Home Buying Checklist: Exterior Elements to Examine During Your House Tour
By: Hannah Warne
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned pro, it’s important to have a thorough home-buying checklist prepared when you’re looking to make your next purchase. While many factors inside the home can influence your decision to submit an offer, don’t forget to do a thorough evaluation of the home’s exterior, too. Factors like the foundation, gutters, and even landscaping can have a big impact on your day-to-day life (and your wallet!) once you move into the home.
Read on to discover the top things you should look for on a home’s exterior when you attend your next showing.
Even if you fall in love with a home that needs an exterior overhaul, don’t fret. The brick&batten team’s virtual home design can help you make multiple changes, from choosing a new color palette to upgrading your siding to adding new windows — and everything in between. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
#1// Roof
Inspecting a home’s roof is a must before purchasing a property. Even if you’re just taking a thorough look from the ground, there are certain things you can keep your eyes open for to tell you whether or not it’s in good condition.
Check the roof for any signs of mold, peeling or missing shingles, or other visible damage. You can also ask the current homeowner about the material of the roof, which can give you some insight into its expected lifespan. Like siding, composite materials and metal tend to last longer than natural materials like cedar.
#2 // Gutters & downspouts
While inspecting the home’s roof, be sure to also take a good look at the gutters and downspouts, designed to ensure that water is draining away from the house properly to help prevent leaks, flooding, and foundation issues. It’s also an added bonus if the gutters have a stylish finish, like copper or faux copper.
Gutters and downspouts should not be sagging, cracked, or rusting, and overall should look to be in good condition. Try to visit the home during or right after a rainstorm to also check for any water that may be pooling or not draining properly. Luckily, gutters usually last at least 25 years with proper maintenance, so it’s an infrequently needed update.
#3 // Windows
Like your roof, your windows will help keep your home insulated and protected, so they’re vital to inspect when weighing the pros and cons of a potential property purchase. While windows may appear fine at first glance, there are a few signs you should be on the lookout for that could indicate they soon need to be replaced.
Condensation on your windows could mean the seals are damaged and letting in unwanted moisture. Another tell-tale sign of this problem is any water leaking or dripping from the window, even when closed.
Similarly, if the windows are difficult to open, it could mean that moisture and humidity have wrapped the window frames beyond repair. Unfortunately, any issues with the window seals, panes, or weatherstripping also make your windows less efficient and can lead to sky-high utility bills year-round, so be sure to take a close look during your showing.
#4 // Color palette
Though home exteriors can be painted, finding a home with an existing color palette you love will help you save the headache and hassle of hiring painters right after you buy. From a classic combo like neutrals to a bolder, moodier look, there are countless stylish color palettes already out there. If you can find a home that already suits your style, you’ll be a step ahead!
Even if the color palette isn’t exactly what you would’ve chosen, be sure that the exterior paint isn’t showing any obvious signs of wear like peeling, bubbling, or significant fading. All of these could be indicators that you’ll need to repaint everything sooner rather than later.
We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
#5 // Foundation
A strong foundation is a must for any new property. While inspectors will typically take a look to ensure a home is on solid ground during a standard property inspection, there are a few things potential buyers can look for themselves, too.
The most obvious sign of issues is cracks in the foundation. While small cracks are typically not cause for concern, any cracks wider than ⅛ an inch could indicate structural problems — and horizontal or stair-step cracks are especially concerning. Other, more subtle signs of trouble could be cracked drywall, slopped floors, or a leaning chimney.
#6 // Siding
Rotted siding, missing shingles, or peeling paint can all be indications that it’s time for a refresh. Any signs of mold or excessive moisture can also be a telltale sign that water is getting through, which can lead to more widespread damage.
Some siding types, like natural wood, also require more upkeep and maintenance. If skipped, it can cause the siding to deteriorate faster and lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Other types like metal or fiber cement, however, are more low-maintenance and less likely to require a significant upfront investment upon move-in.
#7 // Walkways, porches, and patios
Your home’s hardscaping can make a huge impact on the curb appeal. And while the aesthetics are important, evaluating the functionality and stability is also a must. When walking the property, keep an eye out for cracks or uneven sections of your walkways or patios. If you have brick pathways, gaps in the mortar may also mean repairs are needed.
These cracks are bound to happen over time due to changes in weather, exposure to the elements, or even the roots of trees and other large plants. While sometimes only minor repairs are required, larger cracks or problems could mean a total replacement.
#8 // Lawn & landscaping
Your lawn plays a huge role in your home’s overall appearance, so starting with a well-maintained yard can help minimize your to-do list when moving into a new property. Walk around the entire home and scope out the condition of any existing grass, landscaping, and foliage. If the home has large trees, ensure they look healthy and strong and don’t have any large branches overhanging the home, and any roots extending close to the foundation.
Though an overgrown yard shouldn’t be a deal breaker, it’s something to consider — especially if you’re looking for a home that’s move-in ready. Removing overgrowth, trimming trees, and landscaping an entire yard is time-consuming to do yourself or expensive to outsource, so just be sure you know what you’re signing up for.
#9 // Parking
Though having plentiful parking space is not a must-have for a property, it helps make life more convenient for both you and your guests. While your new home must check the most important boxes for your family — like size, location, and price — you’ll also need to make sure there is ample space for your cars, too.
Determine how many cars can be parked in the garage and the driveway at one time. If that’s not enough to accommodate your existing vehicles, is there readily available street parking? If the answer is no, consider where else you may direct guests for overflow parking. Though this might not be a dealbreaker, it’s important to consider every factor before making such a big purchase.
Transforming your exterior to satisfy your home-buying checklist
Going into every home showing armed with this comprehensive home-buying checklist can help save you a headache in the long run. Instead of running into unexpected problems at every turn before moving in, you’ll have the information you need (even before an inspection!) to make an informed buying decision and move forward with your dream home!
If your new home doesn’t check every single box on the home-buying checklist, brick&batten is ready and waiting to help. Our team makes it simple to transform your exterior in a few steps. Whether you’re looking for a new color palette for your home or business or are looking to upgrade your exterior design details, our talented experts will work with you to make your dream a reality. Start your project today
Subscribe for more content like this!
