Fillable checklist

Deck Inspection Checklist: Ledger, Guards, and Stairs (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable visual deck and porch form for ledger, flashing, joists, posts, footings, guards, stairs, and boards. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Inspections Fillable form · 9 sections · 60 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against IRC, ASHI SOP, and InterNACHI SOP · Last verified Sep 1, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a visual deck and porch inspection of a US house: ledger and flashing, joists and beams, posts and footings, guards and handrails, stairs, boards, and fasteners. Mark N/A on stations the deck does not have.

  • 9 sections
  • 60 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a visual template, not a licensed structural-engineer report and not a municipal code inspection. Adopted residential codes vary by state and city. InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI (current Exterior; 2026 section 5) ask you to inspect visible decks, porches, guards, and stairs. ASHI 2026 is approved but not yet the implemented SOP.

10 fields
Property

ASHI 2026 5.1 asks you to describe framing. IRC R507.9: an attached deck needs a positive house connection, or it shall be self-supporting. Mark ledger lines N/A on a freestanding deck.

ASHI 2026 5.1.B and the ASHI Deck SOP ask you to describe the walking surface. IRC R507.2.2: composite boards and rails need an ASTM D7032 label and the maker's span.

InterNACHI: start underneath. If the frame looks unsafe, stay off the walking surface. ASHI 2026 5.2: not required to enter an underside with less than 30 inches vertical and 30 inches horizontal clearance, or an opening smaller than 18 by 24 inches, or an underside more than 14 feet above grade.

Dry, raining, or recent heavy rain. Wet wood hides decay and makes boards slippery. Ice or snow covers fasteners and flashing.

ASHI Deck SOP 11.1: report suspected excessive loads such as spas and hot tubs. InterNACHI: a filled tub can exceed 100 pounds per square foot. Most decks are designed near 40 to 60 psf. Checking the box is not a load calculation.

Inspection station

Ledger and house attachment

Walk the house-to-deck joint. Mark every line N/A on a freestanding deck with no ledger. InterNACHI estimates most collapses start when the ledger pulls away. Do not invent a fastener-spacing Pass/Fail unless you measured joist span, load, and sheathing against IRC Table R507.9.1.3(1).

9 items
Ledger and house attachment

Ledger identified, or the deck is recorded as freestanding

ASHI 2026 5.1 and ASHI Deck SOP 5: inspect the visible ledger on an attached deck. IRC R507.9: where a positive house connection cannot be verified, the deck shall be self-supporting. Write freestanding in Notes if there is no ledger.

Ledger identified, or the deck is recorded as freestanding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible ledger is at least a nominal 2x8 of treated or durable wood

IRC R507.9.1.1: minimum 2-inch by 8-inch nominal, No. 2 or better pressure-preservative-treated Southern pine, incised treated hem-fir, or approved naturally durable wood. InterNACHI: deck ledgers should be at least 2x8 treated wood. Mark N/A if the ledger is hidden or the deck is freestanding.

Visible ledger is at least a nominal 2x8 of treated or durable wood: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ledger not supported on stone or masonry veneer

IRC R507.9.1.1: deck ledgers shall not be supported on stone or masonry veneer. InterNACHI: do not support a ledger on brick veneer, and do not surface-mount it on stucco or EIFS. A ledger through-bolted to a grouted masonry or concrete wall is a different case. Write the wall type in Notes.

Ledger not supported on stone or masonry veneer: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ledger uses visible lags or through-bolts, not toenails or deck screws only

IRC R507.9: attachment shall not be by toenails or nails subject to withdrawal. Table R507.9.1.3(1) uses 1/2-inch lag screws or 1/2-inch bolts, hot-dipped galvanized or stainless. InterNACHI: lags or through-bolts are the two common correct methods. Nails and ordinary deck screws are not that table. Do not count hidden fasteners as present.

Ledger uses visible lags or through-bolts, not toenails or deck screws only: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible fasteners are staggered, with washers if you can see the heads

IRC Table R507.9.1.3(2) and Figure R507.9.1.3(1): stagger top and bottom rows. Typical edge model is about 2 inches from ledger ends and the top edge. InterNACHI: 1/2-inch bolts or lags with washers. Spacing depends on joist span and load. Write what you can see. Do not fail from a count you could not finish.

