Avoid surprises when either purchasing or selling a house. Before finalizing any property transaction, a proper inspection is essential to reveal every aspect of its condition. A key part of this process is the exterior inspection. It plays a huge role in identifying potential issues that could lead to costly repairs later.
In this blog, we’ll understand what a home inspector assesses during an exterior inspection, and why it’s so important for your peace of mind. We’ll also provide an exterior inspection checklist to give you a better understanding of what to expect during the process.
What Is An Exterior Inspection?
An exterior inspection is a detailed examination of a property’s exterior. The inspector evaluates all exterior components of the home, starting from its foundation through to its roof framework, walls, windows, and landscaping elements. The inspector will examine visible damage to understand how it affects overall safety, home value, and building structure maintenance. While many homeowners may focus primarily on the home’s interior, the exterior inspection is just as important. The exterior serves as the main protective barrier against external elements, which, if damaged, subsequently generates secondary problems throughout the home.What Does The Home Inspector Assess During An Exterior Inspection?
During an exterior inspection, the home inspector will evaluate several key areas. The assessment focuses on different areas during exterior inspections, so understanding these is essential.Roof Condition
Having a stable and strong roof is the top priority for any structure. A robust exterior prevents interior spaces from weather elements, including rain, snow, wind, and severe temperature conditions. The following aspects are the main points the inspector evaluates during inspections:- Shingles’ Condition: Missing or damaged shingles suggest the urgency for roof repairs or complete replacement.
- Sagging: A roof that sags down indicates the presence of major structural problems that require immediate repair.
- Gutter System: If the gutters stay clogged or suffer from damage, it eventually leads to leaking or water damage in homes.
Foundation And Structure
Every component of a house receives support from its foundation. During inspection, the foundation will receive a thorough examination for evidence of settling, cracks, and other structural problems. The stability of a whole property depends on a strong foundation that remains solid. The foundation inspection usually entails the following:- Cracks: They enable water to penetrate and subsequently weaken the foundation structure as time progresses.
- Moisture: Water close to the foundation triggers foundation degradation by initiating erosion processes.
Siding And Walls
This examination includes studying both the walls and siding components of the house. A house’s energy efficiency and weather protection performance heavily depend on the condition of its elements.- Cracks Or Holes: Any opening or damage to siding or walls enables water and pests to enter the building structure.
- Warping Or Rotting: Vertical or horizontal damage to wooden siding eventually leads to structural damage and weakens the house.
- Mold And Mildew: They develop due to excessive moisture, leading to poor air quality inside houses.
Windows And Doors
A house’s insulation, together with its security, depends heavily on proper windows and doors. The inspector will look for the following:- Leaks Or Drafts: Energy costs increase because heat escapes through openings between windows and doors and through drafty windows and doors.
- Broken Seals: Fogging will occur between double-paned windows when their seals break, which leads to reduced energy efficiency.
- Proper Functioning: A proper inspection confirms the normal operation of all exterior windows and doors while verifying the proper functioning of locking mechanisms.
Landscaping And Drainage
The planting and landscaping of outdoor spaces significantly improve the home’s exterior beauty. The inspector examines outdoor areas to evaluate their potential for water management because improper maintenance might lead to drainage problems.- Ground Slope: An inspector evaluates the ground slope because it should angle downward away from the foundation base to avoid water accumulation.
- Drainage System: Mounting downspouts and gutters must continuously channel water away from the house structure to prevent foundation damage.
- Plantation: Trees situated close to the house could potentially harm roof or foundation structures through the years.
Driveways And Walkways
The inspector checks the condition of the driveways and walkways surrounding the property area.- Uneven Surface: Improper walkways caused by unevenness or cracking should be inspected since they indicate soil erosion or shifting ground underneath.
- Standing Water: The insufficient drainage system allows water to pool on pathways, endangering surface materials and creating conditions for soil deterioration.
Exterior Inspection Checklist
To give you a clearer idea of what to expect during the inspection, here’s an exterior inspection checklist:- Property owners should check their roofs for damages and missing shingles while inspecting their gutters.
- Examining the foundation requires checking for cracks, settling floors, and any traces of water-related decay.
- Check all siding components for any evidence of cracks and signs of warping and moisture damage.
- Check the condition of outdoor components for signs of broken seals and draft problems while testing their functionality.
- The inspection should evaluate drainage systems, ground slope, and tree positioning in the landscape area.
- Look for fractures, uneven ground topography, and standing water in driveways and walkways.
Why Is The Exterior Inspection Important?
The exterior inspection is an essential part of any detailed home inspection. An exterior inspection has these important reasons:- Futureproofing: An early discovery of issues through inspections helps stop major damages from occurring in the future.
- Safety: The structural integrity of homes depends entirely on exterior elements. Cracks or leaks, together with other faults, would risk the safety of the property’s structure.
- Saves Money: Early detection of issues enables owners to deal with problems while they remain less costly.
- Enhanced Property Value: A properly maintained exterior protects the home’s safety and improves its worth and aesthetic appeal.