By Yaakov Fisgus, Licensed & Certified Home Inspector, Inspect it Rite.

Welcome Mat

Before the Home Inspector enters the home to inspect the many areas that must be looked at, he must first do a proper inspection of the home’s exterior, beyond the welcome mat.

The exterior inspection, in many regards, is more important than the interior review, as a structure that doesn’t properly and adequately provide protection from the outside elements is not a structure you want to call home.

The Important Areas

The areas of the exterior that an experienced and certified inspector will inspect entail more than a quick glance at the roof to see if it’s properly installed.

Some of the areas an extensive inspection will review include:

1. Condition of the siding, flashing and trim
2. State of all exterior doors and its insulation
3. Safety and condition of attached or stand-alone decks
4. Safety and condition of balconies, porches, steps and stoops
5. Sturdiness of railings
6. condition of roofs, eaves, fascias and soffits
7. Presence of retaining walls
8. Condition and slope of walkways and driveways
9. Chimneys
10. Roof vents
11. Gutters and downspouts
12. Hose bibs
13. Gas and electric meters and connections
14. A/C condenser, it’s wiring and piping.
15. Exhaust vents for dryer, bathrooms, kitchen, furnace and hot water heaters
16. proper drainage of the property and surrounding areas
17. Caulking, sealant and flashing
18. Condition of foundation
19. basement windows and window wells

Many of the aforementioned exterior items are crucial to the overall safety and longevity of the home and they warrant a thorough and detailed inspection and proper reporting so that the potential homeowners can make a complete and educated decision going forward.

The Secondary concerns

There are other areas in the exterior part of the home that are less of a safety concern and are more aesthetic in nature. Many inspectors do not even look at these and surely don’t include them in their report. If a home buyer is interested in having these included in the report, it is wise to specifically point out to the inspector that they are requesting this.

Some items that fall under this category include:

1. Screens on windows and doors
2. Shutters on windows
3. Awnings and other seasonal accessories
4. Fencing
5. Condition of grass, garden and soil
6. Sheds
7. Carports
8. Mailbox
9. Condition and safety of in-ground pool
10. Irrigation systems
11. Termites

Although an inspection is crucial, and many areas of the home’s exterior will be looked at during the inspection, it is paramount that the potential buyer be part of the process, and not rely solely on the discretion of the inspector, as many areas that may seem trivial to an inspector – from a safety and durability standpoint – may indeed be important to the home buyer’s personal taste or style.

The Next Article will focus on: The Roof, Gutters and Downspouts 

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Yaakov Fisgus is the owner and lead inspector at Inspect It Rite.

Your home is an important part of life, so be sure to trust your home inspection to a true professional. In addition to his time as a home inspector, Yaakov also has 15 years of experience as a construction foreman and supervisor. He has built and worked on homes with his own two hands – giving him in-depth knowledge of what a home should look like, from the inside out. With dedication and a strong work ethic that are invaluable during a home buying process, Yaakov guides his clients in making the most educated decision they can.