Visible fasteners are staggered, with washers if you can see the heads: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ledger not pulled away from the house; no growing daylight at the joint

InterNACHI: about 90 percent of collapses start when the ledger separates from the band joist. A gap, rust streaks, or a dropped outer edge is a defect. A designed stacked-washer gap is rare and must still sandwich structural sheathing. Mark Defect if the ledger is walking off the wall.

Ledger not pulled away from the house; no growing daylight at the joint: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ledger not carrying a concentrated beam or girder end

IRC R507.9.1.1: deck ledgers shall not support concentrated loads from beams or girders. InterNACHI: girders should bear on posts, not on the house ledger. A dropped beam hung only on lags at the band is a defect.

Ledger not carrying a concentrated beam or girder end: OK, Defect, or N/A

Lateral hold-down hardware visible, or the deck is freestanding

IRC R507.9.2 model: hold-downs in not fewer than two locations within 24 inches of each end at 1,500 pounds, or four locations at 750 pounds. Those devices are often inside the house. InterNACHI shows hold-downs as part of a correct attachment. Mark N/A on a freestanding deck. Do not invent a fail because you could not see inside the rim.

Lateral hold-down hardware visible, or the deck is freestanding: OK, Defect, or N/A

If the house connection cannot be verified, independent posts support the house side

IRC R507.9: if a positive connection cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be self-supporting. InterNACHI repeats that rule. Mark N/A if you can see a proper ledger connection. Mark Defect if an attached deck has no visible fasteners and no house-side posts.

If the house connection cannot be verified, independent posts support the house side: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Flashing and moisture at the wall

ASHI Deck SOP 4 is flashing only. Do not repeat fastener-spacing lines here. Mark ledger-flashing lines N/A on a freestanding deck that never touches the wall.

7 items
Flashing and moisture at the wall

Corrosion-resistant flashing visible above an attached ledger

IRC R507.9.1.3 note b: ledgers shall be flashed in accordance with R703.4 to keep water off the house band joist. IRC R507.2.4: flashing shall be corrosion-resistant metal not less than 0.019 inch thick, or an approved nonmetallic material compatible with the wall and the deck. InterNACHI: flash even under a roof overhang. Mark N/A if there is no ledger.

Corrosion-resistant flashing visible above an attached ledger: OK, Defect, or N/A

Flashing not rusted through, short, or dumping water behind the ledger

Look for a kick-out that sheds onto the ledger face, not into the joint. Stains, moss, or soft band-joist wood under a missing piece are defects. Hidden counterflashing behind siding is often out of view. Report what you can see.

Flashing not rusted through, short, or dumping water behind the ledger: OK, Defect, or N/A

Door onto the deck has a threshold, flashing, or drip that sheds water

ASHI Deck SOP 4.1: inspect flashing at doors that open onto the deck. InterNACHI 3.2 inspects flashing and exterior doors. A swollen sill, rusted threshold, or water stains on the interior floor at that door is a defect. Mark N/A if no door opens onto the deck.

Door onto the deck has a threshold, flashing, or drip that sheds water: OK, Defect, or N/A

Flashing or sealant at rail posts and other wall penetrations is intact

ASHI Deck SOP 4.1: inspect flashing and sealants where deck parts penetrate the wall covering. Open holes, failed caulk, or a post lag with no washer and no seal belong in Notes. This is not a waterproofing warranty.

Flashing or sealant at rail posts and other wall penetrations is intact: OK, Defect, or N/A

House band, sheathing, or siding at the ledger not decayed or stained

InterNACHI 3.3: report wood in contact with moisture and cutting or notching that looks unsafe. Soft band joist, crumbling OSB, or a stain line behind a missing flashing piece is a defect. Paint can hide decay. Probe only if it is safe and you do not create a hole you cannot close.

House band, sheathing, or siding at the ledger not decayed or stained: OK, Defect, or N/A

No bare aluminum flashing hard against treated lumber

InterNACHI: aluminum flashing is common and should not be used against pressure-treated wood or galvanized fasteners because it corrodes. IRC R507.2.4 requires compatibility with the substrate and the decking. White powder or holes in aluminum at a treated ledger is a defect. Mark N/A if flashing is copper, stainless, coated, or nonmetallic.

