Start inspection on the interior or exterior?

[Rick D. Hurst]

I start our inspections on the inside of the structure and then inspect the attic. Then we do the exterior, roof, and last the sprinkler system. Walking on the roof without seeing the sheating or rafters in the attic could lead to falling through the roof if damages were present.

Rick Hurst

[David K. Smith]

Rick that's a good idea. One soft spot and your inspection turns into a repair job and loss of income.

[Russel Ray]

Found this that someone had sent for inclusion in our NACHI Narratives library:

Central Fla. Man Dies In Fall Through Home's Roof POSTED: 7:47 am EST December 1, 2005 - UPDATED: 9:19 am EST December 1, 2005
A 50-year-old man in Seminole County, Fla., died when he fell through an opening in his home, according to Local 6 News. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said Dennis Poelcher fell through an opening in his roof on Murray Court in Sanford Wednesday night. Investigators said roofers had recently removed a skylight and replaced it with a temporary covering. When Poelcher stepped on to it, he fell 20 feet in the home.

Yet another good reason to always inspect the attic before walking on the roof, for those of you who do walk on the roof, that is.

[gbrasseur]

I like to start on the outside to get a "feel" for the house. I then take OFF my shoes and do the inside.

[cduphily]

revamp of my post a month ago:

I still start outside - walk around the home/property and note any problems. I then walk around the house again (reverse direction) to ensure I did not miss anything.
If it's muddy I now wear rubber boots over my shoes/work boots. (under $20)

I head up to the attic (assuming someone is there to let me in now) and inspect the roof structure as well as everything else. I work from top to bottom ending up in the basement then I go up on the roof.

I order my boots/booties and cover-alls from www.uline.com they seem to be economical and my order is at my door with in 3 days (usually 2 days)

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by cduphily

revamp of my post a month ago:

I still start outside - walk around the home/property and note any problems. I then walk around the house again (reverse direction) to ensure I did not miss anything.
If it's muddy I now wear rubber boots over my shoes/work boots. (under $20)

I head up to the attic (assuming someone is there to let me in now) and inspect the roof structure as well as everything else. I work from top to bottom ending up in the basement then I go up on the roof.

I order my boots/booties and cover-alls from www.uline.com they seem to be economical and my order is at my door with in 3 days (usually 2 days)

I would suggest checking the sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, disposal, and dishwasher before the basement. That way if there are any current leaks, they'll be visible when you get to the basment.

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by rray

I would suggest checking the sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, disposal, and dishwasher before the basement. That way if there are any current leaks, they'll be visible when you get to the basment.

I do I just posted in a hurry when I realized what time it was and I had not gotten to the post office yet.

"I work from top to bottom ending up in the basement then I go up on the roof."
You are correct in that my post was poorly typed.

[bhopewell]

Start on the front

[dmiller4]

I think the key is following the same process everytime. Get used to and even right down how you will do your inspection. I always start with the roof, and then work my way down . Then on interior, I start in the kitchen and end in the garage and attic. It flows good for me......

[dmiller4]

I think the key is following the same process everytime. Get used to and even right down how you will do your inspection. I always start with the roof, and then work my way down and around the exterior . Then on interior, I start in the kitchen and end in the garage and attic. It flows good for me......

[dmiller4]

Oops....I guess I hit that twice. Sorry

[Vern Mitchinson]

Originally Posted by dmiller4

I think the key is following the same process everytime. Get used to and even right down how you will do your inspection. I always start with the roof, and then work my way down and around the exterior . Then on interior, I start in the kitchen and end in the garage and attic. It flows good for me......

It's cold here so I always start on the outside before going inside. Once inside I set up my tablet etc. in the kitchen. Present my client with the binder and ask them to read the contract and sign it while I'm booting up and recording the exterior findings. When client has signed the agreement I start in the kitchen and alway work in a circle around the floor the Kitchen is on. then up stairs, the attic then down stairs and the furnace, electrical panel and basement.
By going around in one direction usually clock wise I do not miss anything or rooms.
Works for me.

[staylor5]

I usually start on the outside unless it is raining. Then I do the inside first so I don't track in mud.