Real Estate Rookie 10+ Things to Inspect Before You Buy a Rental Property (Foundation to Roof)
Mar 25, 2026
Ellie Ridge, a Bay Area agent and home-inspection pro raised around construction, teaches buyers what to inspect. She covers foundations and crawlspaces, electrical panel hazards, roof condition signs, plumbing materials, drainage, and smart due diligence tactics. Short, practical walk-throughs help listeners know what to look for before buying.
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Childhood On Job Sites Built Inspection Instincts
- Ellie grew up with a contractor father and learned to read a house's bones by visiting job sites and rooftops.
- That background makes her comfortable inspecting framing, roofs, and crawl spaces for hidden costs.
Perimeter Walk Reveals Hidden Foundation Risk
- Walk the perimeter first to evaluate roofline, gutters, and foundation risk before entering the house.
- Ellie uses the crawl-space hatch to inspect soil, cripple walls, and foundation condition because these hidden elements drive the biggest repair costs.
Check Panels For Rust Capacity And Dangerous Brands
- Inspect the electrical panel for rust, capacity (100/125/200 amps), and problematic brands that require immediate replacement.
- Replace known-danger panels like Federal Pacific or Zinsco right away because insurers and safety concerns may force it.