Most Common Issues Found
During Home Inspections
A calm, practical handout for agents and buyers
What this guide is for
Most inspection reports include a mix of routine maintenance items, age-related wear, and a few repairs or upgrades. This handout explains common findings in plain language so buyers and agents can better understand what they mean.
A quick reminder before reading an inspection report
Even well-maintained homes usually have some findings. Many inspection findings are maintenance items, aging components, or common conditions seen in homes of a similar age and type. The purpose of an inspection is not to label every issue as serious, but to help buyers understand the home’s current condition, prioritize items sensibly, and plan for
maintenance over time.
Electrical
• Missing GFCI protection near water sources. Ground-fault protection is commonly recommended in places such as kitchens,
bathrooms, garages, laundry areas, and exterior locations. These outlets are designed to reduce the risk of electrical shock near
water.
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are missing, inoperative, or outdated. Safety devices should be present,
properly located, and functioning. In many homes, detectors may be older, missing, or need replacement to meet current safety
recommendations.
• Double-tapped breaker. This means two wires are connected to a breaker that may be designed for only one. It is a fairly common
condition and should be evaluated or corrected by a qualified electrician as needed.
• Oversized breakers. A breaker that is too large for the wire it protects may not trip when it should. This is a condition worth
correcting so the electrical system performs as intended.
• Ungrounded receptacles. Older homes sometimes have outlets without grounding. While common in older construction,
grounded outlets provide an added level of safety for modern appliances and electronics.
• Reverse polarity or open grounds at some receptacles. This is a common outlet wiring condition, especially in older homes, and
usually can be corrected by a qualified electrician.
• Missing cover plates or loose receptacles/switches. These are usually minor repair items but are commonly noted for safety
and completeness.
• Missing bonding at metal gas piping or water piping where applicable.
Plumbing
• Expansion tank missing or not independently supported at the water heater. An expansion tank helps manage pressure changes in the plumbing system. If it is missing where recommended, or not properly supported, correction may be advised.
• Backflow prevention device missing data tag. Backflow devices on potable water lines or fire sprinkler systems often require an
identification or certification tag. A missing tag may simply mean the device cannot be readily verified at the time of inspection.
• Corroded shut-off valves. Water shut-off valves can corrode over time and may become difficult to operate. This is a common
maintenance item and is worth addressing before a leak or plumbing repair is needed.
• Exterior hose bibs missing shut-off valves for winterization. In colder climates, shut-off valves for exterior faucets help reduce
the chance of frozen pipes. Their absence is a common improvement recommendation.
• Shower diverter does not operate properly. If water flows from both the shower head and tub faucet at the same time, the diverter may not be working as intended. This is usually a repair item rather than a major concern.
• Corrugated or accordion-style drain pipe under sinks. Flexible drain piping is often used as a quick fix, but it may not drain as
effectively and can be more prone to trapping debris. A smoother, more permanent drain configuration is generally preferred.
• Slow drains at sinks, tubs, or showers. This is a very common finding and is often related to buildup or a minor blockage.
• Minor leaks or signs of past leakage under sinks. These are often maintenance-type issues but are worth addressing before they become larger repairs.
• Loose or aging toilets or failed caulking at the toilet base. This is commonly noted and may indicate the need for securing, sealing, or further review.
• Older supply lines at sinks or toilets. Aging flexible supply lines are a common maintenance item and are often recommended for
replacement as a preventive upgrade.
Exterior
• Eroded grading near the structure. Soil should slope away from the home to help direct water away from the foundation. Minor
grading corrections are among the more common exterior maintenance recommendations.
• Gaps, small openings, or minor damage in siding. Small openings or damaged areas in siding can allow moisture or pests to
enter over time. These are often routine repair items.
• Cracks around windows caused by expansion and contraction of steel lintels. In many masonry homes, steel lintels above windows can expand and contract with temperature changes, which may lead to cracking. This is commonly seen and is often monitored and sealed as needed.
Interior
• Double-pane windows with failed seals or fogging. Foggy windows often indicate the seal between the glass panes has failed.
This usually affects visibility and energy efficiency more than immediate function.
• Doors that rub, stick, or do not latch properly. This is very common and may be related to normal settling, humidity, or minor
adjustment needs.
• Minor drywall cracks at corners, ceilings, or above doors/windows. These are frequently seen and often result from normal
settlement or seasonal movement.
• Damaged or missing caulking/grout at tubs, showers, and backsplashes. This is a common maintenance item that helps
protect against moisture intrusion.
• Loose handrails or missing safety railings where needed. This is often a practical safety recommendation rather than a major
defect.
