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One of the best features of any new home, with summer approaching, is a beautiful front porch. Who doesn't like to sit out under the shade on a warm day with a cool drink and enjoy the view from their front porch? But with exposure to the elements and constant use, front porches can take a harder beating than many other parts of the house and should be included in every home inspection.
Here are some things to look for when inspecting a front porch:
SIDING -- For siding to provide full protection, it shouldn't be warped or aged if it's real wood. If it's made out of an imitation wood, then it should still look like wood.
TRIM -- Trim frames the porch like a piece of art and should be maintained to keep up the appearance of the porch. Corner boards of siding, the facia, soffits and ceilings shouldn't be worked or distressed.
WIRING -- Cracked, exterior wiring and rusted fixtures should be noted on inspections along with exposed wiring. These should also be checked for functionality.
LIGHTS -- All exterior lights should be inspected. These can take a beating from the elements and wear much faster than interior fixtures.
FRAMING -- A porch's frame is always at risk for attacks by age, moisture, and insects. Beams could rot where they rest on brick piers. When possible, check the underside of the porch for rot or insect damage. Be mindful of any cracks you see above or below.
FLOORING -- The floor takes all the beating and the weight. In the winter, it can be damp for long periods of time. In the summer, ultra-violet rays can cause it to crack. Pay attention to loose boards, spongy support, and outright broken flooring.
COLUMNS and RAILS -- Wooden columns and railing provide not only ornamentation but also support and can grow loose, creating a hazard. Check for loose rails or unsafe posts and columns.
DOORS -- Just like interior doors, it's easy for exterior doors to fall into disuse. In addition, though, a porch door can face rust, warping, swelling, and splintering. Also, keep an eye out for broken screens or glass.
ROOFS -- Since porch roofs can often wear out much faster than a home's roof, it's important to pay attention to its condition. Missing tiles or other damage should be noted.
While problems with a porch might go unnoticed by an untrained buyer, these observations could be crucial to any homebuyer's decision and the sign of a quality home inspection.
Labels: home inspection, homebuyer, inspecting a front porch, quality home inspection
