What Home Inspectors Check Outside the House | Branson MO
Don’t Let Hidden Exterior Issues Wreck Your Castle
Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, a professional exterior inspection is your first line of defense against costly surprises. At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we treat every home like a fortress—and we inspect its outer defenses with the vigilance of a royal guard. In this guide, we break down exactly what a home inspector checks during an exterior inspection, why it matters, and how it protects your investment.
We serve homeowners across Branson, Hollister, Forsyth, Rockaway Beach, and everywhere within a 40-mile radius—including subdivisions like Branson North (65616), Emerald Point, and Country Farm Estates in Hollister (65672).
🏰 What Is an Exterior Home Inspection?
An exterior home inspection is a thorough evaluation of everything outside the structure. While most homeowners focus on the interior, many of the most expensive problems begin outside—on the roof, in the siding, or beneath the soil.
A certified inspector examines every visible part of the exterior, looking for signs of damage, aging, water intrusion, or structural risk. At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we follow the highest standards from InterNACHI® and bring advanced knowledge from our home construction and maintenance background.
🔍 What Does the Inspector Look For?
Let’s break it down, piece by piece. Here’s what we inspect—and why it matters:
🏠 1. Roof Condition
Your roof is your home’s shield against the elements.
Missing or damaged shingles – Water damage and leaks often begin here.
Sagging or uneven areas – May indicate rot or framing problems.
Flashing issues – Poorly sealed edges around chimneys and vents lead to moisture intrusion.
Gutters and downspouts – Clogs and poor drainage cause wood rot and foundation issues.
We’ve seen everything from improperly installed roof vents in Pointe Royale to gutter damage in Mill Creek—and it all adds up to major problems if ignored.
🧱 2. Foundation and Structural Integrity
The foundation is the bedrock of your home. If it shifts, cracks, or settles, the entire house is at risk.
Vertical and stair-step cracks – Can signal settling or structural stress.
Moisture pooling around the base – Often a sign of improper grading or failed drainage.
Efflorescence or mold – Indicates chronic water intrusion.
We routinely find hidden foundation issues during our inspections in neighborhoods like Sunset Cove and The Highlands. Fixing them early can save tens of thousands of dollars.
🧰 3. Siding and Exterior Walls
These layers protect your home from wind, rain, insects, and extreme temps.
Cracks, holes, or gaps – Entry points for pests and moisture.
Warped or rotting boards – Signal water damage and compromised insulation.
Peeling paint or mold – Often reveal leaks beneath the surface.
We check all siding types—vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and stucco. Even well-maintained homes in subdivisions like Hummingbird Hills often hide damage in out-of-sight areas.
🪟 4. Windows and Doors
Windows and doors do more than provide access—they impact energy bills and home security.
Drafts or loose frames – Cause heat loss and higher HVAC costs.
Failed seals in double-pane glass – Leads to fogging and reduced efficiency.
Locks and latches – Essential for safety and insurance compliance.
We test every accessible window and door to make sure they open, close, and secure properly. In Branson homes near Lake Taneycomo, moisture problems often show up first around window sills.
🌳 5. Landscaping and Drainage
A beautiful yard should work with your house—not against it.
Improper grading – Causes water to flow toward the house.
Overgrown trees or roots – Can lift foundations or damage siding and roofing.
Downspout placement – Should extend at least 6 feet away from the home.
We see a lot of damage from poor landscaping near riverside homes in Hollister. Even a few inches of soil shift can compromise your foundation or hardscaping.
🛣️ 6. Driveways and Walkways
These often-overlooked areas can point to deeper problems beneath the surface.
Cracks or settling – Could be signs of soil movement or drainage issues.
Standing water – Indicates poor slope or clogged drainage.
Trip hazards – Become a legal liability and safety concern.
In areas like Siesta Cove, freeze-thaw cycles and tree root expansion can wreak havoc on concrete. We inspect all pathways around the home, including patios and porches.
✅ Exterior Inspection Checklist (For Homeowners)
Before the inspector arrives, here’s what you can look for:
Check the roof for missing shingles and signs of sagging
Inspect the siding for cracks, warping, or visible rot
Look for water pooling near the foundation or under gutters
Test windows and doors for drafts and proper locking
Observe tree roots and slope of the yard
Walk the driveway and look for dips, cracks, or standing water
These are exactly the areas we prioritize in our professional inspections.
⚠️ Why Exterior Inspections Are So Important
A weak exterior leads to interior problems. That’s why we treat the outside of your home as your first layer of defense—and the first place we inspect.
Catch issues early – Like roof leaks, water intrusion, pest entry points
Prevent costly repairs – Foundation repairs can cost $10,000+, while drainage fixes might be $500 if caught early
Boost curb appeal – Crucial if you’re selling your home
Ensure safety – Especially in high-storm areas like Branson and the Table Rock Lake region
🛡️ Dragonstone’s Promise: We Inspect What Others Miss
At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we bring more than just inspection experience—we bring the eye of a builder and the knowledge of a craftsman. We don’t just follow a checklist. We understand how homes work.
As InterNACHI-certified inspectors and local property experts, we’ve helped buyers, sellers, and landlords across Branson, Hollister, Rockaway Beach, Reeds Spring, and beyond feel confident in their investments.
Fortify Your Home Now
If you're buying, selling, or just want peace of mind, schedule a home inspection with Dragonstone Construction LLC today. We serve all of Taney County and the surrounding Ozarks region.
📍 Branson, MO | Hollister | Forsyth | Kimberling City | 40-mile radius
📞 Call: 417-413-9868
Final Fix: A Dragonstone Construction LLC Battle Report
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense—and the first thing we inspect. Don’t wait for water damage, foundation cracks, or warped siding to tell you something’s wrong. Schedule an inspection and let us uncover the truth before it becomes a tragedy.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for general informational purposes only. All properties are different, and this article should not be taken as a substitute for a professional home inspection. Contact Dragonstone Construction LLC for a detailed, accurate assessment of your specific property. We serve Branson, MO and all surrounding areas.