Exterior condition reporting is a major part of NMFS inspections. Clients rely on you to identify issues with lawns, landscaping, debris, and overall exterior upkeep. This lesson explains how to properly evaluate, photograph, and describe exterior conditions without guessing or over-reporting.

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1. Grass Height Expectations

 

 

Grass height is one of the most commonly requested fields in inspections.

A. What You Should Report

Report:

• Approximate grass height

• Whether the lawn appears maintained

• Any hazards caused by tall grass

• If lawn obstructs address numbers, meters, or access

B. Do NOT Bring Tools to Measure Grass

Visual estimation only:

• Short (0–6 inches)

• Medium (6–12 inches)

• Tall (12–24 inches)

• Excessive (24+ inches)

Use clear photos to support your estimate.

C. Photos Required

• Wide shot of front yard

• Close-up of grass

• Any areas where grass height impacts visibility

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2. Yard Maintenance Indicators

 

These help support occupancy or vacancy status.

A. Indicators of Good Maintenance

• Recently cut grass

• Trimmed bushes

• Clean walkway

• Maintained landscaping

B. Indicators of Neglect

• Overgrown shrubs

• Tall weeds

• Piled trash or debris

• Tree limbs down

• Leaf buildup

• Evidence of long-term non-maintenance

Document any exterior issues with clear photos.

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3. Tree, Branch, and Debris Reporting

 

 

Debris and fallen limbs can be safety hazards.

A. If You See:

• Large limb down

• Tree across driveway

• Limbs resting on roof

• Debris blocking access

• Hazard-causing branches

You must:

• Take wide and close-up photos

• Note exact location and severity

B. Do NOT Move Debris

Never attempt to clear or remove items.

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4. Trash, Junk, and Exterior Debris

Report only items that meet client definitions of exterior debris.

A. Should Be Reported

• Bags of trash

• Discarded furniture

• Appliances outdoors

• Full trash cans repeatedly overflowing

• Hazard-causing junk (e.g., broken glass, sharp metal)

B. Should NOT Be Reported

• Kids’ toys

• Garden tools left out

• Minor household items

• Decorative items

Use judgment: report only true debris, not normal outdoor use.

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5. Yard Hazards

Yard hazards are conditions that pose risk.

Examples:

• Sinkholes

• Open pits

• Exposed wires

• Sharp or dangerous debris

• Collapsing fences

• Broken retaining walls

• Standing water near electrical areas

• Aggressive animals loose in yard

You must:

1. Keep a safe distance

2. Take photos

3. Describe hazard clearly

4. Document how it affects inspection

Safety always comes first.

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6. Structural Yard Elements

Some inspections require noting issues with:

• Retaining walls

• Fences

• Gates

• Sheds

• Detached garages

If visible from public vantage points, document:

• Damage

• Collapse

• Missing panels

• Rot

• Leaning structures

Do NOT enter gated or enclosed areas.

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7. Driveways, Walkways, and Parking Areas

Document:

• Major cracks

• Buckling concrete

• Large potholes

• Obstructions

• Items preventing access to front door

Do NOT report:

• Minor cosmetic cracks

• Normal aging of surfaces

Focus on conditions that matter to safety and property preservation.

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8. Hazardous Materials

If you observe:

• Chemical containers

• Fuel cans

• Abandoned propane tanks

• Possible biohazards

Do NOT approach.

Document from a distance and note:

“Potential hazardous materials observed. Photos taken from safe vantage point.”

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9. Vegetation Blocking Access or Visibility

If vegetation:

• Blocks address numbers

• Prevents clear exterior photos

• Obstructs access to meters

• Prevents viewing the front door

You must:

• Document the obstruction clearly

• Take supporting photos

• Explain in your notes

Example:

“Heavy vegetation blocking access to front steps. Unable to safely reach front door for contact attempt.”

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10. Seasonal Considerations

During fall/winter:

• Leaves may obscure lawn condition

• Snow may hide grass height

• Ice may hide yard hazards

In these cases:

• Document what is visible

• Note limitations (e.g., “Yard covered in snow—grass height not measurable.”)

Clients prefer honest limitations over false guesses.

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Summary

To report exterior conditions correctly:

1. Estimate grass height visually

2. Take clear wide and close-up photos

3. Document yard hazards and debris

4. Only report true exterior damage or debris

5. Stay safe—never move items or enter fenced areas

6. Explain any limitations caused by weather or vegetation

This ensures accuracy, safety, and consistent approval from NMFS clients.