I have written blog posts in the past that address what to look for in an inspection report. However, I have questions about this arise with every buyer. Therefore, I am writing about it again. It’s useful information that buyer’s need to have!

• Siding – look for dents or buckling
• Foundations – look for cracks or water seepage
• Exterior Brick – look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks
• Insulation – look for condition, adequate rating for climate
• Doors and windows – look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weather stripping
• Roof – look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts
• Ceilings, walls, and moldings – look for loose pieces, drywall that is pulling away
• Porch/Deck – loose railings or step, rot
• Electrical – look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room
• Plumbing – look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation
• Water heater – look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating
• Furnace/Air Conditioning – look for age, energy rating; Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. However, other factors such as payback period and other operating costs, such as electricity to operated motors.
• Garage – look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor-cracks, stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism
• Basement – look for water leakage, musty smell
• Attic – look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof
• Septic Tanks (if applicable) – adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area and the size of your family
• Driveways/Sidewalks – look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains

Reprinted from Realtor Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of Realtors, Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.