• Downspouts missing extensions. Extensions help carry roof runoff farther away from the foundation. Missing extensions are very
common and are typically an easy improvement.
• Patios, walkways, or driveways not sloped away properly, with minor cracking. Hard surfaces should ideally direct water away
from the home. Minor cracking and slope concerns are common and are often maintenance or repair items.
• Debris in gutters. Gutters can collect leaves and debris over time. Cleaning them helps water flow properly and reduces the
chance of overflow near the home.
• Deteriorated or missing caulking around windows. Caulking helps seal gaps against air and water intrusion. Re-caulking is a routine maintenance item in many homes.
• Vegetation too close to the house. Bushes, mulch, or tree branches near the structure are common and may contribute to moisture retention or make maintenance more difficult.
• Minor wood rot or deterioration at trim, fascia, or door frames. This is a common exterior maintenance item, especially where paint or caulking has aged.
• Loose handrails or missing graspable handrails at steps. This is a common safety-related note and is usually a straightforward
repair.
• Minor settlement cracks in masonry or exterior surfaces. Small cracks are common and often monitored and sealed as needed
Appliances
• Anti-tip bracket missing at the range. Anti-tip brackets are safety devices that help keep a range from tipping forward. Their
absence is a common safety recommendation.
• Irregular flame or dirty burner. Burners may not operate evenly if they are dirty or partially clogged. Cleaning or servicing often
improves performance.
• Washer installed on a finished floor without a drain pan. A drain pan can help reduce the chance of damage if a leak develops. It
is a helpful preventive measure, especially on finished floors.
• Missing air gap or high loop at the dishwasher drain line. This is a common installation note related to helping prevent backflow.
• Dryer vent buildup or improper vent material. This is a very common maintenance and safety recommendation.
• Refrigerator water line material or condition concerns. Older or less durable lines are commonly noted as preventive
maintenance items.
Attic / Insulation
• Attic insulation is missing, compressed, or inadequate. Insulation levels often vary, especially in older homes. Improving attic
insulation can help with comfort and energy efficiency.
• Limited attic ventilation. Many attics have insulation but not ideal ventilation. This can affect moisture conditions and energy
performance over time.
• Bathroom exhaust fan discharging into the attic instead of the exterior. This is a common finding and is typically recommended
for correction to better manage moisture.
• Stored items limiting visibility in the attic. This helps buyers understand that some areas may not be fully visible during
inspection.
Structural
• Floors are not level or show some deflection, especially in older homes. Minor unevenness is common in older homes and
does not always indicate a major structural problem. It is usually considered in the context of the home’s age and overall
condition.
• Adjustable screw jack used as a permanent column. Adjustable jacks are often intended as temporary supports unless
specifically rated and installed for permanent use. Further evaluation or replacement may be recommended.
• Efflorescence in the basement or crawlspace. Efflorescence is a white, powdery residue left behind when moisture moves
through masonry surfaces. It is a sign that moisture has been present and is often addressed with drainage or moisture
management improvements.
• Hairline cracks in foundation walls. These are commonly observed and are often monitored, sealed, or evaluated in context
depending on size and movement.
• Minor moisture staining in the basement or crawlspace. This is common in many homes and often leads to recommendations
for improved drainage, humidity control, or monitoring.
• Insulation or vapor barrier issues in crawlspaces. These are common in homes with crawlspaces and are often tied to moisture
management rather than an immediate major problem.
HVAC
• Missing insulation on the condenser suction line. The larger refrigerant line at the outdoor unit is typically insulated to help the
system operate efficiently. Missing insulation is a common and usually straightforward repair item.
• Dirty or corroded furnace components. Furnaces should be maintained regularly. Dirt or corrosion can affect performance and
may indicate the need for routine servicing.
• Dirty air filter. A dirty filter is one of the most common HVAC findings. Replacing filters regularly helps airflow and system
efficiency.
• Dirty ductwork. Ductwork can collect dust and debris over time. Cleaning may be beneficial depending on the condition and the
occupants’ preferences.
• Rust or corrosion at furnace flue pipe or around HVAC components. This is often a maintenance note, though it may warrant
further service depending on extent.
• Missing service records or overdue maintenance. This is a very common note that helps buyers understand the importance of
routine servicing.
• Inoperable or missing condensate overflow protection where applicable. This is commonly noted near cooling equipment
installed above finished areas.
• Dirty evaporator/condenser components or general deferred maintenance. This is very common and often corrected through
servicing.
Final thought
Inspection findings are best viewed as useful information, not automatically as deal-breakers. Most homes have a mix of maintenance items, repairs, and updates. A thoughtful inspection helps buyers understand the property better, prioritize concerns, and move forward with confidence.