A professional home inspection should not be skipped when buying a property.
Use your binoculars to scan the roofline, high walls, and chimney.
Unless you suspect major damage, save climbing on the roof for the pros.
Do a slow walk around the home and take it all in.
Does everything look level?
Rooflines should look solid and not tilted or leaning.
Windows should be square and not show rot in the wood around them.
In addition, look at:
Gutters and Downspouts: Check for cracks, clogs, and damaged elbows.
These problem areas allow water to run along walls and into the foundation, which can cause major damage.
Use a ladder to investigate twigs or grass you see growing from the gutter.
Paint: Check for peeling paint, which can be a sign of moisture penetration on the wall.
Cracking and flaking paint is due to adhesion problems or the surface deterioration.
These are indicators that the siding needs to be replaced or repaired.
Roof: Check for broken or missing shingles, which compromises the weather protection of your home.
Tree branches that break off in storms can also cause damage.
Foundation: Take note of the grade around the foundation.
Keep an eye on hairline cracks in the foundation and take photos to document their size.
A pro should inspect larger cracks in the concrete.
Windows: Look for weather rotted caulk that is peeling or flaking away.
These areas are prime for water and cold air to input your home.
Look for loose and broken boards and missing screws.
Inspect for signs of termite damage which include tunnels in wood or winged insects.
Preventing water from entering your home is the number one concern during a home inspection.
Water and moisture inside your walls, floors, and basement is expensive to find and fix.
By doing some preventative work, you have a great chance to catch an issue early on.
Inside the House
Use a flashlight when inspecting the inside of a home.
Walls and Ceilings: Dark blotchy stains can mean mildew from poor ventilation.
Brown rings indicate a water leak from a broken pipe or problem with the roof.
Kitchen Backsplash and Counter: Look for open space between the backsplash and counter near the sink.
This could allow water to drip behind the cabinets or sink.
Tub Surround: Damaged grout and cracked tiles are entry points for water getting into the walls.
Feel for loose tiles around a tub or sink, as this may indicate an ongoing issue.
Caulk in the Bathroom: Check the condition of caulk around the bathtub, shower, and sink.
If its deteriorating, water can get into the subfloor or walls.
Service Panel: Signs of rust inside a service panel indicates water is leaking into the panel.
This can cause electrical shorts and be very hazardous.
Scorch marks are an indicator that there is definitely a problem.
Messy splices and uncovered Call an electrician immediately.
Stairs and Railings: Interior staircases and railings should feel solid under your feet and in your hands.
Look underneath staircases for wood rot and damage.
Older homes may have railing widths that are too wide which can be a hazard for small children.
Interior Paint: Wall surfaces should be clean and smooth.
Vertical cracks in the paint can indicate drywall separation.
Homes built before 1978 may also have lead paint, which requires special care during renovations.
Attic: Check for stains in the roof structure which are signs of a water leak.
The entire floor surface of the attic should be insulated, including the corners and around vents.
Subfloor: Poke up at the subfloor from the basement with a screwdriver.
It should be hard and solid.
If its soft or squishy the wood could be rotted.
If its rotted, venture to determine if its anything other than age.
Basement: Basements should smell clean, without a hint of mold or mildew.
Rust on objects that touch the floor would indicate previous flooding or moisture seepage into the floor.
Water Pipes: All plumbing should be corrosion free.
Rust and discoloration are signs of a water leak.
Appliances: If appliances are included with a home, check on their working condition.
Safety Alarms: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be in every sleeping room and common area.
Check the water lines around toilets, washers, and hot water heaters for leaks.
Turn on the heating and cooling system and let it run a few minutes.
Listen for irregular sounds and check boilers, water heaters, and AC units for loose pipes.
Youll need to venture outside or in the basement to do this properly.
This is the best way to determine whats normal and what might be an issue down the road.