No bare aluminum flashing hard against treated lumber: OK, Defect, or N/A

Downspouts and grade not wetting the ledger or post bases

InterNACHI: a downspout or sprinkler that keeps posts or the ledger wet speeds decay. InterNACHI 3.2 inspects drainage where it can wet the structure. Mark Defect if a spout dumps at the house-to-deck joint. Mark N/A if roof water clearly clears the deck.

Downspouts and grade not wetting the ledger or post bases: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Joists, beams, and hangers

ASHI 2026 5.1: inspect visible framing, including ledger boards, joists, and beams. InterNACHI is not required to size, span-check, or judge structural adequacy. Mark lines N/A if the underside is closed or more than 14 feet up and you stayed on grade.

9 items
Joists, beams, and hangers

Joists and beams identified from the underside or from grade

ASHI 2026 5.1.B: describe the framing type and material. Write size and spacing in Notes if you measured. Do not invent a span Pass/Fail from IRC Table R507.6 unless you measured species, grade, spacing, and load.

Joists and beams identified from the underside or from grade: OK, Defect, or N/A

Underside entered, or the reason you stayed out is recorded

ASHI 2026 5.2: not required to enter with less than 30 inches vertical and 30 inches horizontal clearance, an opening smaller than 18 by 24 inches, or an underside more than 14 feet above grade. InterNACHI: do not enter if it is unsafe. Mark N/A only if there is no underside (grade-level platform).

Underside entered, or the reason you stayed out is recorded: OK, Defect, or N/A

Joists framing into a ledger or beam sit in hangers or on a ledger strip

IRC R507.6.1: joists framing into the side of a beam or ledger shall be supported by approved joist hangers. Joists on a single-ply beam or ledger need a mechanical connector. InterNACHI: hangers, a 2x2 ledger strip, or a notch over a strip. Toenails only are a defect. Joists should sit fully in the hanger, not on the nails.

Joists framing into a ledger or beam sit in hangers or on a ledger strip: OK, Defect, or N/A

Joist ends have bearing; no joist hanging on nails in end grain only

IRC R507.6.1: not less than 1 1/2 inches of bearing on wood or metal, and not less than 3 inches on concrete or masonry, over the full width. Write the bearing you can see. A joist cut short of the ledger is a defect.

Joist ends have bearing; no joist hanging on nails in end grain only: OK, Defect, or N/A

Joists and rim not heavily decayed, split at hangers, or crushed at bearing

InterNACHI: large cracks longer than the member depth, or splits at toenails and hanger nails, weaken the frame. Soft, punky, or insect-galled wood is a defect. Hairline seasoning checks can stay OK with a note.

Joists and rim not heavily decayed, split at hangers, or crushed at bearing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Beams bear on posts, not hung from the house ledger by lags

IRC R507.5.1: beam ends need 1 1/2 inches of bearing on wood or metal, or 3 inches on concrete or masonry. IRC R507.5.2: attach beams so they transfer vertical load and resist horizontal movement. InterNACHI: girders should bear directly on posts. A beam in side-lag shear only is a defect.

Beams bear on posts, not hung from the house ledger by lags: OK, Defect, or N/A

No obvious beam sag or a dropped line of joists

InterNACHI: sight along the bottom edge. A belly, a kink at a splice off a post, or a joist line that steps down is reportable. This is not an engineered deflection check. Do not invent an L/360 Pass/Fail.

No obvious beam sag or a dropped line of joists: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rim or blocking at joist ends keeps joists from rolling

IRC R507.6.2: joist ends and bearing locations need lateral resistance. Hangers or blocking at least 60 percent of joist depth, or a rim nailed with not fewer than three 10d nails or three No. 10 by 3-inch screws per joist. Missing rim on a high deck is a defect. Mark N/A if hangers already restrain the ends.

Rim or blocking at joist ends keeps joists from rolling: OK, Defect, or N/A

No large midspan notches or holes that look unsafe

InterNACHI 3.3: report cutting, notching, and boring that may be a structural or safety concern. InterNACHI deck text: notches are not permitted in the middle third of a span. This form does not apply NDS notch formulas as a Pass/Fail. Write location and remaining depth.

