As you’re considering your next move, you may be wondering what to look for to make sure your dream home doesn’t become your nightmare.
You’re probably eager to move into a new home as quickly as possible. But take the time to inspect a potential property before you finalize the sale to save you time, money, and headaches.
Chances are, you’ll hire a professional inspector to take a close look at your potential new home, but before you pay a professional to look things over, it’s best you check it yourself first.
We’ve put together a checklist for you to follow as you inspect the outside of a potential new home before you consider making an offer.
Here’s our seven-step checklist of things for you to check on the outside of any home you’re considering.
1. Doors, Windows, and Exterior Walls
Look for lines in concrete, brick, or siding. While some cracks may be the result of the natural settling of the home, others may indicate serious structural problems.
Pay close attention to the foundation of the house, and note where the ground level seems uneven. If the property has an exterior porch, conduct a careful investigation of the foundations and pillars to ensure there’s not a slope due to the settling of the foundation or the supporting structure.
Ensure that a detached porch or deck is firmly attached to the house and doesn’t have a slant or slope.
2. Exterior Water Supplies
Check the water sources for signs of rust, mold, or mildew.
Turn on exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to ensure they are in good working order. If the home has an underground sprinkler system, note what sprinkler heads are not working, and look carefully at the ground to ensure proper drainage.
3. Driveway
If the house has a driveway, make sure it is free of cracks, and that the slope allows for proper drainage onto the street.
Note where bushes, trees, and hedges may need to be trimmed.
4. Sidewalks
A buckled or broken sidewalk may be a sign of a potential problem with tree roots, drainage, or pests.
5. Trees, Shrubbery, Bushes, and Grassy Areas
Note any possible signs of pests, diseased or rotting branches, trunks, or roots, and look carefully to ensure that the lawn is healthy and relatively weed-free. Pay close attention to areas of dense vegetation that may be home to pests, and which will require immediate trimming.
6. Outside Electrical Sources
Inspect all outside wall outlets for signs of damage, and make sure they’re working correctly by using a small electric tester. Note what outlets are covered and which ones aren’t, and which need to be replaced.
7. Garage or Carport
While the parking area isn’t technically part of the exterior, it’s the part of the house that’s directly exposed to the elements more than the inside.
Make sure the garage door opens easily, is free of cracks, and that gaps between the garage door and the house are minimal. Check the garage door opener for signs of rust and age, and make sure the remote door openers function correctly.
Close the garage door and stand inside with the lights out for a few minutes (allowing your eyes time to adjust to the dark). Look for gaps where light may be shining through. Inspect the garage door track and where it hangs from the ceiling to ensure there are no signs of buckling. If the garage door has direct exposure to the sun, check it at the hottest (or coldest) part of the day. Storing household goods in a heated (or frozen) garage can lead to significant damage not only of the items but of things you may want to store inside. Measure the interior of the garage from wall to wall to ensure that your car(s) will fit inside and will allow you to open and close the doors.
Pass the Test
Hopefully, your potential new home makes it through this checklist with flying colors. And you are on your way to a new home!
When you are ready to get moving, contact us. Call for a free quote. Browning Moving & Storage can help you with a smooth and easy move.