Here is a handy rundown of things to look for when inspecting a home’s exterior, including the landscaping, structure, windows, doors, and roofing.
Grounds
- No evidence of standing water
- No leaks around septic tank or leach field
- Yard, trees, and landscaping alive and well
- No branches overhanging roof
- Driveways, walkways, and patios in good condition, without cracks
- Exterior structures (fences, sheds, decks, retaining walls, carports, etc.) free of rotting wood
- Exterior structures free of termite damage
- Railings on stairways and decks secure
- All drainage directed away from structure
- Automatic garage door operates properly and stops for obstacles
Structures
- Board lines appear straight and level
- Sides of house appear straight, not bowed or sagging
- Windows/door frames appear straight and square
- Visible foundation has no significant cracks
- No wood-to-earth contact between ground and wooden materials
- Wooden siding: no cracks, curling, looseness, rot or decay
- Vinyl/aluminum siding: no dents, damage, bowing, or looseness
- No vines growing on surface of structure
- Paint: no flaking or blisters
- No stains on exterior surface
Windows/Doors
- Wooden frames and trim are secure; no cracks, rot or decay
- Joints around frames are caulked
- Windows: no broken glass, damaged screens, or broken storm panels
- Insulated window seals
- Drip caps installed over windows
Roof
- Shingles: no curling, cupping, or loss of granulation
- No mold, rot or decay; no shingles broken or missing
- No more than 2 layers of roofing
- Flat roofs: no patches, cracks, or splits
- No silt deposits (indicates improper drainage)
- Flashing around roof penetration; sealed tar at flashings
- No evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulk
- Eave areas have clean vents which are not painted over
- Gutters: no decay or rust, attached securely to structure, joints sealed
- Gutters: no bending, sagging, sections missing, or mud deposits
- Chimneys: Straight, no damaged bricks or cracked joints
- Chimneys: mortar/cement cap in good condition
Whether you are buying or selling your home, a home inspection checklist offers you an awareness of a home’s condition that can only benefit you in the long run. For more tips on buying or selling your home, contact Price Realty today to receive professional, experienced real estate guidance.
