9 Things Home Inspectors Always Notice (Part 2: Exterior Red Flags)
Welcome back to our series on the details that make or break a home inspection! Here at Your Handyman Pros, we’ve seen it all. If you missed Part 1, we covered those sneaky interior red flags like loose handrails and GFCI outlets. Today, we’re stepping outside.
In the Salt Lake Valley, our homes take a beating. From the scorching summer sun in Magna to the heavy snow loads in Herriman, the exterior of your house is its first line of defense. When a home inspector pulls up to the curb, they aren’t just looking at your curb appeal; they’re looking for signs that the "envelope" of your home is failing.
Here are three exterior red flags that show up on inspection reports all the time.
1. Cracked or Damaged Siding
Whether you have vinyl, Hardie board, or wood siding, cracks are a major "no-no." In cities like West Valley City or Sandy, wind-blown debris or even a stray rock from a lawnmower can cause small punctures or cracks.
Why does an inspector care? Because water is patient. It will find that crack, seep behind the panel, and can allow moisture into the wall system, leading to rot, mold, or insulation damage. If you’ve noticed subtle signs your home is looking dated or worn out, the siding is usually the first culprit.
2. Improperly Sloped Soil (Grading)
This is a big one. Inspectors look at the "grade" or the slope of the dirt around your foundation. Ideally, the ground should slope away from your house at least six inches over the first ten feet.
If the soil is flat, or worse, sloping toward the house, rainwater and snowmelt will pool against your foundation. This can lead to foundation moisture issues, basement leaks, and over time, structural damage. If you are prepping for a move in Riverton, walk around your perimeter. If you see "ponding" near the walls, it’s time to move some dirt. We often handle these post-winter home mistakes to ensure homeowners stay dry all year long.
3. Missing Gutter Downspout Extensions
You’d be surprised how many homeowners forget this $15 fix. Your gutters do a great job of collecting water from the roof, but if the downspout dumps that water right at the base of your foundation, the gutter is basically useless.
Inspectors want to see extensions that carry that water at least five to ten feet away from the house. Without them, you’re significantly increasing the risk of water pooling near your foundation. It's one of those 3 small home upgrades in Salt Lake that can save you thousands in a "failed" inspection report later.
Let Your Handyman Pros Help
Don't let a home inspector's report catch you off guard. Whether you need siding repair, a grading adjustment, or a full exterior refresh, our team is here to help. Your Handyman Pros is a licensed B100 General Contractor, and we take pride in helping our neighbors across the Salt Lake Valley keep their homes in tip-top shape.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll dive into the maintenance red flags that often get overlooked!
