This article will walk through creating a floor inspection checklist covering all the bases. A good floor inspection checklist will help ensure you know what needs to be fixed—which could prevent costly surprises down the road!
What is a Floor Inspection Checklist?
A floor inspection checklist is a document that helps inspectors report on the condition of a property’s floors. This checklist helps certified flooring inspectors perform industry-standard tests to determine the quality of flooring work and pinpoint the potential cause of failing floor coverings.
With this inspection tool, inspectors can protect owners, occupants, and the general public from flooring that may present a safety hazard. Additionally, the checklist can help prevent future issues by providing a baseline for what to expect from flooring over time.
Why are Floor Inspection Checklists Important?
Floor inspections are an essential part of any property assessment. They can help identify potential safety hazards and provide a baseline for what needs to be done to maintain the property.
Floor inspection checklists will also ensure that the inspection you conduct is thorough. By having a set list of items to inspect, you can be sure that you do not forget anything important. At the same time, checklists can help streamline the inspection process, making it more efficient.
What Do Floor Inspectors Look For?
A flooring inspection checklist will serve as the inspectors’ guide to ensure they are looking for everything they need during the inspection. Some of the things that floor inspectors typically look for include:
- Cupping and crowning can happen when there is excess moisture beneath the boards.
- Gaps: these can be an indication of problems with the subfloor or the installation.
- Gouges and scratches can happen during installation or from normal wear and tear.
- Buckling: this can be caused by water damage or a problem with the subfloor.
- Peaking: often caused by traffic, this is when the boards start to come up at the seams.
- Sinking or Sagging: a common issue that involves the subfloor settling. It is often attributed to the age of the home or building.
- Squeaky floors: a common finding in older properties, often caused by nails that have come loose or by the expansion and contraction of the boards.
Creating Your Floor Inspection Checklist
When creating your floor inspection checklist, there are a few key things to remember. Here are some tips to follow:
Include All The Major Categories
When it comes to flooring, there are a few different categories that you’ll want to make sure you include on your checklist. These categories include:
- Carpeting
- Hardwood Floors
- Tile and Stone Flooring
- Vinyl Flooring
- Other Flooring Types
For each category, you’ll want to ensure that you include specific items that need to be inspected. For example, for hardwood floors, you’ll want to include items like checking for cupping, gaps, and scratches.
