Every house has a to-do list. A dripping faucet, a squeaky hinge, some peeling paint on the porch. Those can wait. But some problems start small and get expensive fast when nobody notices them. The trick is knowing which signs mean “add it to the list” and which mean “call someone this week.”
We’ve done more than 10,000 home inspections, and we’re a pest control company too, so we’re used to looking at the whole house, from the roof down to the crawl space. These are the warning signs worth taking seriously.
Water where it shouldn’t be
Water is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a house, and it rarely announces itself. Watch for:
- Stains on ceilings or walls, especially below bathrooms or around the chimney
- Paint or wallpaper that’s bubbling or peeling
- Floors that are soft, warped or cupping
- A musty smell that won’t go away
- Standing water or wet soil in the crawl space
Any of these can point to a roof leak, a plumbing leak or a drainage problem. Left alone, water leads to mold and rot, and damp wood draws termites.
Foundation and framing trouble
Wide or growing cracks in the foundation or brick, floors that slope or bounce, and doors that suddenly won’t close can all point to structural movement. In crawl space homes, look for sagging joists, rotted sill plates and piers that have shifted. We go deeper on this in our post on the 4 signs of structural problems.
Roof damage
Missing or curling shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, sagging sections and stains on the attic sheathing all mean the roof needs attention. A small leak can soak insulation and framing for a long time before it ever shows on a ceiling. Every home inspection we do includes a free drone roof inspection by FAA-certified pilots, so we can see the whole roof without walking on it.
Electrical warning signs
Electrical problems are a fire risk, so take them seriously. Breakers that trip over and over, lights that flicker on their own, outlets or switch plates that feel warm, and buzzing or a burning smell from an outlet all call for a licensed electrician. If you smell burning or see smoke, shut off power at the breaker if it’s safe to do so and call for help.
Plumbing problems
Low water pressure throughout the house, slow drains at more than one fixture, a water bill that jumps for no reason or rust-colored water can point to failing pipes or a hidden leak. Check under sinks and around the water heater now and then. A water heater that’s rusting at the base or sitting in a puddle is near the end of its life.
Heating and cooling that can’t keep up
A system that runs constantly, leaves some rooms much warmer than others, makes new noises or lets the house feel damp in summer needs a look from an HVAC technician. Check for water around the indoor unit, too. A clogged condensate line can overflow and soak the floor or ceiling below it.
Pests that damage the house
Some pests are a nuisance. Others go after the house itself.
Termites and other wood-destroying insects
Mud tubes on the foundation or piers, wood that sounds hollow when you tap it, piles of discarded wings near windows in spring and small piles of what looks like sawdust can all point to wood-destroying insects. Subterranean termites can do a lot of damage before anyone notices, which is why we offer free termite inspections.
Mice and rats
Droppings, gnaw marks and scratching in the attic or walls at night mean rodents have moved in. They chew on wiring, ductwork and insulation, and chewed wires can be a fire hazard. If you’re seeing signs, rodent control is worth doing sooner rather than later.
Hazards you can’t see
Some serious problems don’t give you any visible signs at all. Carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances and radon from the soil are both invisible and odorless. Keep working CO alarms near sleeping areas if you have gas appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage, and consider a radon test, which we also offer.
What to do next
If you’re seeing one or two of these signs, don’t panic. Write down what you see, take photos and get the right professional out to look. If you’re buying or selling, or you just want a clear picture of your home’s condition, a home inspection covers all of these systems, includes moisture readings and infrared scanning, and comes with a detailed report within 24 hours.
