DVD - Exterior Home Inspection from A to Z

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Walks

Check all walks for any tripping hazards. There shouldn't be any weeds growing between the walkway sections. If there are any uneven sections, recommend that they be repaired. Sometimes the sidewalk at the street will be uneven due to tree roots. Tell the client to check with the local building department to find out whose responsibility it is to repair the sidewalk. In most areas, the homeowner is responsible for repairing and shoveling the sidewalk in front of their house.

My brother and I received a building violation once for a sidewalk that was a tripping hazard. The sidewalk in front of one of our rental properties had some cracks due to the growth of roots from a large tree planted there. We had the sidewalk repaired by a contractor and then the violation was removed. Also, we received a summons for not shoveling the snow immediately after a snowfall in front of one of our rental properties. We paid someone to shovel the snow whenever it was necessary in front of the building. However, one time he didn't do it fast enough after the snowfall stopped. As a result, we were given a ticket.

Sometimes you'll inspect a house that's located on a private street. In this situation, tell the client to determine what rights and responsibilities they have as a homeowner on that road. Often homeowners who live on private streets have to pay for the repaving and maintenance of the street.

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