Housing...Inside and Out

February 27, 1998
First Impressions In Househunting - The Exterior

When you are looking for a home to purchase, one of the first things you will want to consider is the outside appearance and the general characteristics of the neighborhood, the structure's age, character, condition and relative cost. You should determine if the house you are considering for purchase fits in with the rest of the neighborhood. The house should be about the same age, size, style, condition and price as the houses on either side, as well as the whole neighborhood.

Before you ever enter the home, you should make a thorough exterior inspection because once inside the interior decor may over-shadow your judgement. If you forget to check these things on the first visit, then you must go back later. No home should ever be purchased without a minimum of at least two visits, preferably one in the daytime and one at night. The following information should be helpful.

  • Determine if the yard, landscaping, fences, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and driveways will be easy to keep up and if they need any major maintenance or repairs. Take note of all accessory buildings such as garages and sheds. Determine if they are necessary and if so will they meet the size needed. Also check to be sure they are in good repair.
  • Study the structural lines of the house - roof ridge, walls and foundation. Beware of any sags, bows or bulges. Suspect any visible flaws that may be symptoms of serious defects. Missing or crumbled shingles warn of possible leaks, which may be obvious on ceilings and walls inside the house. Also count the layers of shingles because if new shingles are laid over more than one or two old roofs, the nails may not sufficiently penetrate the structure underneath. 
  • Metal flashing around chimneys, vent pipes and in valleys should be rust free. Gutters and downspouts should be painted and free of rust. They should also be clear of clogs, and in good repair. They should be positioned in such a manner as to direct water into a splash block and away from the house.
  • The ground and any sidewalks, driveways or patios should slope away to carry water away from the foundation of the house.
  • Walk around the house looking for weatherproof electrical outlets, water faucets, and checking exterior surfaces for curled or loose siding, popped or rusted nail heads, and peeling, chalking or flaking paint. Peeling paint indicates lack of a primer coat, or on an older house, more likely the lack of a vapor barrier to keep moisture "leaking" from the house interior through the wood to the paint, which won't stick to wet surfaces. 
  • If the house is brick, note any cracks in the brick that may be caused by foundation problems as a result of shifting soils. This may be an indication of inadequate construction to accommodate soil conditions.
  • Take time to look at all windows and doors. Check for storm windows plus weather stripping and caulking to save energy. The glass panes should be free of cracks and properly sealed around the edges. Take special note whether the window placement and size allow adequate privacy from neighbors and the street. 
  • Check the foundation for cracks and any evidence of termites. Also be sure that the crawlspace is adequately vented.
  • Determine if the entrances are easily accessible, sheltered yet open to the street and well lit. All porches should be easily accessible, level and slip-resistant. If the porches or steps are wood, be sure they are solid since wood rot and termites can be a problem if they are exposed to the weather.
  • After examining these aspects of the exterior. Now go inside and continue to compare the house to your list of essential and desired features.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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