What is a Typical Checklist for an Exterior Property Inspection?

The exterior of a building has always been crucial in a home inspection. Problems in the exterior can be costly and linked to further deterioration.

The exterior inspection includes the structural assessment of buildings and the surrounding areas. This blog provides a comprehensive checklist for an exterior property inspection.

What is an Exterior Inspection?

The exterior inspection is a detailed assessment of a building’s outer side. It focuses on the roof, windows, doors, siding, foundation, and surrounding areas to detect potential problems that may need repair work. The purpose of exterior property inspection is to keep the building safe, secure, and in good condition.

Checklist For Exterior Property Inspection

There is a checklist for a thorough exterior inspection that most credible home inspectors follow. This checklist includes the following:

1. Roof Inspection

The roof is a vital component of a building. It protects the building. In the roof inspection, a home inspector looks for these:

• Shingles: There should not be any missing or damaged shinglef any are missing or damaged
• Leakage: The signs of leakage in the property’s exterior, especially on the roof, can be alarming.

2. Inspection of Exterior Walls

The walls of a building are also likely to deteriorate due to changes in climate and other reasons. Here, an inspector looks for:

• Cracks and Holes: The presence of expanding cracks can be alarming
• Paint and Finishing: Peeling of paint can indicate weather damage, and the aesthetic of the building needs maintenance.
• Siding: Any damage caused by moisture in the building’s siding is to be noted in the report.

3. Inspection of Doors and Windows

The doors and windows are linked to the security of a building. Secondly, the issues with them can indicate the structural damage, too. While examining the exterior of a building, the inspector checks the following things related to doors and windows:

• Frames and Seals: Gaps in the frames can lead to energy loss and moisture problems. These gaps are often caused by structural damage in the building.
• Window Glass: The inspector looks for the window glass; if there is any sign of damage in the window pane, the glass replacement can be recommended.
• Locks and Hardware: The inspector checks the functionality of the locks and the hardware accessories.
• Doors and Windows Operation: The inspector checks if it is easier to properly open and close the doors and windows.

4. Foundation of Building

The whole building lies on the foundation. Any issue with the foundation can impact the whole building. During exterior inspection, the following things are checked in the foundation:

• Cracks and Damages: Cracks more than ¼ inch require professional attention. However, minor cracks are not a serious concern.
• Water Damage: If there are any signs of water damage around the foundation. The drainage system needs to be fixed otherwise it will weaken the foundation.
• Level of Foundation: The inspector checks the levelness of the foundation. The slope in the foundation can cause severe structural damage to the building.
• Ventilation: There should be proper ventilation in the foundation to avoid the growth of mold or other moisture buildups.

5. Drainage System

The drainage system is to be checked thoroughly. Water pooling around a building can be problematic in many ways. Assessment of the drainage system includes:

• Check on Gutters: The gutters at the exterior of a house usually get blocked due to dry leaves or garbage. They should be clean and efficient at draining water
• Check on Downspouts: The downspouts should be properly maintained to keep water away from the building.

6. Evaluation of Electrical System

In the evaluation of the electrical system, the inspector checks for the following aspects:

• Functionality: The lighting fixtures should function properly to keep the area outside visible in the dark. Appropriate lighting should also be provided in the walkways.
• Wiring: The inspector checks the wiring outside the building to assess the electrical system’s safety.

7. Landscaping of the Building

Landscaping is the first thing that a visitor sees while visiting a home. It can tell a lot about the health of the building. In the landscape assessment, the inspector inspects:

• Trees and Shrubs: The trees and shrubs should not be too close to the building, they can damage the structural elements over time.
• Lawn and Soil: The soil should be properly graded, and the lawn should be level, allowing no water to pool for a longer time. 
• Driveways and Sidewalks: The inspector checks the driveways and sidewalks.  If he finds any signs of uneven surfaces or damaged sections that may need repair, those are marked in the inspection report.

Conclusion

A detailed exterior property inspection is essential to assess the overall condition of a building. It can help to check the structural integrity. The exterior inspection helps to assess the potential major issues of a building. 

That’s why professionals advise regular inspections. You can get the exterior inspection of your property or the property you are planning to buy. A well-maintained property can be detected from the outside and remains in good health for many years.

For more information about the property inspections, you can visit The Brickkicker.