The 25 Most Common Home Inspection Findings

Asphalt shingles last 20 to 25 years. An inspector noting significant wear, granule loss, or curling shingles means replacement is coming. Get a roofer's opinion on remaining life.

Flashing seals roof-to-wall and roof-to-chimney transitions. Missing or improperly installed flashing is a primary source of leaks. Often visible but easily overlooked by untrained eyes.

Gutters direct water away from the foundation. Missing sections or gutters pulling away from the fascia need repair before they contribute to drainage problems.

GFCI protection prevents electrocution near sinks, tubs, and exterior locations. Required by code since the 1970s (gradually phased in). Missing GFCI protection is the single most common inspection finding nationwide.

Two wires connected to a single breaker that is only rated for one. Creates overheating risk. Common in panels that have been expanded over the years without proper capacity upgrades.

Panels from certain manufacturers — Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Pushmatic — have documented safety issues. Even if currently functioning, many insurers refuse to write policies on homes with these panels.

Ungrounded two-prong outlets in a home where three-prong are expected. Protects against shock. Common in homes built before the 1960s.

Standard tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. An inspector will note the age from the serial number. A unit over 10 years old may need replacement soon even if currently working.

Slow drains indicate partial blockage or improper slope. Usually a minor fix, but can signal deeper issues in the main sewer line, which warrants a separate sewer scope inspection.

Gray plastic pipes installed from the 1970s through mid-1990s. Known to fail without warning. If found throughout the house, full repipe is typically recommended.

Healthy water pressure falls between 40 and 80 psi. High pressure stresses fixtures and supply lines. Low pressure signals supply or pressure regulator issues. Both are correctable.

Central HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years. Inspectors document age and condition. A system past 15 years that shows signs of wear is a financial risk that should be factored into your offer.

A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to enter living spaces. This is a serious finding that requires immediate evaluation by an HVAC technician. Do not dismiss it.

Disconnected, poorly sealed, or uninsulated ducts in unconditioned spaces waste energy and reduce system efficiency. Common in older homes where ductwork has been modified over decades.

Soil that slopes toward the foundation directs rainwater to the base of the house. One of the most common findings and one of the most impactful if left unaddressed. Re-grading is relatively inexpensive.

Hairline vertical cracks are typically normal settling. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in brick, or cracks wider than 1/4 inch warrant evaluation by a structural engineer before purchase.

Rotted wood at the base of siding, window trim, or fascia boards. Often cosmetically painted over. Inspectors probe with a screwdriver. Left unaddressed, rot spreads to structural framing.

Missing ledger bolts, rotted decking, improper railing height or spacing, and deteriorated structural posts are all common deck findings. Structural deck failures cause serious injuries.

Most attics need R-38 to R-60 of insulation depending on climate zone. Under-insulated attics drive up heating and cooling costs significantly. Adding insulation has a clear ROI.

Poor attic ventilation leads to moisture buildup in winter and excessive heat in summer. Can cause premature roof deck deterioration and mold growth. Often remedied by adding ridge or soffit vents.

Water stains on ceilings, subfloor damage, or moisture readings in walls. The inspector will note whether it appears active or historical. Either warrants investigation of the source before closing.

Fogging or condensation between double-pane glass indicates a failed seal. The window still functions but loses its insulating value. Replacement can be done over time.

Bathroom fans venting into the attic (instead of to the exterior) deposit moisture where it can cause mold and rot the roof deck. Common in homes where fans were added without proper ducting.

Missing detectors, detectors in wrong locations, or detectors that are past their 10-year replacement date. The least expensive safety finding on any inspection report.

Missing handrails, improper stair riser height, uneven walkways. Simple to correct but frequently flagged because they represent immediate injury risk.

Improper grading and drainage is among the most frequently cited findings in home inspections. When soil slopes toward the foundation, water accumulates against the foundation wall, causing moisture intrusion over time. It is inexpensive to correct but commonly overlooked by homeowners.

No. Most findings fall into the cosmetic or maintenance category and are expected on any lived-in home. Serious findings involve safety hazards or major system failures. Inspectors are required to document everything, which is why reports often look alarming even on solid homes.

Missing or non-functional GFCI outlets are the most common electrical finding. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection is required by modern code near water sources: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior outlets. In homes built before the mid-1990s, this protection is frequently absent.

Horizontal foundation cracks are the most serious structural finding. Unlike vertical hairline cracks (which are common settling), horizontal cracks indicate lateral soil pressure and potential foundation failure. This warrants evaluation by a structural engineer before proceeding with the purchase.

Yes. Almost every house has inspection findings. The vast majority of home purchases proceed even after a long inspection report. The findings inform your negotiation — repairs, price reductions, or credits — rather than automatically ending the deal.