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 weatherstripping
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 operate 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