Siding:
Look for dents or buckling
Foundations:
Look for cracks or water seepage
Exterior Brick:
Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks
Insulation:
Look for condition, adequate rating for climate (the higher the
R value, the more effective the insulation is)
Doors and Windows:
Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of
weatherstripping
Roof:
Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled
shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts
Ceilings, walls, and
moldings: Look for
loose pieces, dry wall that is pulling away.
Porch/Deck:
Loose railings or step, rot
Electrical:
Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of
outlets in each room
Plumbing:
Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or
corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation
Water Heater:
Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy
rating.
Furnace/Air Conditioning:
Look for age, energy rating. Furnaces are rated by annual fuel
utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your
fuel costs. However, other factors such as payback period and
other operating costs, such as electricity to operate motors.
Garage:
Look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor—cracks,
stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism.
Basement:
Look for water leakage, musty smell.
Attic:
Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof.
Septic Tanks (if
applicable): Adequate
absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area
and the size of your family.
Driveways/Sidewalks:
Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains.
