Buying a home is an exciting adventure, but it often comes as a surprise during real estate inspections. From sleazy leaks to electrical habits, the most common home inspections include structural damage, roof and plumbing issues, outdated electrical panels, HVAC concerns, floods, termites, safety hazards, and drainage issues.
Whether you’re hunting in Beaverton or Moonachee, PA or Scranton, PA, this Red Fin Guide is here to help you find these red flags early and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Red flag caught during an examination at home
A home inspection is a detailed review of the condition of a home, usually done during the buying and selling process. . While normal wear and tears are expected, the main issues can have a major impact on negotiations, closing timelines, and even the decision to proceed with the purchase. There are general red flags and what to do about them.
>>Read: Home inspection resources for home buyers and sellers
1. Structural issues
Structural issues can be expensive to fix and can point to serious underlying issues. They can affect the stability, safety and resale value of your home. Common causes include foundation cracks, soil migration or precipitation, and improper removal or alteration of loading walls. If not addressed, structural damage can worsen over time, posing even higher repair costs or safety risks.
What you are looking for: large cracks in the walls and ceiling, sloping or uneven floors, adhesion of doors and windows, bowing or bulging foundation walls, gaps between the floor and the baseboard.
What to do:
Renegotiate the purchase price using the report using repair costs to get estimates from contractors who hire licensed structural engineers for a comprehensive assessment
Estimated Cost: Typical ranges for structural repairs are $2,200-$8,100, but costs vary widely depending on the extent of the underlying damage and the local labor rate.
2. Roof problems
Damaged or aged roof can cause leaks, mold growth, and high energy bills. In many cases, roof replacements are expensive and even new roofs can cause problems due to inadequate installation or storm damage. Inspectors generally flag missing or broken shingles, sagging areas, and inappropriate flashing. All of this can cause water to enter the home and cause further damage.
What to look for: Missing shingles, curls, or cracks. Visible sagging; signs of water invasion in the attic. Excessive granule loss in the groove. Dyed ceiling.
What to do:
Seek documentation on roof age and past repairs hire a roofing contractor to assess damage.
Estimated Cost: Typical range for replacing a roof is between $5,868 and $13,216, based on the size, pitch and materials needed to repair the roof.
>>Read: Should I get a roof inspection before I buy a house?
3. Piping problems
Piping issues can lead to costly issues like leaks, floods, mold and more. Older homes often have outdated pipes such as galvanized steel or polybutylene, which are more likely to break down. During inspection, plumbers can test water pressure, check slow drains and look for corrosion, leaks or signs of past flood damage.
What to look for: corrosion or discoloration around joints, low water pressure, unusual sounds from ceilings and cabinets, drains and pipes.
What to do:
Have a licensed plumber perform and if a red flag is found, look for signs of outdated materials, ask about past leaks, make sure your water heater, sump pump, waste is working, and use the test results to request a replacement or credit upon closing
Estimated Cost: The typical range for plumbing repairs is between $180 and $600, but the cost can be increased by up to $4,000 for major repairs.
4. Aluminum wiring
Aluminum wiring can be found in older homes in the 1960s and 70s, but since then it has been known to pose a fire risk, especially if it is not maintained properly. It can expand and shrink more than copper, leading to loose connections and overheating. Some insurance companies may not be able to cover your home with aluminum wiring without repair.
What to look for: wires labeled “AL” or “alum”, warm to touch, flickering lights, burnt or discolored cover plates.
What to do:
Get an electrician to check the presence and range of aluminum wiring and ask if the previous owner has installed copper pigtails or if they use special connectors.
Estimated Cost: The typical cost of rewiring a home from aluminum to copper ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 with an average of $6,000.
5. Date Electric Panel
Obsolete or overloaded electrical panels can be dangerous and may not meet modern electricity needs. Older panels may not support new appliances or electronics, and some brands are known to be fire hazards. The inspector checks whether the ampere, condition, and panel belongs to the code.
What to look for: panels from brands such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco, visible rust or burnt, use of fuses instead of breakers, inadequate amps (less than 100 amps in most modern homes).
What to do:
Have an electrician inspect the panel and replace the circuit load with the latest panel. Make sure your system includes proper grounding and GFCI protection.
Estimated Cost: The typical range for upgrading or replacing electrical panels is between $800 and $4,000, but costs can increase if massive rewiring or cord updates are required.
6. HVAC System
Heating and cooling systems directly affect comfort, air quality and energy bills. HVAC systems near the end of their life expectancy may require immediate replacement, and if they are under-maintained, they can lead to mold and dust buildup in the duct. The Property Inspector often checks that the system is working, but full tweaks or service reports are even better.