No large midspan notches or holes that look unsafe: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Posts and footings

ASHI 2026 5.1 inspects supporting members, footings, and piers, and is not required to determine load capacity. InterNACHI is not required to inspect underground items. Do not invent a frost-depth or post-height Pass/Fail from one table.

9 items
Posts and footings

Posts reasonably plumb, not twisted or leaning

Sight two faces. A lean, a twist, or a post walking off its pad is a defect. ASHI and InterNACHI do not require a calculated plumb tolerance. Write the lean direction in Notes.

Posts reasonably plumb, not twisted or leaning: OK, Defect, or N/A

Post size recorded; no single height used as a fail

IRC R507.4 sets maximum post height by size, species, and tributary area in Table R507.4. InterNACHI guide text prefers 6x6 on taller decks and warns that tall 4x4 posts twist. Those are not one Pass/Fail pair. Write the nominal size and the height you measured. Mark Defect only for a crushed, split, or undersized post that is already failing.

Post size recorded; no single height used as a fail: OK, Defect, or N/A

Posts connected to footings or piers so they cannot slip or lift

IRC R507.3 and Figure R507.3: posts shall be centered on or in the footing. IRC R507.4.1: lateral restraint by manufactured connectors or a minimum 12-inch embedment in soil or a concrete pier. InterNACHI: posts should be connected so they do not lift or slip, including at precast pier blocks. A loose post in an empty saddle is a defect.

Posts connected to footings or piers so they cannot slip or lift: OK, Defect, or N/A

Posts in soil are treated for ground contact, with the cut end not buried if you can see it

IRC R507.2.1: preservative-treated wood in contact with the ground shall be labeled for that use. InterNACHI: posts in soil should be pressure-treated and oriented so the cut end is above grade. Mark N/A if posts sit on a pier above grade. Do not dig a footing unless it is already exposed and safe.

Posts in soil are treated for ground contact, with the cut end not buried if you can see it: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible footings or piers present; posts not on soil, scrap brick, or a loose rock

IRC R507.3: decks shall be on concrete footings or another approved system, with exceptions for some low freestanding decks (joists on grade, or precast piers, not more than 200 square feet, walking surface not more than 20 inches above grade within 36 inches of the edge). InterNACHI: stringers and posts on soil rot. A post on a loose stone is a defect.

Visible footings or piers present; posts not on soil, scrap brick, or a loose rock: OK, Defect, or N/A

No heaved, exposed, or obviously undersized footing you can see

IRC R507.3.2: deck footings not less than 12 inches below undisturbed ground. IRC R507.3.3: attached decks need frost protection by one of the listed methods. Local frost depth varies. InterNACHI: required depth is a local number. Do not mark Pass or Fail from 12 inches unless you measured an exposed footing. A footing sitting on recent fill or tipped out of plumb is a defect.

No heaved, exposed, or obviously undersized footing you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

Post bases not decayed, insect-galled, or sitting in a puddle

InterNACHI: puddles in the old footing hole, sprinklers, and downspouts keep bases wet. Paint hides decay. Soft wood at grade is a defect. InterNACHI 3.3: report wood in contact with or near soil.

Post bases not decayed, insect-galled, or sitting in a puddle: OK, Defect, or N/A

Tall or freestanding decks have visible bracing, or a reason is recorded

InterNACHI guide: decks greater than 6 feet above grade should have post-to-girder and post-to-joist diagonal bracing; freestanding decks should be braced on all sides. IRC R507 does not state those heights as a single visual Pass/Fail. Mark Defect if a tall, wobbly frame has no bracing. Mark N/A on a low, stiff, attached deck.

Tall or freestanding decks have visible bracing, or a reason is recorded: OK, Defect, or N/A

Stair stringers bear on a pad or posts, not on bare soil

ASHI Deck SOP 10: inspect stringer support posts. InterNACHI: bottoms of stringers are often left on soil, a block, or a rock, and then rot or move. Mark N/A if there are no stairs. The rise and run numbers belong on the Stairs station.

Stair stringers bear on a pad or posts, not on bare soil: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Guards, railings, and handrails

InterNACHI 3.2 requires inspecting railings, guards, and handrails, and reporting improper baluster spacing. InterNACHI is not a code inspection (SOP 2.2.H). Write measured height and openings in Notes. Do not mark Pass or Fail from 36 inches or 4 inches unless you measured.

