Inspecting a home requires knowledge of key areas where maintenance may be needed.
Whether you're selling your home or simply want to make sure your current dwelling is in tip-top shape, a home inspection is key to improving its safety, value and even your health. Houses can hide growing problems in areas the average homeowner wouldn't initially consider. Therefore, it's important to have a checklist in hand while inspecting the home's basement, living areas, attic and exterior. Does this Spark an idea?
Check Basement
Not every home has a basement. But if your house does, your primary areas of concern are foundation cracks, moisture, flooding and mold. First, check for hairline cracks on walls and in the floor. If they appear to be growing over time, call in a foundation repair professional. Because the basement is below ground, moisture is a major concern. Check to make sure walls are dry and show no visible signs of water damage. If you do see moisture, check the color of the walls. Green and black are both indicators of mold growing in moist areas of the basement. Make sure basement windows are properly sealed and window wells are properly drained to avert flooding. Also check joists for signs of rotted wood, and for the presence of termite tubes (which indicate a potential termite infestation).
Check Living Areas
Like the basement, moisture control is very important in the living areas of the home. Check for leaks, particularly in hidden areas such as underneath cabinetry and behind walls. Blackened grout and caulking is a sure sign of mold growing in kitchens and bathrooms. Also check living areas for ceiling water stains, loose steps and railings, hard to open windows and doors, cracks above door frames (primary indicator of a faulty foundation), water pressure and loose or broken fixtures (e.g., toilets, faucets, lighting).
Check Attic
Unlike the basement and first floor, moisture and mold isn't as big of a problem in your attic except in the case of a roof leak. What you are looking for in the attic are primarily structural defects such as damaged trusses that could lead to roof collapse. Also check insulation batting to make sure it is not covering any lighting fixtures, which is considered a fire hazard. If you want to make sure the roof is leak-free, climb up into the attic during a heavy rainstorm with your flashlight and inspect the underside of the roof for signs of water damage. For an additional energy-saving measure, check to make sure the attic door fits properly into the ceiling with no gaps in between. You can also add or replace foam insulation strips to close the gaps.
Check Exterior
Your primary duty when inspecting the exterior of your home is to look for problem areas which can intrude upon your living spaces from the outside in. Make sure all bushes and trees are properly trimmed. For mature trees, keep large branches a few feet from the home to prevent damage during thunderstorms and also to stop animals from using branches as a bridge into the attic. Check shingles for signs of wear (e.g., blistering and curling) to protect the attic from leaks. Inspect shutters for rot and replace if necessary. Check basement windows from the outside, and make sure window wells are properly drained to prevent leaking into the basement. Clogged gutters can also lead to leaks, mold, and unsightly messes of tree twigs and leaves; clean and replace if necessary. Lastly, make sure all window caulking and door frame insulation is not worn or damaged. Window caulking prevents water from entering the home, while door frame insulation saves you money by protecting the home from energy-draining drafts.
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