Essential Annual Home Exterior Inspection Checklist

Homeowners should annually inspect their roof, gutters, siding, windows, doors, foundation, driveway, and landscaping. This systematic inspection helps identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and protecting your home's value and structural integrity.

Why Annual Exterior Inspections Matter More Than You Think

Your home's exterior serves as the first line of defense against weather, pests, and time itself. While it's easy to focus on interior maintenance, neglecting annual exterior inspections can lead to thousands of dollars in preventable damage. Small issues like loose shingles or minor foundation cracks can quickly escalate into major structural problems when left unchecked. Annual inspections allow you to catch problems while they're still manageable and budget-friendly to fix. Think of it as preventive medicine for your home—a small investment of time that can save you from costly emergency repairs down the road.

What to Inspect on Your Roof and Gutters

Start your inspection from the top down. Your roof and gutter system are your home's primary protection against water damage:

1. Check for missing, loose, or damaged shingles, especially after severe weather events
2. Look for signs of granule loss on asphalt shingles, which indicates aging
3. Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for cracks or separation
4. Examine gutters for proper attachment, sagging, or damage from ice or debris
5. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation
6. Clear all debris from gutters and check for proper drainage flow

How to Assess Your Home's Siding and Exterior Walls

Your home's siding does more than provide curb appeal—it protects the structural elements beneath. Walk around your entire home, examining the siding material whether it's vinyl, wood, brick, or stucco. Look for cracks, holes, or loose sections that could allow moisture infiltration. Pay special attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where siding connects to foundation or trim. Check caulking around these joints and replace any that appears cracked or missing. For wood siding, look for signs of rot, insect damage, or paint failure. Brick and stone should be checked for loose mortar or efflorescence (white chalky deposits) which indicates moisture issues.

Window and Door Inspection Checklist

Windows and doors are common entry points for air and water infiltration. Use this checklist for each exterior opening:

• Test window and door operation—they should open and close smoothly
• Check weatherstripping for gaps, cracks, or deterioration
• Inspect caulking around frames and replace if cracked or missing
• Look for condensation between double-pane glass (indicates seal failure)
• Examine screens for holes or damage that could allow pests inside
• Check door thresholds and window sills for water damage or rot
• Ensure storm doors and windows are properly maintained and functional

What to Look for During Foundation and Drainage Inspection

Your foundation supports everything above it, making annual inspection crucial for long-term home stability. Walk around your home's perimeter, looking for new cracks in concrete or masonry. While hairline cracks are often normal settling, larger cracks or those showing signs of recent movement warrant professional evaluation. Check that soil grades away from your foundation to direct water away from the house. Look for signs of water pooling near the foundation or basement windows. Inspect basement window wells for proper drainage and clear any debris. Foundation vents should be clear of obstructions and functioning properly to prevent moisture buildup in crawl spaces.

Driveway, Walkways, and Outdoor Structure Assessment

Don't overlook these exterior elements that affect both safety and property value:

• Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks, settling, or trip hazards
• Check deck railings, stairs, and support posts for stability and rot
• Examine fence posts and panels for damage, leaning, or loose hardware
• Assess patio surfaces for cracking, settling, or drainage issues
• Review outdoor lighting fixtures for damage and ensure all bulbs work
• Check mailbox posts and outdoor structures for stability and weather damage

Landscaping Elements That Affect Your Home's Structure

Your landscaping choices directly impact your home's exterior condition and should be part of your annual inspection routine. Trees and large shrubs planted too close to your home can cause foundation damage, roof damage from falling branches, or create moisture problems from poor air circulation. Check that tree branches are trimmed back at least 6 feet from your roof to prevent damage and discourage pest access. Examine the areas where plants meet your home's exterior—overgrown vegetation can trap moisture against siding and create pest highways. Ensure mulch and soil levels don't exceed your siding or create conditions for moisture and insect problems. Review irrigation systems to confirm they're not directing water toward your foundation.

When to Call Professionals vs. Handle Issues Yourself

While annual inspections help you identify problems early, knowing when to DIY versus when to call professionals is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Simple maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, replacing caulk, or touching up paint can typically be handled by most homeowners with basic tools and skills. However, roof repairs, foundation issues, electrical problems, or structural concerns require professional expertise. When in doubt, err on the side of caution—the cost of a professional assessment is minimal compared to the potential cost of improper repairs or safety accidents. Keep detailed records of your annual inspections, including photos of any issues you discover, to track changes over time and provide valuable information to professionals when needed.

Creating Your Personal Annual Inspection Schedule

Consistency is key to effective home maintenance, so establish a regular schedule that works for your climate and lifestyle. Many homeowners find success conducting their comprehensive exterior inspection twice yearly—once in spring to assess winter damage and once in fall to prepare for harsh weather. Break your inspection into manageable sections if needed, tackling different areas over several weekends rather than trying to complete everything in one day. Create a simple checklist or use a home maintenance app to track completed items and schedule follow-up actions. Document your findings with photos and notes, creating a valuable maintenance history that can help identify recurring problems and demonstrate care to future buyers or insurance companies.