Plumbing & moistureAddress soon
Loose Toilet at the Floor
Movement at the base of a toilet can come from loose mounting hardware, a failed wax seal, a damaged flange, or weakened flooring around the fixture.
Read the finding →Homeowner + Realtor reference library
Home Inspection Findings Explained
Inspection reports can turn a small condition into a phrase that is difficult to interpret. This library explains what common findings usually mean, how urgent they may be, what the repair path looks like, and which trade should handle it.
20 findings
Windows & exteriorUsually moderate
Failed Insulated Window Seal
Fogging, haze, or condensation between panes usually means the insulated glass seal has failed. The window may still operate even though the glass has lost performance.
Read the finding →Windows & exteriorAddress soon
Rotted Exterior Trim
Soft or deteriorated trim around windows, doors, fascia, columns, or other exterior details usually means the wood has been exposed to moisture repeatedly.
Read the finding →Windows & exteriorModerate to soon
Damaged or Loose Siding
Cracked, loose, missing, warped, or punctured siding can be cosmetic, but openings around trim, penetrations, or flashing can also allow water behind the cladding.
Read the finding →Moisture & interiorInvestigate promptly
Crawlspace Moisture
Damp soil, standing water, wet insulation, condensation, or moisture-related staining in a crawlspace can come from drainage, plumbing, groundwater, humid air, or an incomplete vapor-control strategy.
Read the finding →Moisture & interiorDetermine if active
Water Stain on a Ceiling or Wall
A stain proves moisture reached the finish at some point, but the inspection may not determine whether the source is active, old, seasonal, or already repaired.
Read the finding →Moisture & interiorInvestigate promptly
Soft Bathroom Flooring
Deflection or softness in a bathroom floor often points to moisture damage around a toilet, tub, shower, vanity, or plumbing penetration.
Read the finding →Doors, stairs & finishesUsually minor
Door That Will Not Latch
The latch does not line up with the strike plate or the door binds before closing. Often this is hardware or seasonal movement, but repeated misalignment can point to a shifted jamb or opening.
Read the finding →Doors, stairs & finishesSafety item
Loose Handrail or Guard
A handrail or guard that moves under normal pressure may have loose fasteners, missing blocking, damaged posts, rot, or an inadequate original connection.
Read the finding →Exterior & structureHigh priority
Deck Ledger or House Attachment Concern
The inspector questioned the deck-to-house connection, including ledger fasteners, flashing, visible deterioration, or an incomplete attachment detail.
Read the finding →Exterior & structureAddress soon
Missing Kick-Out Flashing
At a roof-to-wall intersection, the inspector did not see a detail that directs roof runoff away from the wall and into the gutter.
Read the finding →Energy & systemsUsually moderate
Low or Uneven Attic Insulation
Insulation that is thin, compressed, displaced, missing in areas, or inconsistent is usually an energy/comfort issue, although wet or disturbed insulation can point to another problem.
Read the finding →Plumbing & moistureAddress soon
Improper or Leaking Plumbing Trap
A leaking, poorly configured, loose, corroded, or improvised trap below a sink can leak into cabinetry/flooring and may not perform as intended.
Read the finding →Doors, stairs & finishesMinor to moderate
Cracked Grout or Loose Tile
Cracked grout, moving tile, hollow-sounding areas, or open joints can be cosmetic or can indicate movement, weak bonding, substrate problems, or moisture.
Read the finding →Windows & exteriorMaintenance item
Failed Exterior Caulk or Sealant
Sealant around an exterior joint is cracked, separated, missing, or no longer bonded. It can allow water into joints, but caulk should not be used to hide a bad flashing detail.
Read the finding →Exterior & structureDepends on pattern
Settlement or Foundation-Related Cracks
Cracks in drywall, masonry, foundation surfaces, or around openings can come from normal shrinkage or historic settlement, while some patterns can indicate ongoing movement.
Read the finding →Electrical & safetySafety item
Missing GFCI Protection
The inspector did not confirm GFCI protection at a receptacle/location where that protection is commonly expected.
Read the finding →Electrical & safetySafety / electrician
Double-Tapped Breaker
Two conductors appear connected under one breaker terminal. Some breakers are listed for more than one conductor and others are not, so the exact equipment must be verified.
Read the finding →Plumbing & moistureSafety item
Water Heater TPR Valve or Discharge Pipe Issue
The inspector found a concern with the temperature-and-pressure relief valve or discharge piping, such as an improper termination, missing pipe, leakage, or questionable installation.
Read the finding →Exterior & structureAddress soon
Damaged, Missing, or Lifted Roof Shingles
Missing, cracked, lifted, deteriorated, or damaged shingles can expose underlayment/flashing and may be associated with leakage, even if the whole roof does not need replacement.
Read the finding →We do not have that phrase yet.
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