Thoroughly Inspect Exterior for Gaps and Imperfections

What happens here

Walk around the entire perimeter of the house, paying close attention to all joints, seams, and architectural features. Inspect vertical and horizontal connections in the siding, especially where siding panels meet corner boards or trim. Examine around all windows and door frames, utility penetrations (e.g., electrical conduits, meter boxes, downspouts, hose bibs, and vents), and any areas where different materials abut. Look for visible gaps, cracks, or old caulk that appears to be dried out, peeling, or pulling away from the substrate. In this specific new construction, the siding utilized hidden nails, meaning there's no need to caulk individual nail heads, but this is a detail to verify for your own project. Identify any areas, such as metal vents under eaves, that are often overlooked by initial installers.

Goal: Conduct a systematic and detailed visual inspection of the entire exterior to identify all areas where caulk is missing, poorly applied, or has failed, and note areas with hidden fasteners.