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First-time homebuyer: What are the biggest red flags during an inspection?

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Carol_S
Joined:
21.02.2022
Posts: 747
Topic Starter
28.03.2025 15:44
My partner and I are finally under contract for our first house, and we have our inspection scheduled for next week. I'm feeling a bit nervous about what we might find and want to make sure I'm asking the right questions. Are there specific things I should be looking for beyond the obvious stuff like a leaky roof or mold? I've heard horror stories about foundation issues and electrical wiring, so I'm wondering how concerned I should really be about those. Any advice on what to prioritize or what should be considered a dealbreaker would be greatly appreciated.
10 replies in this topic
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Kate_J
Joined:
05.02.2021
Posts: 1199
16.06.2025 21:44
Congrats on the house! Honestly, the biggest red flag for me is always the 'DIY special'-if you see electrical work that looks like a bird's nest or plumbing that doesn't follow code, run. It usually means there's a lot more hidden work done by an amateur.
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curious_k
Joined:
16.09.2024
Posts: 641
22.08.2025 02:31
In reply to a previous post
I second that. Also, check the grading around the foundation. If the ground slopes toward the house instead of away from it, you're looking at potential water issues in the basement every time it rains.
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Marius_C
Joined:
22.03.2024
Posts: 1565
16.09.2025 07:11
Don't ignore the age of the HVAC system and the water heater. If they are on their last legs, that's a massive expense you'll have to deal with within a year or two of moving in.
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chris_1982
Joined:
07.08.2021
Posts: 907
22.12.2025 17:00
In reply to a previous post
Good point. I'd add that you should ask the inspector to specifically check the sewer line with a camera. It’s an extra $150-200, but it saved me from buying a house with a collapsed pipe that would have cost $10k to fix.
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Polly_H
Joined:
13.11.2022
Posts: 1062
31.12.2025 04:51
In reply to a previous post
Foundation cracks are scary, but not all of them are dealbreakers. Ask the inspector if the cracks are 'active' or 'settlement' cracks. Your inspector should be able to explain the difference.
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Milos_S
Joined:
23.05.2025
Posts: 1737
05.01.2026 12:45
Look for signs of past water damage in the attic, even if the roof looks new. Sometimes people flip houses and just paint over the ceiling stains without fixing the actual leak.
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Master_J
Joined:
23.04.2025
Posts: 378
12.01.2026 23:59
In reply to a previous post
Listen to the user above! My first home had a fresh coat of white paint in the attic that was hiding major mold issues. Always get a moisture meter reading if you see anything suspicious.
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Milos_S
Joined:
13.02.2023
Posts: 74
05.02.2026 21:07
Electrical panels are huge. If you see 'Federal Pacific' or 'Zinsco' breakers, walk away or demand they be replaced before closing. They are known fire hazards and insurance companies often refuse to cover houses with them.
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Mike_B
Joined:
25.11.2022
Posts: 2106
24.02.2026 13:57
In reply to a previous post
Be there for the whole inspection. Don't just show up at the end. Walk around with the inspector and ask 'what does that do?' or 'is that normal?' while they are looking at things.
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Sophia_G
Joined:
09.03.2026
Posts: 582
13.04.2026 06:44
In reply to a previous post
Don't let the small stuff like chipped paint or a loose cabinet door stress you out. Focus on the 'big four': roof, foundation, HVAC, and electrical. Everything else is just cosmetic maintenance.

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