If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to inspect the property carefully before making an offer.

The exterior of the home can tell you a lot about its condition, and there are certain things you should look out for when assessing it.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important aspects of a home’s exterior that you should pay attention to when considering a purchase. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Inspecting the Outside Is Important

It’s vital to take a look around the outside of any property you’re considering buying. The exterior is just as important as what’s inside, and there are many things that could go wrong if it isn’t checked properly before an offer is made on a home.

Here are some reasons why inspecting the exterior matters:

• Asking questions about the home will give you an opportunity to learn more about the history of the house and the work that has been done to it by the previous owners.
• If something jumps out at you that might not have been noticed by other potential owners, it could give you a competitive edge in the market.
• There are some things that can’t be seen from the inside of the house that may only be visible when looking at the property from the outside.
• It can save you hundreds or thousands  of dollars if you catch a problem with the home before making an offer.

Purchasing a new home is all about getting the most for your money, and doing a thorough outdoor inspection is an important aspect of that.

Let’s take a look at the most common inspection points you should be paying attention to.

The Roof 

Roofs are a huge investment, and they can cost thousands of dollars to replace. If the roof on a home you’re considering has been damaged in any way (from hail or wind), it should be repaired before purchasing the property.

If not, then make sure that it’s something covered under warranty so there won’t be too much money outlayed right away after moving into your new house!

Here are some things to look for:

Cracked or Missing Shingles

The most important part of the roof is the shingles that protect it from the weather. 

If you see any cracked or missing shingles, it’s a sign that there may be more damage to the roof that’s not immediately visible.

Dark or Brown Spots

This requires you to get a look in the attic. Watch for these brown spots, which are water stains from a leak or outside moisture getting in. This can be costly to repair down the line.

Gaps or Holes

Small holes in the roof can be easy to miss, which can lead to a large list of problems.

It can cost more to heat your home, since warm air can escape through these. Bigger problems include outdoor weather getting inside and even unwanted bugs and small animals that can infest your home and cost thousands to get rid of.

Bends or Dips

If you can see any bends or dips in the roof, it could be a sign that there’s been underlying water damage. This is often caused by ice dams and needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Damage to the Soffit and Fascia

The soffit and fascia are the boards that run along the edge of your roof. If they’re damaged, it could be a sign that there’s more damage to the roof than you can see. 

Make sure to get this looked at by a professional roofer if you see it.

Improper Attic Insulation

Insulation is an important part of keeping your house warm or cool depending on the weather outside. Improper attic insulation can lead to a number of problems, such as higher energy bills and even moisture damage that could ruin ceilings and walls.

Gutters and Eavestroughs

Gutters are an important part of any home. They collect water runoff from the roof and carry it away to prevent damage to your foundation, landscaping and siding.

If gutters aren’t installed correctly or are clogged up with debris like leaves and sticks, they won’t work as well, which may lead to costly repairs down the line. Here are some ways you can check if there’s something wrong.

Look for:

Leaking Gutters

This problem is easy enough to spot just by looking at them while standing on a ladder outside of the house. You’ll see leaks where water isn’t supposed to come because holes have to be patched!

Clogged Gutters

If you see a buildup of debate in the gutters, it’s time to speak up about getting them cleaned. Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of other problems, as mentioned earlier.

Sagging Gutters

If your gutters are sagging, it’s a sign that they’re too heavy for the supports they’re attached to and need to be fixed or replaced.

Watermarks on the Side of the house

These watermarks can be a sign that there’s a problem with the gutters and they’re not doing their job properly.

Downspouts That Aren’t Draining Properly

This means they’re clogged with something like leaves, which can be removed easily enough. If not taken care of promptly, it may lead to damage down the line because they won’t work as well anymore.

Siding 

Siding is meant to protect the home from weather conditions, but it can also get damaged by them. Most siding is expected to last between 20-50 years, but the outdoors can change that quickly if not taken care of properly.

If you’re looking at a house with vinyl siding or wood panelling on it, there are some things you’ll want to check for before making an offer.

Look for:

Cracks and Holes in the Siding

If there are any cracks or holes in the siding, it’s a sign that the siding is not doing its job and is vulnerable to weather conditions. 

Just like the roof, this can lead to bugs and small animals getting into the house and building nests.

Peeling Paint

This might seem like just something that needs a new coat of paint, but it can also lead to siding exposed to the elements, allowing moisture to creep in and cause damage that isn’t just a simple fix.

Warping or buckling

Usually caused by improper installation, vinyl siding needs room to expand and breathe after being exposed to different temperatures. If the siding is put into place too tightly, this is where it can warp and buckle, leaving you with siding that won’t do its job properly.

Windows and Doors 

Windows and doors are something else you’ll want to check. If it’s an older house you are looking at putting an offer down on, there may be some issues that might jump out more than on a newer home.

Look for:

Drafty or Foggy Windows

If the windows have condensation between the panes of glass or feel drafty, it means there’s been damage done somewhere along the way that needs fixing.

This could mean either replacing all of them with new ones (a costly project) or hiring a professional to do repairs as necessary to lower energy costs long-term.

Water Spots on Window Frames 

This usually happens with wooden frames because they rot over time when exposed to water damage repeatedly. If the home you are considering has wood windows, make sure they are free from any type of water damage.

Doors That Don’t Close Properly

If the door doesn’t close all the way, it means the frame is probably warped and might not be able to take the weight of a person pushing against it. This can lead to security issues down the line if not taken care of.

Windows and doors are important aspects of any home, so it’s good to check them out before signing on the dotted line!

Don’t Miss Anything by Hiring a Professional 

A home inspector will look at all of these things and more, so you can be sure that there are no surprises once you’ve already bought the house.

While taking a look yourself is a smart idea, someone who has a background in the house repair industry is going to be able to see things you might not notice or know about.

If you’re looking for an inspector, make sure that they have experience inspecting homes and are certified. It’s always a good idea to have one check out the property before making an offer.

They can help you negotiate a better price because you can give a list to the house’s seller of items you might need to repair out of your own pocket after the purchase.

T. Simpson Roofing Can Help Make the Repairs You Need

We are experienced professionals who will get the job done quickly and efficiently so that you can enjoy your home worry-free.

Whether you have already made a new house purchase or are looking for experts who can help you track down the problems before you make the offer, T. Simpson has helped hundreds of homeowners.

From roofing, siding, eavestrough cleaning, or windows and doors, T. Simpson can repair or replace it all. We have a dedicated team of professionals who always give you the best price.

Contact us today for a free quote on your home repairs and see the difference that T. Simpson Roofing can give your home.