An exterior walk can reveal changes worth reporting: a slipped tile, overflowing gutter, new stain or damaged joint. It cannot certify a building or reliably exclude hidden defects. There is no fixed ten-minute inspection that catches a stated percentage of damp problems.

Choose firm, safely accessible ground in suitable weather and keep clear of traffic, electrical hazards and anything that could fall. Use binoculars from a safe position for high areas. Mark an unseen area “not inspected”; do not climb, lean from a window or enter a roof space to complete this exercise.

Record the date, weather, location, observation and any limits. Owners can use it to request suitable maintenance; renters can send it through their repair-reporting route without having to prove the cause.