Home Inspection St. Cloud | Home Inspection 320-433-9489
Before you buy a home, you should hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough analysis of the true state of the house, beyond what meets the eye. The inspector will be able to distinguish between a major structural issue and a minor cosmetic matter.
The inspector will look around the exterior of the home at the following areas:
Roof: The inspector will inspect the materials used and what type of roof was put on. They will check for leaks and find the area where the leaks are being created. Find out if the roof has leaked in the past and if so, how and when it was repaired. If they see water stains on the walls and ceilings, chances are there is a leaky roof. This will mean financial and structural problems down the road.
Gutters: The inspector will look for neglected gutters as they can become clogged and then rotted, and can lead to a wet basement when backed up water spills out. They will also look for splits or missing portions of the gutter. This may indicate an ice dam problem, a serious matter that causes ruined ceilings, walls, and floors.
Foundation: The inspector will find out which material has been used. Wood is problematic as it’s porous and water can get in. Even pressure-treated lumber which contains water-repellent chemicals lasts just 30-40 years and isn’t meant to eliminate the need for a stone or concrete foundation. Concrete-block was common in the first half of the Century. This is weaker than today’s reinforced concrete foundation and also more susceptible to water. Reinforced concrete is strong and stable. Another common material choice used in older homes is field stone, sometimes called “rubble stone.” These irregularly-shaped rocks are joined with mortar. They don’t age well, tend to leak, and can’t be waterproofed.
Cracks: Not all cracks in the foundation are causes for worry. Vertical and diagonal cracks are generally harmless, a natural result of settling and the shrinkage of concrete. If these cracks are not more than a quarter of an inch wide, you can probably leave worry at the door. If the inspector spots bigger cracks, however, especially in a house that’s less than 10 years old, this is a big red flag for foundation damage. It is the horizontal cracks that can be of greater concern as they can indicate negative grading or poor drainage. 
Structure: The inspector will check the integrity of the structure and the condition. They will look to see if the walls are are straight and there is no deformation of the structure. They will also look to see if there is proper support under the flooring and the windows and doors are aligned.
Making sure the structure of the home and outside of the home is in good condition is a must before buying your home. Give us a call today to give you the reassurance you need before buying your home!
Home Inspection St. Cloud | Home Inspection 320-433-9489