9 items
Guards, railings, and handrails

Guard present on open sides more than 30 inches above grade, if you measured the drop

2018/2021 IRC R312.1.1 (2024 text that InterNACHI cites as R321.1): guards are required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below, measured within 36 inches horizontally of the edge. InterNACHI guide also mentions a 12-inch habit; that is not the IRC trigger. Mark N/A if every open side is 30 inches or less and you measured. Insect screening is not a guard.

Guard present on open sides more than 30 inches above grade, if you measured the drop: OK, Defect, or N/A

Guard height measured; IRC model is not less than 36 inches at the walking surface

IRC R312.1.2 and InterNACHI: required guards at porches, balconies, and landings shall be not less than 36 inches above the walking surface or the line connecting nosings. Stair-guard exception: not less than 34 inches. Some cities require 42 inches. Write the height you measured. Do not fail a stair guard at 35 inches if you did not separate the 34-inch stair exception.

Guard height measured; IRC model is not less than 36 inches at the walking surface: OK, Defect, or N/A

Openings do not pass a 4-inch sphere, if you checked

InterNACHI 3.2.III: report improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, and rails. InterNACHI and IRC R312.1.3: a 4-inch sphere shall not pass. Stair-guard openings use a 4 3/8-inch sphere. The triangle at tread, riser, and bottom rail uses a 6-inch sphere. Those three numbers are not interchangeable. Mark Defect if a 4-inch ball passes a deck-level opening you tested.

Openings do not pass a 4-inch sphere, if you checked: OK, Defect, or N/A

Guard posts reach the framing; 4x4 posts not notched at the deck

IRC R507.10.1: guard loads need a continuous path into the joists. IRC R507.10.4: 4x4 wood posts that take guard load at the top shall not be notched at the supporting structure. InterNACHI: notched posts are common and can become unsafe as the deck ages. A post lagged only through deck boards is a defect.

Guard posts reach the framing; 4x4 posts not notched at the deck: OK, Defect, or N/A

Guard posts tied to joists or blocking, not only into the decking

IRC R507.10.2: a joist or beam that takes a side-mounted guard must be connected to adjacent joists so it cannot roll. End-grain withdrawal only is not permitted. IRC R507.10.3: top-mounted guards connect to framing or blocking per the maker. InterNACHI prefers brackets on aging decks. Write how the post is fastened.

Guard posts tied to joists or blocking, not only into the decking: OK, Defect, or N/A

Top rail does not deflect loosely or pull the posts

IRC Table R301.5 lists a 200-pound load on guards. You are not required to apply that load. InterNACHI: a wobbly rail is a cause for concern. Mark Defect if the rail moves enough to open a gap or lift a post. This is not a laboratory test.

Top rail does not deflect loosely or pull the posts: OK, Defect, or N/A

Open sides of stairs have a guard if the drop exceeds 30 inches

IRC R312.1.1 includes stairs. Stair guard height exception is 34 inches. Stair openings use 4 3/8 inches, not 4 inches. Mark N/A if stairs are enclosed or the drop is 30 inches or less and you measured.

Open sides of stairs have a guard if the drop exceeds 30 inches: OK, Defect, or N/A

Graspable handrail on each flight with four or more risers

IRC R311.7.8: a handrail on not less than one side of each flight with four or more risers. InterNACHI: stairs with four or more risers should have a handrail, and many deck rails are a 2x6 that is not graspable. A cap rail can serve as both guard and handrail only if it meets both rules. Mark N/A if there are fewer than four risers.

Graspable handrail on each flight with four or more risers: OK, Defect, or N/A

Handrail height 34 to 38 inches above nosings, if you measured

IRC R311.7.8.1 and InterNACHI: not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches, measured from the sloped plane at the tread nosings. Write the height. Do not mark Pass or Fail unless you measured. Continuity and a returned end matter as much as the number.

Handrail height 34 to 38 inches above nosings, if you measured: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Stairs and landings

Mark every line N/A if the deck has no stairs. Rise and run numbers below are the 2018/2021 IRC R311.7.5 model. Local amendments differ. Do not mark Pass or Fail from 7 3/4 inches or 10 inches unless you measured several treads.

