Structure

Structural issues usually show up as sags, bounces, humps, dips, and leans.

They are caused often by construction errors, improper repairs, rot and other moisture issues, termite damage, and did I mention moisture issues.

In looking for structural issues, check the following:

(1) roofline (for dips and sags)                                    (5) attic (framing size, condition, span)

(2) foundation (for leans, bulges, sags)                        (6) porches (sags, leans, rot and moisture)

(3) walk through (floors shaking a lot)                        (7) bath and kitchen (water leak damage)

(4) crawlspace (termites; rot especially at exterior, baths and kitchens;  and framing size, condition and span)

Envelope

Roof                                    Foundation

Eaves                                    Siding (frame and brick)

Gutters                                    Porches (ceiling, floor, columns, railings, steps)

Drainage                        Windows (original, replacement, storms–condition and function)

Layout

Are you planning to add a bath, closet, or laundry area in your house?   Adding a whole new room or rooms? Closing in or adding doorways?  Thinking about taking out a wall?  Understand the impact on the structure and envelope and on the following items.

Systems

Electrical

Heat and air

Plumbing

Insulation

Interior

Walls and ceilings (condition of surfaces and of paint or covering)

Doors and trim

Floors

Electrical fixtures

Built-ins and plumbing fixtures (particularly kitchen and bath)

Site

Sidewalks

Fences

Outbuildings