Consider The Exterior When You’re Buying a Home

Buying a house is a big step and there are so many things to consider before you take the plunge. We encourage you to always have an inspection before making the purchase but there are some tell-tale signs on the exterior of the home. In this article, we will discuss the signs that there is more to the house than meets the eye. 

We have discussed regular home maintenance on this blog before. It's important to have a regular routine for ensuring your home is properly maintained.  When these tasks are ignored for too long, you may find there is a knock-on effect causing issues deeper into the home's interior.  Here are some signs to look for on the home exterior.

Exterior Inspection: Start At The Top

Roofing

The roof is one of the most important parts of the house and it can be very expensive to replace. Take a look at the roof and see if there are any missing shingles or if there is any damage. If the roof is in bad shape, it could be a sign that the previous owners did not take good care of the house.

Also, look for signs of vegetation on the roof. This could just be a hint of green or it could be full-grown plants growing along the roof.  These again, are signs that the home may not have been well cared for.

Gutters

Gutters are often overlooked by homebuyers but they may have a story to tell.  Sagging gutters could mean that water has been either making its way into the house behind the walls or has been gathering near the foundation of the home.  It's important to look for further evidence to support this theory though.

Siding

The siding on a house is also an important part of the exterior. Look for cracks or holes in the siding as this could be an indication that water has gotten in and caused damage. If the siding is damaged, it will need to be replaced which can be quite costly.

Above, we spoke about the vegetation on the roof.  On the siding, it is not unusual to see some algae growing.  Although we encourage you to have your home power washed, this grows back quickly and may not indicate a problem for the house. 

The most important consideration for the siding is that there are no missing or damaged pieces.

Windows

Windows are another important part of the exterior of a house to consider when you are ready to purchase a home. Cracked or broken windows can let water and air into the house which can cause damage. If the windows are in bad shape, it is important to get them replaced as soon as possible.

Always ask the owner when they were last replaced and ask for proof, if at all possible. Replacing windows can add up quickly.

Doors

Doors that are cracked or show exposed wood can also be an indication that the home was not well maintained.  Regular maintenance is important for any home.  When you begin to see true signs of neglect, it's time to consider what may be lurking behind the walls.

Landscaping

Poor landscaping is not necessarily a warning sign that there is a problem hiding in your yard but there are a couple of things to consider when you look at a home's yard. 

Look for evidence of standing water.  This is especially important if the puddles are closer to the home's foundation. 

Also, consider the septic system.  If there is a septic system and it's clearly demarcated by differences in the grass, you may have a problem.  Be sure to address this with your home inspector.

These are just a few of the things to consider when you’re looking at the exterior of a house. While the exterior may not seem like a big deal, it is important to remember that it is the first line of defense against the elements. If the exterior of a house is in bad shape, it could be an indication that bigger problems are lurking beneath the surface.

Don't rule it out

Although all of these signs could be a sign of a problem, they may not be.  The only real way to tell is to work with a professional home inspector to arm yourself with the right information.  We work with several trusted home inspection companies we would be happy to refer you to. 

If you decide that the house is for you, congratulations.  Quality Remodeling is here to help you bring it up to your standards.  Learn how our team can transform any home into your dream home. 

From roofing to gutters and siding, to doors and windows, our team is here to help you. Call us today at 443-690-3493