Exterior Home Inspection Checklist

As discussed in part one of the complete list of items to inspect the home inspection is a very valuable service, but there is an inherent conflict of interest because many companies inspect, recommend and then did the cure. Use a home inspection company with a good reputation, word of mouth is best.
Landscaping:Landscaping is an important part of the curb appeal of any property. It also can be an expensive and time consuming part of the upkeep of the property. Consider:
Trees:Are they close to the house_____Roots too close to plumbing_____Branches too close to roof line_____Old or leaning trees nearby_____
Plants:
High maintenance plants/bushes_____High water use necessary_____Use of indiginious plants_____Planting too close to exterior walls trapping water_____Ivy growing on exterior walls_____
Grading:
Soil piled up against exterior walls causing pest damage_____Grade slopping towards house trapping water_____
Swimming Pool:
Cleaning and filtering system work_____Thermostat accurate_____Check for leaks or cracks_____
Roofing:
The cost of a new roof is expensive and a good inspection will save you money. If the roof looks old or if there are more than two layers, then pay special attention to old leaks and bulges in the interior and exterior walls.
Material_____Age of the roof_____Shingles need replacing_____Tar paper exposed to sun_____Gutters clean_____ sagging_____Roof line sagging_____any bulges_____Number of layers of roof_____Chimney properly sealed to the roof_____Any sagging_____Bracing_____
Propane Tanks:
Age_____Size_____Indication of leaks nearby_____Is the area marked for safety_____
Sewer:
Location of the line known_____Any indication of leaks_____Good water pressure in the bathroom_____
Building Exterior:
Age of last paint job_____Crackling_____Peeling_____Exposed wood_____Dry or rotting wood trim_____Stucco: Stucco develops hairline cracks and then begins to open up, allowing moisture into the framing of the house
Hairline cracks_____Open or damaged stucco exposed_____recent patches_____Shingles: Shingles provide good protection but do have a shelf lifeAge of shingles_____Cracked shingles_____Missing shingles_____
Doors and Windows:
Pay special attention to the trim areas and the framing for dry or rotting wood. This can indicate much more damage to the structure.
Doors:Are they secure_____Door frame showing signs of dry rot_____Door fits flush_____Door at an angle and settling_____
Windows:
Are they secure_____Window frame showing signs of dry rot_____Windows fits flush_____Windows at an angle and settling_____Screens_____Sticking_____
Foundation:
Mud sill securely fastened_____House securely bolted to foundation_____Cracks or breaks_____Any misalignment or settling_____Soil contacting framing_____Brick:Age_____Missing Bricks_____Soft or crumbling bricks_____
Cement:
Age_____Soft or crumbling cement_____
Fences:
All posts counted for_____Sagging_____Rotting_____
Garage:Roof(see above list)_____Exterior(see above list)_____Firewall between the house and the garage_____Pooling of oil or other fire hazards_____Garage door working_____Check electrical components of the door for age and wear_____
Driveway:All the questions regarding framing and roof applyAge_____Driveway buckling_____Potholes_____Driveway graded not to pool water_____Well lit_____Blind spots into traffic_____
http://www.yourpropertypath.com
We believe that knowledge should be free and freely shared.
Questions to Ask Any Home Inspection CompanyWhat Problems May Be Lurking In Your Next HomeThings to Keep in Mind During Your InspectionDo Your Roof Inspection Now