Most findings are maintenance. These seven are the ones that deserve a second look — and usually a specialist quote.
A long report is not a bad house. Inspectors document everything from dripping faucets to aging shingles. But a few categories consistently turn into real money or real risk — treat these as prompts for further evaluation, not verdicts.
Stair-step cracks in masonry, doors that rack, floors that slope. One hairlineSettlement crack is common; active or differential movement is a structural-engineer conversation.
Stains on ceilings, efflorescence on foundation walls, soft subfloor around tubs and toilets. Water is patient — where it has been, it will return until the source is fixed.
Ungrounded or reverse-polarity outlets, missing GFCI protection near water, overcrowded panels, double-tapped breakers. Cheap to evaluate, dangerous to ignore. How inspectors write these up →
Curling, missing or patched shingles, soft decking, failing flashing. A roof replacement dwarfs most other line items — confirm age and budget accordingly.
A 20-year-old condenser can run fine today and fail next summer. Decode the serial for the manufacture date and compare against typical lifespans. How equipment age lookup works →
Active leaks under sinks, corroded supply lines, water heaters past life expectancy. Small drips rot big framing.
Soil sloping toward the foundation, missing extensions on downspouts, standing water. Most basement moisture starts outside the house, not inside it.
Found one or more of these? What to do after the inspection → covers repair requests, credits and re-inspections.
Inspectors: document it all with InspectDeck →
How to read your home inspection report →
Equipment age lookup →
After the inspection →
← All field notes