9 items
Stairs and landings

Stairs or a landing identified, or N/A if the deck has none

InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 2026 5.1: inspect stairs and landings. ASHI Deck SOP 10: stringers, risers, treads, landings, and fasteners. Write the number of risers in Notes.

Stairs or a landing identified, or N/A if the deck has none: OK, Defect, or N/A

Riser height measured; IRC model maximum is 7 3/4 inches

IRC R311.7.5.1: riser height shall be not more than 7 3/4 inches, measured vertically between leading edges of adjacent treads. InterNACHI does not publish a different maximum. Measure more than one riser, including the bottom. Do not fail from a single glance. Write the largest riser you measured.

Riser height measured; IRC model maximum is 7 3/4 inches: OK, Defect, or N/A

Tread depth measured; IRC model minimum is 10 inches

IRC R311.7.5.2: tread depth shall be not less than 10 inches, measured horizontally between the vertical planes of adjacent nosings. InterNACHI does not publish a different minimum. Open-riser decks often use two 2x6s. Write the smallest tread you measured. Do not fail unless you measured.

Tread depth measured; IRC model minimum is 10 inches: OK, Defect, or N/A

Largest-to-smallest rise or run in the flight not more than 3/8 inch, if you measured

IRC R311.7.5.1 and R311.7.5.2: the greatest riser or tread in a flight shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. InterNACHI uses the same 3/8-inch variation. The bottom step onto grade is a common trap. Write both numbers. Do not invent a fail from a sloped yard you did not measure.

Largest-to-smallest rise or run in the flight not more than 3/8 inch, if you measured: OK, Defect, or N/A

Stringers attached at the deck, not split, decayed, or hanging on toenails

ASHI Deck SOP 10: inspect stringers and their connection to the deck. InterNACHI guide: solid stringers often 2x12 with not less than 5 inches remaining at the throat, and spacing not more than 36 inches. Those guide numbers are not an IRC visual Pass/Fail on this form. A split throat, a rotten bottom, or a stringer on toenails only is a defect.

Stringers attached at the deck, not split, decayed, or hanging on toenails: OK, Defect, or N/A

Treads fully supported, not loose, split, or rotten

InterNACHI: where solid stringers are used, treads need ledger strips, mortises, or metal brackets. A tread that flexes, a missing fastener, or a rotten nosing is a defect. Composite treads follow the maker's span, not the wood table.

Treads fully supported, not loose, split, or rotten: OK, Defect, or N/A

Open risers more than 30 inches above grade do not pass a 4-inch sphere

IRC R311.7.5.1: at open risers more than 30 inches to the grade below, openings shall not permit a 4-inch sphere. InterNACHI: most deck stairs have open risers and should not pass a 4-inch sphere. Mark N/A on closed risers or a stair 30 inches or less above grade.

Open risers more than 30 inches above grade do not pass a 4-inch sphere: OK, Defect, or N/A

Landing or grade at top and bottom is reasonably level and not a trip

IRC R311.7.6 requires a landing at the top and bottom of a stairway in the model code, with listed exceptions. You will not always see a built landing at grade. Mark Defect if the first or last step is a hidden drop, a loose paver, or a washed-out hole. Do not invent a 36-inch landing fail unless you measured a built landing.

Landing or grade at top and bottom is reasonably level and not a trip: OK, Defect, or N/A

Stair lighting present, or recorded as absent

ASHI Deck SOP 11.2: report the absence of exterior light fixtures where recommended. InterNACHI: an unlit stairway is a safety issue. IRC also requires illumination of stair treads and landings in the model code. Checking for a working light is visual. Mark N/A if the stair is used only in daylight and you still recorded that there is no fixture.

Stair lighting present, or recorded as absent: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Decking boards and fasteners

ASHI 2026 5.1 inspects the walking surface. IRC R507.2.3 and Table R507.2.3 cover fastener coatings. Do not repeat ledger-bolt or hanger lines here.

8 items
Decking boards and fasteners

Boards not heavily cupped, split, decayed, or sprung from the joists

Walk a representative area. Soft spots, boards that see-saw, or a run of split ends are defects. InterNACHI: each segment should bear on several joists. A single cosmetic check can stay OK with a note.

