What Does the Home Inspector Assess on the Exterior of the Property During Home Inspection Services?
When buying or selling a property, one of the most important steps that you should not miss is the home inspection. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of a professional home inspection. But if you’re a buyer, then it is one of the ways to ensure you’re not buying a money pit with costly surprises coming your way. If you’re a seller, then these inspections help you ensure your property’s best condition, attract potential buyers, and have your property sold at the asking price. In both ways, it’s a win-win situation.
One crucial part of these inspections is exterior home inspection. As the name already suggests, during the exterior inspection, the inspector’s primary focus is on the outside of the property. The inspection covers the property’s sides, front, rear, and the surrounding area. Whether you’re a home buyer or a seller, you need to ensure that not just the property’s interior but the exterior as well is up to the mark, and there’s no better way for this than an exterior inspection.
In this blog, we will talk about what are the key elements and areas that a home inspector assesses while inspecting the property’s exterior.
Roof
The very first thing that an inspector checks during an exterior inspection is the roof. Their primary concern is to ensure the roof’s integrity, safety and functionality. They examine the condition and age of the roof covering material, looking for signs of wear such as curling, blistering, or missing shingles, and check for the presence of moss, algae, or mold.
The inspector also inspects the flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys for rust, deterioration, or gaps. Besides this, they check the gutters and downspouts for secure attachment. Additionally, the inspector looks at the roof’s structural components for any sagging or uneven areas and checks for signs of water damage or leaks.
Decks
When inspecting the decks, inspectors start by carefully examining them to ensure their structural integrity and safety. First, they check the condition of the decking boards, they look for the signs of rot, decay, splintering, and cracking. They also check for any loose, warped, or damaged boards.
They then evaluate the structural components, including:
·Joists
·Beams
·Ledger board
They look out for rot, decay, or insect damage, ensuring that the ledger board is adequately attached to the house with proper flashing. Besides this, they inspect the deck’s supports and footings and show signs of settling and shifting. The stability and condition of the railing and balusters are another two of the key areas of their inspection, ensuring both of these are securely attached and meet safety standards. Some of the other considerations when inspecting decks are:
·Stairs
·Secure handrails
·Overall structural soundness
Foundation
The foundation is one of the most important parts of a home inspector’s exterior inspection. They evaluate its condition to ensure stability and structural soundness. Inspectors start by examining foundations, looking for the signs of bulging, cracks, or leaning. All of this could be the indicators of underlying issues. After this, the inspector checks for evidence of water damage or moisture intrusion, like stains or damp sports that can compromise the foundation’s integrity.
They also look for gaps or separations between the foundation and the structure, as well as any signs of settling or shifting that could affect the home’s stability. Additionally, the inspector assesses the grading around the foundation to ensure proper drainage away from the house, which helps prevent water accumulation and potential damage.
Exterior Windows and Doors
The inspector also carefully checks the exterior windows and doors to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. They start by examining the frames and sills for signs of rot, decay, or damage, as well as checking for any gaps or cracks that could allow water or air infiltration.
The inspector also assesses the condition of the caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors to ensure they are intact and effective at preventing drafts and moisture intrusion. Further, they check whether the windows and doors are opening, closing, and locking properly without sticking or difficulty.
When inspecting, the inspector looks for signs of condensation or fogging between double-pane windows, which can indicate a failed seal. The condition of the glass is also inspected for any cracks or damage. The primary reason for thoroughly examining these elements is to identify potential issues that may affect the home’s energy efficiency, security, and overall condition, providing recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Siding
When inspecting the exterior, another area that a home inspector assesses is the home’s siding. They ensure that it is in good condition and is effectively protecting the structure. They start by inspecting the material, inspecting it for any signs of damage, cracks, warping, blistering, or decay which might compromise its ability to protect the home from the elements.
The inspector checks for loose or missing pieces of siding and ensures that all panels are properly secured. They also look for signs of moisture intrusion, mold, or mildew, which can indicate underlying water damage. Additionally, the inspector assesses the condition of the paint or finish, noting any peeling or chipping that may require touch-ups or repainting.
Exterior Walls
Last but not least, during an exterior home inspection, an inspector thoroughly evaluates the exterior walls to ensure their structural integrity and proper maintenance. They start by examining the walls for any signs of cracks, bulging, or leaning, which could indicate structural issues. They also look for evidence of moisture intrusion, such as water stains, efflorescence, or mold, which can compromise the walls’ integrity.
Conclusion
Exterior home inspection is an important tool that helps homebuyers and home sellers both. They provide both parties with comprehensive insights into the property’s condition. Specifically, for homebuyers, these inspections come as a source of peace of mind as they know everything true about the home’s appeal. This allows the buyer to make informed buying decisions and avoid unexpected repair costs.
For home sellers, a thorough exterior inspection can highlight areas that need attention before listing the property. This lets them make necessary repairs or improvements that can enhance the home’s market value and curb appeal. Additionally, when the seller provides the potential buyers with a recent inspection report, they can foster trust, making the property more attractive and facilitating a smoother, more transparent sales process.Are you looking for a thorough home inspection to ensure peace of mind in your real estate transactions? Look no further than The BrickKicker! Our expert team specializes in comprehensive home inspections, including comprehensive assessments of exterior elements like roofs, foundations, siding, and more. Don’t leave your home’s condition to chance – schedule your inspection with The BrickKicker today, and rest assured, knowing you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your transaction process. Contact us now to book your inspection!