Home Inspection Guide: Spot Defects, Cracks & More

Thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping your house in shape? A solid home inspection can save you money and headaches. You don’t need a pricey expert for every thing – many checks are simple enough to do yourself. Below you’ll find the most common problems to watch for and a quick checklist to keep you on track.

Common Issues to Look For

First, walk around the outside. Look for cracks in the foundation or walls – a hairline line is often harmless, but a wide gap that widens over time can mean serious settling. Check the roof for missing shingles or water stains on the ceiling; these are signs of leaks that could turn into big repairs.

Inside, open every cabinet and closet. Water damage or mold in hidden spots usually points to a leak you haven’t noticed yet. In a new build, pay extra attention to the finishing work – uneven floors, misaligned doors, or gaps around windows often signal rushed construction.

Don’t forget the electrical system. Flickering lights, outlets that feel warm, or breakers that trip frequently are red flags. Test each outlet with a simple plug‑in tester or just a phone charger to make sure it’s working properly.

Plumbing is another hot spot. Turn on every tap and watch for drips, low pressure, or strange noises. Look under sinks for signs of corrosion or standing water, which can hint at hidden leaks.

DIY Inspection Checklist

Grab a notebook or use your phone and go through this list. It takes about 30 minutes and gives you a solid snapshot of your home’s health.

• Exterior: Check walls for cracks, inspect gutters for clogs, and test doors and windows for smooth operation.
• Roof: Look for missing tiles, sagging areas, and any debris that could hold moisture.
• Foundation: Measure any cracks wider than 1/4 inch and note if they are growing over weeks.
• Interior: Open all cabinets, look for water stains, test lights and switches, and listen for creaks when walking on floors.
• Plumbing: Run water in all fixtures, check for leaks under sinks, and note any slow drains.
• Electrical: Ensure all outlets work, look for burnt smells, and verify the breaker panel is labeled.

If anything on the list feels out of the ordinary, it’s worth getting a professional opinion. Spotting a problem early means you can fix it before it gets expensive.

Home inspection isn’t a one‑time thing. Do a quick walk‑through every spring or after major weather events. Keeping an eye on these key areas will help your house stay safe, comfortable, and valuable for years to come.