What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Exterior Systems — Drainage, Siding, and What Can Let Water In

The reason I spend extra time walking the outside of the home isn’t to admire the curb appeal. It’s to figure out how water is—or isn’t—getting away from the structure. Most buyers see fresh paint and new mulch. I see moisture traps, compromised siding, and slopes that tilt the wrong way.

Where I Walk, I’m Looking for Water

I start with drainage. Is the ground sloped away from the house? Are gutters extended far enough from the foundation? Is there standing water or evidence of erosion? Water is the number one enemy of every home—outside and in. So that’s my starting point.

From there, I evaluate siding: is it soft, delaminating, cracking, or pulling away? Are there gaps around hose bibs, cable entries, or vents? Does vegetation touch or grow too close to the walls? That’s not just messy—it’s a moisture invitation.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

• ✅ I’m looking for: poor grading, siding damage, missing or failed caulking, vegetation contact, deteriorated windows or trim, and compromised penetrations.
• ❌ I’m not looking for: cosmetic paint quality, landscaping trends, or fence style preferences. This isn’t an HGTV critique—it’s a water intrusion check.

I also look at hardscapes—like driveways, walkways, patios, and retaining walls. Are they cracking, sloping back toward the house, or breaking apart due to tree roots or age? That matters. A cracked driveway may not seem urgent, but if it’s redirecting water toward your crawlspace, you’ll care a lot more in February.

Doors, Windows, and Trim: Where Water Slips In

Exterior doors and windows are constant battlegrounds. I’m looking at weatherstripping, trim rot, soft thresholds, failed caulk lines, and gaps. Once again—it’s all about water. And sometimes, bugs. These small details are where big repairs start.

Same goes for fences and gates. If they’re falling apart, leaning, or unsecured, it might not affect the house’s structure—but it says something about maintenance overall. The exterior tells a story. You just have to look past the fresh mulch and door wreath.

FAQs: What to Expect From the Exterior Inspection

Do you evaluate landscaping or yard layout?

Only as it relates to drainage, slope, and potential structural impact. I don’t assess plant types, aesthetics, or HOA compliance—but I do care if that nice flowerbed is holding water against your foundation.

Will you note cosmetic paint flaws or siding color issues?

No. I’m looking for damage, not design. Paint quality only matters to me if it’s failing in a way that exposes the structure to risk—like peeling on wood siding.

Do you inspect fences and gates?

Yes—but only for general condition, safety, and damage. I don’t inspect for zoning, boundary lines, or lock mechanisms. If a gate won’t latch or a post is rotted, I’ll note it.

What if the yard slopes toward the house?

That’s a red flag. I’ll document poor grading or drainage conditions. You may need regrading, drainage solutions, or extensions on downspouts to protect the foundation.

→ Next up: Post 13: Foundation, Crawlspace & Basement — Uncovering Structural Clues

← Previously: Post 11: Inside the Attic — Insulation, Ventilation & What Can Go Wrong

Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?