Buying a house is a big deal. But it’s easy to get swept up in granite countertops and crown molding and miss the parts that really matter. The parts that keep you dry, safe, and not googling “foundation repair costs” at 2 a.m.
Whether you’re working with roofers in Salt Lake City or Atlantic City, here are eight signs that the house you’re eyeing might be more trouble than it’s worth.
1. Fresh Paint in Weird Places
A new coat of paint isn’t always a red flag. But when it’s only in specific areas — say, one wall of a basement or just the ceiling in the living room — someone might be trying to hide something. Water damage, smoke stains, cracks. If the touch-up job seems oddly targeted, ask why. And if no one’s got a good answer, proceed with caution. Or better yet, proceed with a moisture meter.
2. Roof That Looks Fine From a Distance
From the street, it might look decent. Up close, it’s another story. Shingles curling, flashing that’s pulling away, or patches that don’t quite match the rest. We’ve been called in more than once by new homeowners who were assured the roof had “plenty of life left.”
3. Mysterious Sloping Floors
Floors should be flat. If you drop a marble, and it rolls like it’s heading to Vegas, you may have foundation movement. This isn’t about perfection, and a little creak here or there doesn’t mean it’s doomed. But noticeable slants, dips, or doors that won’t close properly can point to structural problems. And those problems are neither cheap nor simple.
4. Basements That Smell Like a Sponge
Damp, musty air in a basement isn’t a charming “old house” quirk. It’s a warning. Moisture down there leads to mold, mildew, and long-term damage that’s often hard to reverse.
Look for efflorescence — that white powdery residue on concrete walls — as a sign water’s been passing through. Dehumidifiers can help, but they’re not a solution to poor drainage or an unsealed foundation.
5. Creative Electrical Choices
Homes that have “updated wiring” deserve a second glance. Not because the work is bad — although it sometimes is — but because amateur electrical work is both common and dangerous.
We’ve pulled off drywall to find things that would make a city inspector weep. Exposed splices, mixed wire gauges, overloaded panels. Look for too many extension cords, flickering lights, or breakers that trip under a whisper. All signs something’s not quite right behind the walls.
6. Cracks That Have Something to Say
Hairline cracks in plaster or drywall aren’t unusual. Houses shift, wood expands, and finishes move with the seasons. But diagonal cracks from windows or doors, or wider gaps that look like they’re trying to form their own zip code — those are different. They might mean foundation settlement or framing problems.
If you can fit a coin in it, you’ll want a structural opinion before moving forward.
7. A Yard That Slopes Toward the House
Water should flow away from your home. Basic, but you’d be surprised how many places are graded the wrong way. When the land funnels rain and snowmelt back toward the foundation, it’s an open invitation for water intrusion.
If you notice pooling near the base or signs of erosion, you’re looking at a drainage correction down the line. Often, this means regrading, installing French drains, or both. It’s fixable. But not always cheap.
8. HVAC Units That Look Like Museum Pieces
If the furnace looks like it predates the moon landing, it’s probably due for retirement. Older systems may still run, but they do it poorly and inefficiently. Parts can be hard to find, and the energy bills tend to punch above their weight.
The same goes for swamp coolers, ancient water heaters, and Frankenstein’d ductwork that looks like someone tried to guess their way through a home improvement show.
Some homes just need a bit of love. Others are a slow-moving disaster dressed up in staging furniture and flattering natural light. The key is knowing the difference. Get a thorough inspection. Ask the uncomfortable questions. And if something doesn’t smell right (literally or figuratively), don’t ignore it. Houses don’t fix themselves — they just hand you the bill later.
If you’re unsure about a roof, foundation, or anything structural, bring in folks who know what they’re looking at. You’ll be glad you did when your first winter in the house doesn’t come with a surprise indoor waterfall.
