Home Inspection Tips

What the Inspection of Your Home Should Cover

House Siding - Check for buckling, dents.

Foundations – Check for cracks, for seepage of waters.

Exterior Bricks – Check for cracked brick or mortar that pulls away from the bricks

Insulation - Check for condition, is the rating adequate for the climate?

Windows and Doors - Check for loose fits or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weather stripping

Roof: Check for age, conditions of the flashing, water pooling, shingles that buckle, any gutters that are loose or loose downspouts.

Ceilings, moldings walls,- Check for loose or missing pieces, Check for drywall pulling away.

Decks, Porches -Railings that are loose or loose steps, rot

Electrical: Check for fuse condition box, circuit breakers, number of outlets in all rooms

Plumbing – Check for low water pressure, pipes that bang, spots of rust or corrosion indicating leaks, sufficient insulation

Water Heater - Check for age, is the size adequate for the home, recovery speed, energy rating

Air Conditioning and/or furnace – Check for energy rating, age. Furnaces are rated for annual fuel utilization efficiency; a higher rating, means lower cost of fuel. But here are other factors such as payback period and other operating costs, such as electrial cost to run motors.

Garage: Check for exterior to make sure it is in good repair; the floor should be in good condition look for cracks, stains, etc.; check that the door mechanism works.

Basement: Check for leakage of water,moldy or stale smells

Attic: Check for proper ventilation, roof water leaks

Septic Tanks (if it applies): Adequate leach line capacity for the percolation rate in your area and your family size.

Driveways and Sidewalks: Check for cracks, bulging pavement, crumbling edges, stains.