Inspection Tips

Proper grading drainage away from house
No evidence of standing water
No leaks from septic tank or leech field
Yard, landscaping, trees and walkways in good condition
No branches or bushes touching house or overhanging the roof
Exterior structures (fences, sheds, decks, retaining walls, detached garages) in good condition, no evidence of termite damage or rotted wood. Railings on stairs and decks are adequate and secure
Driveways, sidewalks, patios, entrance landings in good condition, and pitched away from structure
Downspout drainage directed away from structure

Ridge and fascia board lines appear straight and level
Sides of house appear straight, not bowed or sagging
Window and doorframes appear square (especially bowed windows)
Visible foundation in good condition – appears straight, plumb, with no significant cracks

Adequate clearance between ground and wood siding materials (8″ minimum); no wood-to-earth contact
Siding: no cracking, curling, loose, rot or decay
Masonry veneers: no cracks in joints, no broken, spalling or flaking components
Stucco: no large cracks
Vinyl or aluminum siding: no dents, damage, no bowing or loose siding
No vines on surface of structure
Exterior paint or stain: no flaking or blisters
No stains on exterior surfaces

Wood frames and trim pieces are secure, no cracks, rot or decay
Joints around frames are caulked
No broken glass (window or storm panes) or damaged screens, no broken doublepaned, insulated window seals.
Muntin and mullion glazing compound in good condition
Storm windows or thermal glass used
Drip caps installed over windows

Composition shingles: no curling, no cupping, no loss of granulation particulate, no broken, damaged or missing shingles, no more than two layers of roofing
Wood shingles or shakes: no mold, rot or decay, no cracked/broken/missing shingles, no curling
Flat roofs: no obvious patches, no cracks or splits, no listers/”alligatoring” and wrinkles, no silt deposits (indicates improper drainage), sealed tar at flashings
Flashing around roof penetrations
No evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulk
Soffits and fascia: no decay, no stains
Exterior venting for eave areas: vents are clean and not painted over
Gutters: no decay or rust, joints sealed, attached securely to structure, no bending or sagging, no sections of gutter or downspout missing, gutters clean, no mud deposits
Chimneys: straight, properly flashed, no evidence of damaged bricks or cracked joints, mortar/cement cap in good condition

No stains on underside of roofing, especially around roof penetrations
No evidence of decay or damage to structure
Sufficient insulation and properly installed insulation (moisture barrier installed closest to the heated area of the house)
Adequate ventilation, clear path into attic for air entering through soffit vents, adequately sized gable end louvers, all mechanical ventilation operational
No plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents terminating in attic
No open electrical splices

Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight and plumb and level
No stains on floors, walls or ceilings
Flooring materials in good condition
No significant cracks in walls or ceilings
Windows and exterior doors operate easily and latch properly, no broken glass, no sashes painted shut, no decay; windows and doors have weather-stripping, “weep holes” installed
Interior doors operate easily and latch properly, no damage or decay, no broken hardware
Paint, wall covering, and paneling in good condition
Wood trim installed well and in good condition
Lights and switches operate properly
Adequate number of three pronged electrical outlets in each room
Electrical outlets test properly (spot check)
Heating/cooling source in each habitable room
Evidence of adequate insulation in walls
Fireplace: no cracking or damaged masonry, no evidence of back-drafting (staining on fireplace façade), damper operates properly, flue has been cleaned, flue is lined

Working exhaust fan that is vented to the exterior of the building
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (“GFCI”) protection for electrical outlets within 5 feet of the sink(s)
Dishwasher: drains properly, no leaks, baskets, door spring operates properly
No leaks in pipes under sinks
Floor in cabinet under sink solid, no stains or decay
Water flow in sink adequate
No excessive rust or deterioration on garbage disposal or waste pipes
Built- in appliances operate properly
Cabinets in good condition: doors and drawers operate properly

No evidence of moisture
Exposed foundation; no stains no major cracks, no flaking, no efflorescence
Visible structural wood: no sagging, no damage, no decay, no stains, no damage from insects, sills attached to foundation with anchor bolts
Insulation at rim/band joists

Adequately vented to exterior
Insulation on exposed water supply, waste and vent pipes
Insulation between crawl space and heated areas, installed with vapor barrier towards heated area
No evidence of insect damage
No evidence of moisture damage

Visible pipes: no damage, no evidence of leaks, no signs of stains on materials
near pipes; drain pipes slope slightly down towards outlet to septic/sewage system
Water heater: no signs of rust, vented properly, sized to produce adequate quantities of hot water for the number of bedrooms in the house.
Water pump: does not short cycle
Galvanized pipes do not restrict water flow
Well water test is acceptable
Hot water temperature between 118 – 125 degrees Fahrenheit

Visible wiring: in good condition, no “knob-and-tube” wiring, no exposed splices,
cables secured and protected
Service panel: adequate capacity, all cables attached to panel with cable connectors; fuses or breakers are not overheating
No aluminum cable for branch circuits