Common Home Inspection Issues (and How to Prevent Them)

A home inspection can feel intimidating—especially when issues pop up that weren’t obvious during a showing. While no house is perfect (even new builds!), many of the most common inspection findings are preventable with a bit of routine maintenance and awareness. Winter, in particular, tends to reveal problem areas that warmer months can hide.

Here are some of the most common home inspection issues inspectors see—especially in colder weather—and what homeowners can do to reduce the risk.

Moisture & Water Intrusion

Snow buildup, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles can force water into places it doesn’t belong. Inspectors often find moisture in basements, crawl spaces, or attics during winter inspections. Red flags include damp or musty-smelling basements, water stains on ceilings or walls, or ice dams along roof edges.

To prevent this, ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away from the foundation. Keep attic insulation and ventilation balanced to prevent ice dams, and seal foundation cracks early, before winter sets in.

Roofing Issues

Cold temperatures make roofing materials brittle, and heavy snow and ice can expose weak spots and cause damage. These problems are spotted by missing or curling shingles, signs of previous repairs, or soft spots or visible leaks in the attic.

Make sure you schedule regular roof inspections, replace damaged shingles promptly and keep branches trimmed away from the roof to prevent further damage.

Heating System Problems

Furnaces and boilers work hardest in winter, which is often when neglected systems fail.

Inspectors often find these issues when they spot inconsistent heating throughout the home, unusual noises from the furnace, or dirty or outdated filters.

It's best practice to have your heating system serviced annually and replace your filters regularly. Don't ignore small issues because minor repairs can prevent major breakdowns down the line!

Plumbing and Frozen Pipes

Cold temperatures increase the risk of frozen or burst pipes, especially in older homes or poorly insulated areas.

Common red flags in a home are low water pressure, visible corrosion on pipes, and plumbing located near exterior walls without insulation. You can prevent these issues by properly insulating exposed pipes, sealing drafts near plumbing fixtures, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when you're away.

Insulation & Energy Efficiency Gaps

Winter inspections often reveal heat loss that homeowners may not notice until utility bills spike. This becomes noticeable when there is uneven temperatures across rooms, drafts near windows and doors, and inadequate attic insulation.

Add or upgrade insulation where needed, weatherstrip doors and windows, and for older homes, consider an energy audit to discover where you're losing heat.

The Bottom Line

Most home inspection issues don’t happen overnight. They develop slowly over time, but regular maintenance, seasonal checkups and addressing small problems early can make a big difference when it comes time for an inspection.

If you have plans to sell or just want to protect your investment, staying ahead of these common issues can save you money, reduce stress and keep your home in selling shape year-round.