What to look for: weak airflow, inconsistent temperatures between rooms, visible rust and moisture around the unit, excessive dust in the vents, and abnormal noise during operation.
What to do:
In search of HVAC service records, filter replacement frequency, and system age employment, we hire an HVAC technician and request duct cleaning if the air quality is deemed to be inadequate, if the system is broken or the air quality is inadequate.
Estimated Cost: The typical range for replacing an HVAC system is $5,000-$11,000, but with installing a new HVAC system with ductwork it ranges from $7,000-$16,000. Costs vary depending on the size of the system, duct needs, and home layout.
7. Flood damage
Among the most common household inspection issues, water damage often refers to leaks, poor drainage, or piping failure, leading to mold and rot of wood. Stains on walls and ceilings may indicate past issues that have not been properly repaired or have continued issues that need immediate attention.
What you are looking for: walls and ceiling stains and discoloration, distorted floors, musty smells, mold and mold spots, whipping and skin paint.
What to do:
Use a moisture meter to check suspicious areas and hire a specialist to test mold if necessary to show the seller proof of past repairs, or negotiate price adjustments for potential molds or rot.
Estimated Cost: Typical range for mold repair or water damage cleaning is between $1,500 and $9,000, but larger or more severe cases can exceed that.
8. Termite
Termites can weaken the structure of the home by gently damaging and damaging wood framing, flooring and trim. They are invisible, so intrusions are often not found until serious damage occurs. Termites testing is especially important in areas with warm climates or humid conditions.
What you’re looking for: discarded wings, pencil-sized mud pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces, hanging wood, hollow echoing beams, small holes in drywall or baseboards.
What to do:
Get certified termite tests (often included in pest reports). If termite bonds or guarantees are required, the seller will need treatment if life invasion has been confirmed.
Estimated Cost: The typical range for termite treatment is between $200 and $900, but termite damage repairs vary widely based on the amount of wood framing that is affected.
9. Safety issues
Safety concerns include missing or non-earning smoke detectors, stair railing failures, inappropriate appliances and electrical hazards. These issues may be expensive to fix, but they are essential for preparing and raising your home move-in to the code.
What you are looking for: loose or missing handrails, open electric boxes, improperly installed outlets or lighting fixtures, broken locks, missing GFCI outlets near water sources, and missing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
What to do:
A complete list of safety concerns noted by inspectors will be compiled to prioritize correcting anything related to fire, electricity or travel hazards.
Estimated Cost: The typical range for addressing common safety concerns is between $100 and $500, while complex electrical or structural hazards cost up to $60,000.
10. Drainage spot
While poor drainage is often overlooked, it can lead to major headaches such as basement flooding, foundation cracks, and flooded landscaping. Water should always be away from home, and even small signs of inappropriate grading can escalate into costly repairs.
What to look for: pooling water near the foundation, erosion or bare soil under the dive trench, mold in the basement, flooding, or rust on the bottom of the siding.
What to do:
Improve your garden grading to enlarge the water to flow from the foundation, ensure that the grooves are clear and French drains or sump pumps are installed if necessary.
Estimated Cost: Typical national range for improved drainage is between $300 and $9,500, while large projects like a complete foundation drainage system cost up to $15,000.
>>Read: Home inspection resources for home buyers and sellers
After testing at home, move smartly
Knowing the most common home inspection issues will give you control when buying a home. It helps you discover problems early. It helps to avoid surprises and expensive repairs. Take your time reviewing your reports, lean on the experts when necessary, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or leave even if something feels right. A smart test is your best friend to protect your future home.
FAQ for the most common home inspection questions
1. What should I do if my home inspection reveals a major issue?
Start by reviewing a complete inspection report with your real estate agent. From there you can negotiate repairs, ask for credit when closing, or leave if the issue is too serious and the seller is not upset.
>> Read: Required corrections after home inspection
2. Can I still buy a house that has problems during the inspection?
Yes, many buyers will move forward after revealing the issue, as long as they are aware of the risks and costs. Some issues can be fixed or negotiated. Make sure you are satisfied with the condition of your home before committing.
3.Who will pay for repairs after inspection?
It depends on inspection negotiations. In some cases, the seller agrees to provide repairs or credits. In a competitive market, buyers can choose to take it home as is and handle repairs later.
>>Read: Who pays for a house inspection: Buyer or Seller?
4. Should I get a professional examination beyond a typical home inspection?
If an inspector is flagging problems such as foundation damage, mold, pests, etc., it is wise to bring in an expert. This allows you to provide a clearer picture of the scope and cost of repairs.
5. Can I return from purchase after the inspection?
Yes if the contract includes inspection contingencies. This gives you the option to leave or renegotiate based on your findings, without losing your deposit.
