Decks, Porches, Patios, Walkways

Checkpoint summary

Sidewalks, paths

• Inspect for cracked, missing, eroding, and uneven sections.
• Check for areas that might present a tripping hazard.
• Check slope of all paved paths adjacent to the house for improperly pitched sections.

Street-level/driveway-level steps

❍ Inspect for cracked, chipped, broken, or uneven sections.

❍ Check for missing handrails or railings.

Entry steps (masonry, wood)

• Inspect for cracked, broken, loose, or deteriorating sections.
• Note potential tripping hazards such as variations in riser heights and narrow treads.
• Check (probe) for rot in wood stringers, step treads, and handrails.
• Are wood stringers supported on concrete pads, or are they resting on the earth?
• Check for handrails.
• Inspect metal handrails for rusting, loose, and broken sections.
• Inspect wooden handrails for cracked, broken, loose, and rotting sections.
• Does entry door open onto a step or landing?

Patio

• Check for cracked, broken, eroding, and uneven areas.
• Inspect for uneven and settled sections adjacent to the house that can allow water to accumulate around the house foundation.
• Check for rot and insect damage to embedded wood sections.

Driveway

• Inspect for cracked, broken, eroding, or settled areas. Note extensively cracked and deteriorated areas for future rehabilitation.
• Check slope of driveway: level, raised, or inclined?
• For an inclined driveway, is there an adequate drain at the base?
• Does drain discharge to a drywall or to a free-flowing outlet?
• Is driveway width adequate (8 feet minimum, 9 feet preferred)?

• < Prev
• Next >