Quick Tips to Spot Red Flags During A Home Inspection
Buying a home is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—experiences of your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, a home inspection gives you a critical window into your property’s true condition. Spotting red flags early can save you thousands of dollars and, more importantly, protect your family’s safety.
At LarryInspects, we believe that knowing what to look for turns confusion into confidence. Let’s walk through the most common red flags you’ll want to keep an eye on before you sign on that dotted line.
Why Home Inspection Red Flags Matter
A home can look perfect at first glance—fresh paint, new countertops, and shiny floors. But that’s only skin deep. Beneath the surface, there may be issues waiting to reveal themselves: structural cracks, outdated wiring, or hidden plumbing leaks. Identifying these problems early can save you from costly repairs, health hazards, and endless stress down the road.
Every good home inspection tells a story. Your job as a homebuyer is to listen carefully to what your home is trying to say through that report. The sooner you understand the warning signs, the sooner you can act.
Structural Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Your home’s foundation and structure determine everything above it. One of the biggest inspection red flags is foundation damage, which often shows up as cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly.
A rule of thumb: vertical cracks smaller than a quarter-inch are usually minor, but horizontal cracks or ones wider at the top than the bottom can point to foundation settling or structural shifts. These aren’t cosmetic issues—they can mean major repairs if ignored.
If you walk into a home and notice sloping floors or gaps near door frames, don’t brush them off. These symptoms can signal that a foundation is moving or that structural supports are weakening. Getting a professional to assess these issues right away can prevent expensive adjustments later.
Electrical Problems That Threaten Safety
Electricity keeps your home running, but when things go wrong, it can also be dangerous. Flickering lights, tripped breakers, and warm outlets are more than inconveniences—they may point to outdated wiring or overloaded circuits. In older homes, you might even find aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, both of which pose fire risks and often fail to meet today’s safety standards.
Your inspector should test all outlets and ensure GFCI protection is installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Always ask if the home’s electrical system has been updated in the past 20 years. Repairs can be expensive, but your safety is worth every penny.
Hidden Plumbing and Water Damage
Water is a home’s worst enemy when it goes where it shouldn’t. Small leaks under sinks, water stains on ceilings, or damp odors in the basement often signal hidden issues that can turn severe over time. Leaks don’t just waste water—they lead to mold growth, wood rot, and expensive structural damage.
A trained inspector will check visible plumbing and may recommend further evaluation if they suspect leaks behind walls or within the foundation. Don’t ignore slow drains or low water pressure either; these can indicate clogged pipes or sewer line blockages. If left unchecked, you could end up paying for full pipe replacements or foundation repairs.
Roof and Attic Warning Signs
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, yet it’s one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. Missing or curling shingles, sagging spots, and clogged gutters can quickly turn into major water damage. Even if the roof looks fine from the ground, granules from shingles collecting in gutters signal the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Attics are equally important. Poor ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mold, rot, and uneven temperatures inside your home. Musty smells or visible mildew inside an attic are big red flags that insulation or airflow needs attention. A well-ventilated attic keeps your entire home healthier and your energy bills lower.
Other Red Flags That Raise Costs
Sometimes, the most critical problems hide in plain sight. Signs of pests such as termites or rodents can mean unseen structural damage lurking behind walls. Great reasons to get a WDI/pest inspection. Stains around vents can reveal poor ventilation, while cracked or missing caulking near windows and doors allows air—and money—to escape.
Older HVAC systems may still run, but inefficient units drive up utility costs and signal that replacement could be near. Similarly, outdated water heaters can pose risks if they’re rusted or not properly installed. Always ask your inspector how old the home’s major systems are and how long they’re expected to last.
Turning Knowledge Into Power
Red flags don’t always mean you should walk away from a home. Many issues can be repaired or negotiated during your purchase, saving you money before closing. What matters most is understanding the difference between a fixable problem and a serious risk.
When you know what your inspector is showing you—and you take the time to ask questions—you gain confidence that your investment is sound. That’s why at LarryInspects, we don’t just hand you a report. We walk you through every step so you understand what each finding means and how to address it.
The Value of an Experienced Inspector
A home inspection is only as good as the person performing it. With decades of construction and inspection experience, Larry Wedige brings an expert eye to every property. From measuring foundation elevations to conducting infrared thermal scans, Larry identifies what others might overlook. He inspects every home as if his own family were moving in—because your peace of mind is personal.
Whether this is your first home or your forever home, LarryInspects ensures you understand what you’re buying, inside and out. Because a great inspection doesn’t just find problems—it teaches you how to prevent them.
Ready to feel confident about your next home purchase? Schedule your inspection with LarryInspects today and discover how a thorough inspection can save you time, money, and stress.
Author Larry Wedige, owner of LarryInspects Home Inspection Servce, holds a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Real Estate Inspector (license #6060), which he has maintained since 2002. He maintains memberships with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector Association (TPREIA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he serves as a Certified Deck Inspector. He formerly served as an Adjunct Instructor at San Antonio College, where he taught courses in home inspection. Larry is also Infrared Certified and incorporates infrared thermography into all inspections. A native of San Antonio, Larry possesses over five decades of expertise in remodeling, repair, and home construction. His extensive experience is augmented by the completion of the home inspector curriculum at San Antonio College, licensure by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and the fulfillment of numerous hours of continuing education in home inspection. He consistently surpasses the continuing education requirements set by the Real Estate Commission. Larry adheres to the TREC Standards of Practice and the NACHI Code of Conduct, which forbids participation in any conflict of interest activities that could affect his impartiality.
