When examining the exterior of a home, here are a few things to look at.

Chimney

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), you should ask your home inspector to check that there are no bricks missing from the chimney. If it's surrounded by another building material like wood or stucco, they should also check for any deterioration or damage, and ensure that the cap is in working order.

Roof

You'll want the inspector to take a close look at the roof, but while you're at the property, BobVila.com recommends examining the roof from a distance to see if the roofline is straight or if it dips in the middle. If it's wavy, it could be old or have issues. It's also recommended that the inspector check for missing shingles or curled edges.

Gutters And downspouts

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), gutters should be clean and free of rust, cracks and holes. They should also be large enough to handle any runoff from the roof and should empty water between four and six feet away from the foundation.

House surfaces

According to Zillow, your inspector should note if the exterior of the home, including siding and paint, is in good shape or may require repairs soon. Zillow also recommends checking for any loose boards or exposed wiring.

Ask about any lead paint issues, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says can be harmful to your family. If a home was built before 1978, it's more likely to have used lead-based paint.

Windows and doors

Your inspector should open and close all doors — are they stuck or jammed? If so, BobVila.com says the house may be shifting. Check the windows. Are they crooked? Are there spaces, cracks or separation between the window and caulking? All could indicate foundation settlement. and caulking? All could indicate foundation settlement.

Look for decay or rot around the frames, advises BobVila.com. According to the U.S Department of Energy, you should also be sure that windows and doors are properly caulked or weather-stripped to seal air leaks.

Foundation

Inspect inside and outside all the way around the house. Zillow recommends ensuring there are no trees or roots near the foundation, as they could cause future issues. Make sure the home looks square from all sides with no leaning or sagging.

Air conditioning unit

Consumer Reports suggests that plants be kept two to three feet away from the air conditioning unit. If you or your inspector notice uneven cooling or poor air quality in rooms, it may be a sign of an aging air conditioner, says BobVila.com.

Property/Grounds

Ask your inspector to look for any standing water, as this can be a common red flag for drainage issues, according to the U.S. General Services Administration (USGSA). Look for tree branches that touch the house or loom above the roof.