Boards not heavily cupped, split, decayed, or sprung from the joists: OK, Defect, or N/A

Each board has fasteners at the supporting joists you can see

IRC R507.7: wood decking shall be attached to each supporting member with not fewer than two 8d threaded nails or two No. 8 wood screws, unless another approved system is used. Hidden clips are common on composite. Mark N/A for a clip system you can confirm from below. A long run of missing fasteners is a defect.

Each board has fasteners at the supporting joists you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fasteners and hangers not heavily rusted through

IRC R507.2.3 and Table R507.2.3: nails, bolts, lags, and connectors need a hot-dipped galvanized, stainless, or listed coating. Within 300 feet of salt water, stainless is the table alternate. InterNACHI: corrosion eats both the fastener and the wood around it. Orange dust on a hanger can be a note. A hanger with holes rusted through is a defect.

Fasteners and hangers not heavily rusted through: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible hardware looks coated or stainless, not bright common nails in treated wood

IRC R317.3 and R507.2.3: fasteners in preservative-treated wood need a listed coating. Bright common nails in treated joists stain and rust. You cannot read a coating spec on every head. Mark Defect when rust has already opened a hole or loosened the connection. Mark OK with a note if heads are intact zinc or stainless.

Visible hardware looks coated or stainless, not bright common nails in treated wood: OK, Defect, or N/A

No proud nails or screws that are a trip or puncture hazard

InterNACHI: nail pull-out and proud screws injure bare feet. Reset or mark Defect. Hidden-clip systems belong on the fastener-present line, not here.

No proud nails or screws that are a trip or puncture hazard: OK, Defect, or N/A

Composite boards and rails match a visible label or the maker's span, if labeled

IRC R507.2.2: plastic composite boards, treads, guards, and handrails shall comply with ASTM D7032, bear a label with allowable load and span, and be installed per the manufacturer. ASHI and InterNACHI do not require you to look up a hidden evaluation report. Mark N/A on solid-sawn wood. Mark Defect if boards span farther than a readable label, or if they sag between joists.

Composite boards and rails match a visible label or the maker's span, if labeled: OK, Defect, or N/A

Boards not holding standing water in tight joints

InterNACHI guide: about 1/8 inch between boards so puddles do not form. IRC R507 does not state that gap as a Pass/Fail. Mark Defect if water stands on the walking surface or the joints are packed with debris and stay wet. Mark OK if water sheds, even if the gap is not 1/8 inch.

Boards not holding standing water in tight joints: OK, Defect, or N/A

Walking surface does not bounce or sway as if a support has failed

A lively wood deck is common. A drop at one post, a soft bay, or a rail that moves the whole frame is a defect. ASHI 5.2: you are not determining load capacity. Stay off the deck if the underside already failed the safety look.

Walking surface does not bounce or sway as if a support has failed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List every Defect line here. This worksheet is not a licensed inspection report, not a structural-engineer letter, and not an official code inspection.

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Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice, section 3.2 Exterior (decks, porches, railings, guards, stairs)
  2. InterNACHI, Why Home Inspectors Should Know Code Requirements for Guards (36-inch height and 4-inch sphere)
  3. InterNACHI, How to Perform Deck Inspections (ledger, flashing, posts, footings, stairs, fasteners)
  4. ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections, 2026 approved text, section 5 Deck and Balcony
  5. ASHI Standard of Practice (current page and 2026 implementation note)
  6. ASHI Auxiliary Standard of Professional Practice for Residential Deck Inspections (flashing, ledger, floor system, posts, guards, stairs)
  7. International Residential Code, 2021 IRC Chapter 5 Floors, section R507 Exterior Decks (ledger, flashing, joists, posts, footings, fasteners)
  8. Texas IHB Residential Code 2021 (IRC 2021) Chapter 5 Floors, section R507 Exterior Decks
  9. Texas IHB Residential Code 2021 (IRC 2021) Chapter 3 Building Planning, R311.7 stairs and R312.1 guards
  10. UpCodes, IRC guards and window fall protection (36-inch height, 30-inch trigger, 4-inch sphere; 2024 R321 / 2021 R312)

Printable checklist PDF and image

Blank printable PDF and a preview image of this checklist.

Deck Inspection Checklist: Ledger, Guards, and Stairs blank checklist
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Deck Inspection Checklist: Ledger, Guards, and Stairs blank checklist
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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.