Home Inspections - Checking the Exterior

After you have picked out a home to buy, you’ll most likely order a home inspection. During the home inspection, the home inspector will inspect the exterior components of the home for defects and signs of structural damage. Here is a list of seven areas your home inspector should check on the exterior of the home.

1. Trim and Eaves - Your home inspector will examine the trim work and eaves for wood rot and other damage. This is typically done with a ladder or with a set of binoculars. The inspector will also evaluate the gutters, if installed, to determine any there are any leaks or other defects.

2. Exterior Siding - Your home inspector will analyze the exterior siding of the home and report on any defects in the exterior wall covering. The home inspector will also include in his report the kind of material on the exterior walls. Commonly used materials are brick, vinyl, wood shake, and stucco.

3. Paint and Caulking - The paint and caulking on the railings, porches, siding, doors, and windows will be examined to verify they are in good condition. The finding will be included in the inspection report.

4. Doors and Windows - The doors and windows will be examined to determine the material they are made of. The home inspector will discuss any defects and overall condition of the doors and windows with you.

5. Screens and Storm Doors - The home inspector will document any missing or torn screens. If the home has exterior storm doors installed, the home inspector will document any defects to the storm doors.

6. Porches, Patios, Decks and Balconies - All porches, decks, patios, and balconies installed on the home will be analyzed and any defects like loose steps and railings, wood to soil contact, rusted hardware, etc. Defects will be included in the home inspection report.

7. Additions - The home inspector will report if the home has had any additions to the home. The home inspector will examine the area around where the structures meet to determine if any defects exist. Any defects will be included in the home inspection report.

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