Repaired Curb and Sidewalk
Here's a classic example about some of the problems you will run
into when inspecting a house as I mentioned in my book. Look at the
damaged driveway. It's an asphalt driveway that looks like it's in
pretty bad shape. If we noticed the curb, gutter and sidewalk looks like
it's in excellent shape.
As a home inspector you're going to learn to tell the difference between
new and old concrete. I placed a black arrow on the old concrete and
hopefully you can see the difference between the old and the new. If you
notice the water meter right under the t and home inspectionhelp.com is
near the new concrete. Make a note that this could have been a water
meter problem also.
Lift up the concrete water meter lead and examine the water meter for
new parts or plumbing pipes. If you find new parts this will give you a
clue that the water meter was recently replaced and they don't replace
these water meters and less there is a problem.
Now this house obviously has some soil problems from the looks of the
driveway without taking into account the new curb and sidewalk. Once you
go into the home start looking for sloping floors, cracks in the
flooring, doors that won't shut or have large gaps.
If you are inspecting this home to live in, I strongly advise walking
around the neighborhood looking for clues and talking to some of the
neighborhood residents. If there are unhappy neighbors they are going to
share their misery with you.