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GWINNETT PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
WALK-THROUGH INSPECTION
THE BIG
PICTURE
The first step in inspecting a home is to examine the
big picture for the home. Notice the area the home is located
in. Are there other homes of similar age and construction
details relative to the home you are inspecting? A comparison
will give you a general idea of the upkeep of the home .Have
there been significant modifications to the exterior of the
building and if so, how is the workmanship?
EXTERIOR
Start at the exterior front of the house and work your way
around the house (clockwise or counter-clockwise) at a distance
which allows you to view a complete face comfortably. On each
face (front, sides, rear) start your visual inspection at the
top of the structure and work your way down to the ground and
lot area. As an example, you would start at the front and note
the roof and chimneys, the gutters, fascia and soffits. Then,
moving down the exterior wall coverings (brick, wood,
aluminum), noting windows, doors, etc. Examine any porches or
decks down to the foundation, then the grade or slope of the lot
area, followed by any coverings, such as flower
beds, walkways, interlocking brick, driveways, etc. Move closer to
the house, to examine more closely any details which may have
attracted your attention, without skipping any items. Having
completed the front, move to the side of the house and start the
same procedure (roof to ground).
INTERIOR
On
the interior, begin your inspection in the basement and then
follow the system throughout each floor in the house. The system
for inspecting the interior is to begin with the floor, go to the
walls and then the ceiling, and then consider any appliances or
other items in the room. Move from room to room, always in the
same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) so as to not
miss any areas. If you see a door, open it!
In the basement, first notice the floor, the walls
(possibly the foundation walls are visible here), then the
ceiling (floor joists may be visible), then go to the furnace, hot
water heater, electrical panel, plumbing system, etc. When
inspecting the floors, walls and ceilings, scan the entire area
that is visible, not just one section. Next
look for the heat sources, electrical outlets and
switches, fireplaces, closets etc. In bathroom or kitchen, notice
the floor, walls and ceiling, then the plumbing fixtures.
CONDITION
While performing the
inspection, whether at the exterior, the interior or one of the
mechanical systems, note the system first, then its relative
condition. For example, if you were inspecting a wall on the
interior of the home you would first note that the wall is
plaster, and then examine the wall for cracks and irregularities.
The following are some typical
problems or occurrences to look for in the major components and
systems of the home.
ROOF
Is the ridge (peak)
showing a sag, or is it straight and level?
Is the roof sagging
between the rafters or trusses?
Are there any signs of
deterioration of asphalt shingles, such as curling, warping, broken
edges, rounded corners or key holes (slits) becoming wider that
normal?
Any loose flashings, at
the chimney, roof-to-wall connection or elsewhere?
Does the wooden roof deck
appear rotted or delaminated under the last row of shingles?
Are there any roof vents
visible?
CHIMNEYS
Is the masonry cap
cracked or broken?
Are any bricks flaking or
missing? Mortar missing?
Is the chimney leaning?
SOFFITS AND FASCIA
Note whether the
soffits and fascia are wood, aluminum or plastic
Any loose or missing
sections?
If wood, are there any
paint problems? Any visible rot?
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Ensure gutters slope
down toward downspouts
Any rust or peeling
paint?
Apparent leaks or
loose/sagging sections?
Are the downspouts
extended away from the foundations?
WALL COVERINGS
Look for missing
mortar
Are the bricks flaking or
cracking?
Look for loose, missing or
rotted siding, deteriorated paint.
Does the siding appear
new? Does it hide the foundation wall?
Exterior walls
bowed, bulged or leaning?
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Look for problems
with paint or caulking, and rotted wood components.
Are the windows new or
older? Are they the original windows? How old are they?
PORCHES AND DECKS
Cracking
or flaking masonry?
Check for paint problems, rotted wood, and wood-earth contact.
Note any settlement or separation from the house.
Inspect the underside, if
accessible.
FOUNDATIONS
Check for
cracks ,flaking or damaged masonry.
Note any water markings
and efflorescence (whitish, chalky substance)
Any bowing, bulging or
other irregularities?
Soft mortar?
LOT AREA
Does the grade slope
away from the house?
Any settled/low areas
next to the foundation, or cracked walks/driveway?
Is the property lower
than the street or neighboring properties?
BASEMENT
Note any evidence of
water penetration (stains, mildew/odors, efflorescence, loose
tiles, etc.)
FLOORS
Check for deteriorated
coverings or cracked ceramics.
Any water staining or
other damage?
Sloping or sagging?
WALLS
Randomly sample to
check that the windows and doors work.
Are the walls straight
vertically and horizontally?
Look for cracked or loose
plaster.
Look for stains, physical
damage or previous repair evidence.
Any drywall seams or
nails showing?
CEILINGS
Check for cracks in
the plaster or loose, sagging plaster.
Look for
stains, mechanical damage or evidence of previous repair.
Seams or nails showing?
BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS
Check that all
fixtures are secure.
Are there any cracks in
the fixtures?
Note the condition of the
tiles and caulking in the tub/shower area.
Are the faucets
working? Do they leak? Sufficient water pressure?
Look for staining and rot
under the counter-tops
Randomly sample the
operation of the cabinet doors and drawers.
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Type, style and age of
heating & cooling systems. When were they last inspected or
serviced?
Type of water supply
piping and drains - any visible rust and corrosion?
Size and age of
electrical service - are the outlets grounded? Visible wiring in
good condition?
Have there been any
upgrades?
Address:___________________________________________________
Style__________
Construction__________ Reno?__________ #BR_____
#Bath _____
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ITEM |
NOTES |
Good |
Avg. |
Suspect |
Poor |
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ROOF |
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CHIMNEY |
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SOFFIT/FASCIA |
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GUTTERS |
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CLADDING |
BRICK |
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WOOD |
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VINYL |
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WINDOWS |
WOOD |
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METAL |
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PLASTIC |
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DOORS |
WOOD |
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METAL |
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DECKS |
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PORCHES |
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LOT
AREA |
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HEATING |
FAG FAO FAE AGE |
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AC/HEAT PUMP |
Y N AGE |
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WATER G O E |
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EBB |
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PLUMBING |
COPPER |
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GALVANIZED |
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LEAD |
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HWT G O E AGE |
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ELECTRICAL |
CO AL |
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60 100 200 |
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PLUGS |
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FIXTURES |
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FLOORS |
CARPET |
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HARDWOOD |
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VINYL |
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CERAMIC |
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WALLS |
DRYWALL |
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PLASTER |
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WOOD/PANELING |
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CEILINGS |
DRYWALL |
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PLASTER |
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WOOD/PANELING |
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BATHROOMS |
FIXTURES |
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TUB
AREA |
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KITCHEN |
FIXTURES |
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APPLIANCES |
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CABINETS |
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COUNTERS |
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FIREPLACES |
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SKYLIGHTS |
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FOUNDATIONS |
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BASEMENT |
FINISHED |
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DAMPNESS |
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ATTIC |
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OTHER |
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