How To Inspect A House From The Outside


Are you curious what a home inspector checks when they do an inspection? In this article, we provide a home inspection checklist of sorts to evaluate the condition of a house before you buy it. Several of the items on this list may not be relevant to the home you're interested in buying, but these are the ones they'll evaluate. You shouldn't use this as a replacement for getting a professional home inspection, but it can help you decide if you want to make an offer on the house. 

You can check some of these things yourself, while your real estate agent can handle others. Use this list before you go with a professional home inspection that provides a disclosure statement with the inspection report.


The exterior of the House


As soon as you arrive at the property, the home-buying process begins. Some may love the look of the site, while others may see a few things that need to be changed aesthetically. The outside of the house needs to be thoroughly inspected beyond the landscaping. Below are some things to look for:
  • Check the bricks on the exterior for any cracks.
  • Check out the eaves and drains to see how they are doing.
  • Check for cracked or peeling paint.
  • Inspect the stucco to make sure it's not flaking.
  • Check the siding to make sure it is not bowing.
  • Make sure the external taps are working.
  • Ensure the exterior doors are in proper working order.


The Roof


Your peace of mind is greatly enhanced by a good roof. Though new shingles may look great, they may hide hidden problems. Check the roof for the following issues.
  • Make sure the roof is not bowing.
  • Check the shingles for wear and to see how old they are. The roof may leak water if the shingles are old, causing water damage inside the home.
  • Look for missing shingles.
  • There may be signs of roof penetration or potential roof penetration, such as large trees close to your home. Check for those.


A Good Grading and Drainage System 

  • To an untrained eye, this can be difficult to see.
  • Grading is about directing water away from your house when it hits it. The water can leak back into the house if this does not happen.
  • Make sure there are no septic You will need to have the septic tank pumped regularly if there is one.
  • Age of the septic tank (finding out how long a septic tank lasts before you move in can save you a lot of money).


 Water Not Standing


The presence of standing water may be hard to notice if there hasn't been recent rain, but it can indicate a larger problem. Check the yard for pools or puddles to see if there is any standing water.


Good Condition of Concrete


Make sure the walkways and driveway are in good shape. Is there a need for them to be replaced? Do they sink in some places? Check for these issues.


Foundation


You should inspect the exterior of the house for visible cracks. From the outside, examine the house for bowed-in walls and whether or not it looks level.d


Deck

  • Inspect the deck and see its quality.
  • Check for any indications of rotted wood.
  • Examine the posts for signs of deterioration. (Removing an old deck can take a long time and be very expensive.)

Other Structures


Having extra buildings can be a great way to store items, but you want to be sure they are well-supported and in good condition. If you are on-site, take a look at all of these items to ensure no safety issues are present, since these buildings are often built by previous owners whose building knowledge may be questionable.
  • Make sure there are no visible issues and no wood rot.
  • The shingles should be level and in good shape as well. The same goes for things like retaining walls and garages.
  • See if there is any termite damage.



Wrapping Up


As a first-time homebuyer or a second-time home buyer, you may not be familiar with all of these items; ask a related person or your real estate agent for assistance in any area you are uncertain about. You should also consider the time of year when inspecting a house.



In addition to knowing the best time of year to sell a house, builders and real estate agents also know that different seasons can hide things (like snow on shingles), so while you are completing your inspection, it's a good idea to be aware of these things. A reliable builder like Tempest Homes can help you keep track of all these factors. Moreover, can help you find move-in-ready new homes, large buildable lots, or custom-built new homes. We are the best home builders in Indiana and our team will help you with the whole process, from design to building to financing. Get in touch with us!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

All You Need To Know About Home Warranties

Why Should You Pick West Lafayette As A Dream Destination?

5 Smart Features Buyers Actually Want In Their New House