WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HOME INSPECTION: Exterior

This week we will start a series of "What to look for in a home inspection" pieces. In this first one we will look at the exterior. The exterior of the home in question is very important as it gives us a first impression of how we will perceive the rest of the home. A lot is said about "curb-appeal". Curb appeal is how good or appealing it looks from a street approach. Curb appeal is responsible for making up one's mind as to whether you will even take the time to go in. Some real estate agents tell me that 50% of the sale is due to curb appeal. If it is not appealing from the street, no one will look at it. Curb appeal is given some weight by most home inspectors, however it is only one piece of the exterior as a whole. Home Inspectors will look at the overall condition of the concrete and all hard surfaces. A marred or spauled surface on the concrete indicates that the hard surface is nearing the end of its use and probably should be replaced. Spauling is when the smooth surface of the concrete chips or breaks away and leaves a rough open stone surface, usually a trip hazard. The next item looked at from the exterior is the landscaping. The International Building Code requires the exterior landscape to slope away from the building with a 6:1 slope for 10 feet. Also the exterior grade should come below the siding level about 3-4 inches. Once the grade and hard surfaces are inspected, the inspection moves on to the siding and windows. Siding should not be eroded, or rotted in any way. Maintenance free exterior finishes should be applied correctly. (i.e. vinyl siding should not be "waving" at you indicating being nailed to tightly.). Paint should not be peeling and window sashes should be in good shape. Soffits and fascia should not be separating from the building, and the vented soffit should be open. The roof although part of the exterior, is a separate category and will be looked at in depth in a future posting. Shrubbery should not be making contact with the walls of the building, should be neatly trimmed, and not obstructing any egress (exiting) windows. Downspouts should extend well away from the building assuring the run-off will be expelled away from the foundation wall. Make sure the lawn is mowed, and the noxious weed population is under control. Collectively these items may not be important to some, however, we must remember that we are trying to make good impression for the sale, and first impressions certainly are important for saleability. I am adding something new this week, how to contact Inspector Tom if you have any questions. You can contact me at my Google mail site at: spoor.tom@gmail.com . All comments or questions are welcome.