This is a follow on from Exterior inspections Under Floor And Walls ..
Windows and Doorways – Check all timber windows and door surrounds for rot, press a key or similar against the timber at joins to check for soft spots. Check for broken or cracked glazing. If door or window frames are out of square then there is a sub floor problem, if they are hard to open check door and frame square. Insect screens to windows and doors, check if each opening has them and what condition there in.
Eaves and guttering – Check eaves for gaps or damage that may allow birds or vermin to enter roof cavity, check fascia boards for rot, commonly found at corners and where rafters meet fascia, spouting / guttering should be checked for rust or repairs if it looks old or damaged. All down pipes should be in place and in good order and preferably connected to a storm water system to take water away from the building.
Roofing – Tiled roofs should be checked for broken and cracked tiles, rust or damage to valley flashings and broken and decaying grouting at hips and valleys and all flashings. Sheet roofing needs to be inspected for loose sheets, rust and damage to sheets and flashings. Check all flashings at chimneys and where roofs meet walls.
Site – Aspect for winter sun is becoming more important with energy use consideration in the forefront of people minds these days. Walk over the entire block, check for signs of recent tree removal, new filled areas, trees that may be a danger to neighbor's or this sites assets. Evaluate all gaps for condition and security. Access, for building supply company vehicles or excavation machines (concrete trucks are very heavy and can damage pavements), as well as safe and secure storage of materials, should all be considered.
Neighbors – Keep in mind neighbor's possible objections to renovation noise, dust, chemicals and machinery use. Talk to them when you have made some decisions about the renovations required and before you commit to the property. Decide if they can be deal with amicably, and if not, if it's worth the hassles.
Remember there is always another house. Take into consideration all the pros and cons and make your decisions on a purely financial basis. If you know as much as possible, about a properties present condition, you will be able to predict, "approximately" the amount of money you will need to spend making the resale of the home as profitable as you can.
There is a lot more to know, Next Article-Interior Inspections