Top Home Inspection Issues

1. Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are very common, yet they are one of the most important things to check because they basically provide you with the most important resource, which is water. Failure to uphold a standard to this means you deprive yourself good and clean water.

Common plumbing issues include:

• Leaks around pipes – These are often found near washing machines, sinks, or toilets. Leaks can lead to mold or wood rot.
   
• Old pipes – Some homes still have polybutylene pipes. These pipes were used a long time ago and can break easily. They should be replaced.
   

Tip: Look under sinks or near water heaters for drips or puddles. A small leak can turn into a big repair later.

2. Electrical Issues

Your home’s electrical system powers everything. But when it’s not working right, it can be dangerous.

What to look for:

• Ungrounded outlets – These have only two holes instead of three. They can cause shocks or damage your electronics.
   
• Unsafe breaker boxes – This includes:
   
  • Two wires on one breaker (called double-tapping)
     
  • Breakers that are too big
     
  • Wires going the wrong way
     
  • Mix-ups with breakers or wires
     

Reminder: Just because the lights work doesn’t mean it’s safe. Only an inspection can show hidden electrical dangers.

3. Heating and Insulation Issues

Your heater and insulation help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. If they don’t work well, your energy bills can go up.

Heating problems include:

• Leaky heating pipes or units – These make the system work harder and break down faster.
   
• Dirty air ducts – These can make allergies worse and spread dust.
   
• Not enough insulation – If your attic or walls aren’t insulated, heat escapes. This makes your heater work harder.
   

Tip: Ask your inspector if there’s enough insulation. They can show where air might be leaking.

4. Drainage Problems

Water should flow away from your house—not toward it. If it doesn’t, your home could have serious damage.

Signs of bad drainage:

• Wet basement – Water may pool near the house and leak into the basement. This can lead to cracks, mold, or rot.
   
• Moldy air or musty smell – Mold grows where it's damp. It can make you sick, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
   
• Dry rot – This happens when wet wood stays damp too long. Fungus can grow and make the wood soft and weak.
   

Tip: After it rains, walk around your house. If you see puddles near the walls, your yard may need better drainage.

5. Roof Issues

Your roof protects your home from the weather. If it’s in bad shape, you could get leaks and water damage.

Common roof problems include:

• Cracked or missing shingles – These let water get inside.
   
• Missing flashing – Flashing helps seal around vents and chimneys. If it’s loose or gone, leaks can start.
   
• Old roof – Roofs usually last 20 to 30 years. If your roof is old, you may need to replace it soon.
   

Reminder: A roof that doesn’t leak now could leak later. Ask how old the roof is and what shape it’s in.

6. Wall Problems

Walls do more than separate rooms. They also help hold up your house. That’s why damage to walls is a big deal.

What inspectors check for:

• Bowed walls – These are walls that bend inward or outward. This may mean there’s a foundation problem.
   
• Water stains – These could come from leaks in the roof or plumbing.
   
• Mold – Mold sometimes hides behind walls. It can make people sick and may need special cleaning.
   

Tip: Look for peeling paint or soft spots. These can mean water is getting inside the wall.

7. Dry Rot and Fungus

Dry rot sounds like it’s not a big deal—but it is. It happens when wood stays damp and fungus grows in it. The wood becomes weak and crumbly.

Why it matters:

• The wood must be replaced – You can’t fix dry rot. You have to take out the bad wood.
   
• You must fix the cause – Dry rot means something is too wet. This could be from leaky pipes, bad airflow, or poor drainage.
   

Tip: Make sure kitchens, bathrooms, and attics have good airflow. Fans and vents help keep moisture away.

Two Myths About Home Inspections

Myth 1: You don’t need a home inspection for a new home.
Truth: Even new homes can have problems. Builders sometimes make mistakes or leave things out. A home inspection can find these before you move in.

Myth 2: You don’t need a home inspection if you have a home warranty.
Truth: Home warranties don’t cover everything. They also don’t cover problems that already exist. A home inspection helps find issues early so the seller can fix them or lower the price.

Be Ready, Not Surprised

Almost every home inspection finds some problems. That’s normal. The point isn’t to find a perfect home. It’s to know what you’re buying or selling so there are no surprises later.

What to do:

• Buyers: Use the inspection to ask for repairs or plan future fixes.
   
• Sellers: Think about getting your own inspection before you list the home. This can help you make repairs early.
   
• Everyone: Always hire a licensed home inspector and try to be there during the inspection. You’ll learn a lot.