can tell it exists, write it down. If you can’t tell, either put “unknown” or leave it blank.
- VALLEY LINER: Does it exist? If so, write down the type of material that’s there. If you don’t know, write “unknown” or leave it blank.
GUTTER SECTION:
- GUTTER SIZE AND TYPE: Write down the measurements (5” or 6”). Also note if they will need to be detached and reset (D&R) or removed and replaced (R&R).
- DOWNSPOUT SIZE AND LF: Measure the downspout and write it down (2×3” or 3×4”). We have no way of knowing the linear footage if you do not measure it, so measure it and write it down. Also note if they will need to be detached and reset (D&R) or removed and replaced (R&R).
- GUTTER GUARDS: If there are gutter guards, note if they’re low grade or high grade and if they need to be detached and reset (D&R) or removed and replaced (R&R).
- RAIN DIVERTERS: Write down the quantity.
SIDING SECTION:
Keep in mind, we’re only concerned about the items if they are attached to the siding (not brick or stone) and therefore need to be detached and reset/removed and replaced, and/or they are items you want ECS to supplement. The insurance companies do not pay to manipulate items that are not attached to the aluminum siding.
- SIDING TYPE AND INSULATION PRESENT: Write down the type of siding (vinyl, aluminum, etc.) If you can tell if there is house wrap behind it, write that down, too.
- LIGHT BLOCKS: How many light blocks are attached to the siding?
- HOUSE NUMBERS: How many individual numbers are attached to the siding?
- MAILBOX: Is it attached to the siding?
- FAUCET: Write down how many faucets are attached to the siding.
- A/C: If there is an AC unit attached to the siding, write it down! If there are multiple, write down how many there are attached to the siding.
- SIDING UNDER DECK: If there is siding under a deck, write it down.
- DRYER VENTS: Fill in the number of dryer vents.
- DOORBELL: Write down the number of doorbells attached to the siding.
- METER MAST: Is there a meter mast attached to the siding? Write yes or no.
- SHUTTERS: How many pairs of shutters are there? Do they need to be detached and reset (D&R) or removed and replaced (R&R)?
- RADON PIPE: Is there a radon pipe attached to the siding? Yes or no? If yes, write down its length.
- FASCIA: Is it damaged? What size is it? Is it on the rakes or the eaves? Does it need to be custom bent?
- WINDOW WRAPS: If there are window wraps, write down how many windows and their sizes.
- SOFFIT OVER SIDING & SIDING WIDTH: Yes or no, is there soffit over the siding? Write down the soffit width.
- DOORS OVER SIDING: Yes or no, is there siding under doors or the garage doors? Note it down (and how many doors).
- GABLE VENTS: If there are gable vents attached to the siding, note how many.
- PHONE BOX: How many?
- HOSE REEL: If there are hose reels attached to the siding, note down how many.
- WINDOW SCREENS: Note how many there are, if they’re damaged and what size windows.
NOTES SECTION:
Use the notes section to inform your supplementing team what you want to supplement for, as well as anything out of the ordinary about the job or anything not listed in the sections, like if there is a pool or landscaping you will need to protect.
INTERIOR SECTION:
If you do interior work, you may choose to fill out the exterior sections and then circle back to the interior section when you’re ready to do that work. Or, you may decide to fill it out at the same time. It’s completely up to you.
- DRYWALL SF: Write down the square footage for the drywall to be replaced.
- PAINTING SF: Write down the square footage for the area to be painted.
- STAIN BLOCKED REQUIRED: If the area needs to be stained blocked, write down the square footage.
- CEILING HEIGHT: What is the ceiling height?
- CEILING FANS How many ceiling fans are there?
- LIGHTS: How many lights?
- CONTENTS: How many rooms have content that will need to be removed for the work to be completed (and then reset)?
- INSULATION: What is the square footage of the area needing insulation?
- AIR RETURNS: How many are there?
- SMOKE ALARMS: How many are there?
- EXHAUST VENTS How many are there?
We know this is a lot to remember, especially if you’re new to the industry. That’s why we’ve created a guide specifically for the checklist that includes which photos you need to take. Download our inspection checklist and our guidelines here.
Learn more about how paperwork can make or break your roofing company on our YouTube channel.