Exterior :

  • Inspect all sides of home for integrity of exterior wall areas closest to ground especially if wood composite panels.
  • make note of any significant foundation cracks.
  • Look up at eave / fascia / soffit areas for any moisture deterioration of wood & not just peeling paint areas.
  • are windows double pane & clear - note that leaky double pane seals will show staining between the panes.
  • Is drainage away from foundation & observe eave extension, presence / absence of gutters.
  • are any retaining walls on property in poor condition & leaning.

 

Roof:

  • asphalt-fiberglass composition :  try to view roof especially the sunny south side (look for granular loss & any shiny fiberglass edge areas (binoculars are useful).
  • do sloped roofing areas have gutters.
  • metal paneled roofs ; are they "hidden seam" or visibly screwed down.
  • do brick & metal chimneys appear to have suitable caps.
  • if you the buyer, ask your realtor to obtain seller information about roof replacement history.
  • check roof condition on out-buildings.

 

Interior:

  • flooring : check laminate flooring for good fit & no wear or curling
  • carpeting in reasonable condition with no staining.
  • walls & ceilings : most buyers don't seem to mind the need to paint some rooms.  Old homes can sometimes have "popcorn / stippled ceilings" which may contain asbestos.
  • ventilation : do bathrooms have exhaust fans & is there a stove vent system in the kitchen (best if exhausts to the exterior, especially for gas stoves.
  • note where appliances including HVAC systems are located (garage, interior closet, laundry room, attic, crawlspace & how accessible when service is required.
  • check kitchen appliances for cleanliness & general function.
  • make sure your comfortable with the layout of rooms.

 

Attics & Crawlspace (need flashlight) :

  • attics more complicated because a ladder is usually required :  If a pull-down ladder in garage, take-a-look.  1)  roof sheathing should not be stained  2)  take a photo of the roofing structure  3)  is ventilation via roof caps, gables & soffit vents or newer types of ventilation such as ridge & shingle over ridge vents  4)  type of insulation, batts or loose fill.
  • crawlspace also more complicated : open up an interior or exterior panel & take a photo with your flashlight.  1)  does it have concrete pier & post type supports  2)  does it have a solid or block-type foundation wall  3)  is there sub-floor insulation &  4)  is there a plastic vapor retarder on the crawlspace ground.

 

Electrical :

  • locate the electrical panel & open the outer cover.  1)  is there a primary power cut-off switch  (if not, the panel is older & depending on the house age may indicate 100 or 150 amp service  2)  most newer & large homes have 200 amp service.  3)  note if there are any breaker slots with no breaker (a safety hazard).     

 

Plumbing :

  • water heater : storage tank type (gas or electric) or on-demand (tank-less)  -  note if you copy the serial number of most appliances, the age can be determined.
  • look under kitchen sinks & bathroom vanities for any moisture stained cabinet flooring  -  note if water distribution piping is galvanized, copper, CPVC, PEX, other.
  • turn on water to check for any leaks around the hardware.
  • check tub / shower areas & ceiling for any mold.

 

Heating & Cooling Units :

  • central air :  determine the locations for heating / cooling the house.  1)  duct work should provide forced blown heat or cool to most rooms in the house  2)  duct work can be located in the crawl space, attic or between floors  3)  multilevel homes may have zone control & dampers for directing air to upstairs / downstairs  & thermostats on different floors.

 

  • Heat pumps :  can be heat only or dual purpose heat / cool.  1)  interior wall-mounted units for dispersing the heat / cool  2)  piping runs from wall mounted units to an exterior condensing unit   3)  a "reversing valve unit" enables a switch between cooling or heating inside the house.

 

  • Other heating systems :  1)  wood fireplace  2)  fireplace with natural gas logs  3)  pellet stove  4)  electric baseboard, electric wall heater  4)  direct vent kerosene heater  5)  geothermal in some Oregon areas.