Top 5 Common Home Issues Found During Inspections—and How to Address Them
When it comes to buying or selling a home, one of the most critical steps in the process is a professional home inspection. At Odds On Home Inspection in Calgary, Alberta, we help homeowners and real estate buyers make informed decisions by identifying potential issues before they become expensive surprises. A thorough home inspection gives you confidence and clarity—whether you're preparing to list your property or making an offer on your dream home. Understanding the top 5 home issues commonly found during inspections—and how to resolve them—can save you time, money, and future headaches. Let's dive into what you should watch for and how to stay one step ahead.
Roofing Problems: More Than Just Missing Shingles
Roof issues are among the most common problems during home inspections, especially in Calgary's unpredictable weather conditions. Inspectors often spot missing or curled shingles, deteriorated flashing, sagging gutters, or even signs of past leaks that have gone unnoticed by homeowners. These issues can lead to interior water damage, mould growth, and costly repairs if left unresolved.
How to address it:
Before listing a home, it's a good idea to have a qualified roofer inspect the roof for damage and complete any necessary repairs. Regular maintenance like cleaning the gutters, checking attic ventilation, and trimming overhanging trees can prolong roof life and prevent future issues. For homebuyers, learning about the roof's age and condition through a detailed inspection report from Odds On Home Inspection can empower you to negotiate repairs or price adjustments before closing.
Plumbing Concerns: From Drips to Drainage
From minor leaks to major piping issues, plumbing problems are another red flag that can show up during a home inspection. Common concerns include leaky faucets, corroded pipes, slow-draining sinks, and outdated materials such as polybutylene or galvanized steel piping—which are more prone to failure over time.
How to address it:
Sellers can take proactive steps by checking under sinks, toilets, and around the water heater for moisture or corrosion. Upgrading problematic pipes and replacing old fixtures can prevent issues and improve appeal to buyers. If you're buying a home, a plumbing inspection from Odds On will help you assess the condition of water supply and drainage systems—so you can plan for necessary upgrades or avoid unexpected expenses down the road.
Electrical Hazards: Safety First
An outdated or overloaded electrical system is a serious safety hazard and one of the most common issues flagged during home inspections. Inspectors frequently uncover problems like overloaded circuits, double-tapped breakers, missing GFCI outlets, ungrounded plugs, or obsolete systems such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.
How to address it:
If your home's electrical system hasn't been updated in decades, hire a licensed electrician to assess and upgrade it. Adding GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior areas is not only a modern safety standard—it's required by code. Replacing outdated panels or rewiring risky components also increases the value of your home and helps ensure it passes future inspections. For buyers, Odds On Home Inspection highlights electrical concerns that may affect home insurance or resale potential.
Foundation and Structural Issues: Cracks and Settling
The foundation is literally what your home rests on, so it's no surprise that structural integrity is a major focus of every home inspection. Common signs of trouble include cracks in the basement walls, sloping floors, sticking windows or doors, and water seeping into crawlspaces or unfinished basements—all indicators that the home may have shifting or settling problems.
How to address it:
Not all cracks are created equal—hairline or vertical cracks are often harmless, while horizontal or widening cracks can signal serious issues. A structural engineer or foundation specialist should be consulted for anything concerning. Preventative measures like regrading the soil around the home, installing a sump pump, or improving drainage can help mitigate damage. At Odds On Home Inspection, we thoroughly evaluate foundation and framing concerns to ensure your home is stable, safe, and ready for the next step.
HVAC System Deficiencies: Comfort and Efficiency
A home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a major role in year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. During an inspection, common issues include dirty or clogged filters, noisy or non-functional systems, aging furnaces, and inadequate airflow or ductwork issues.
How to address it:
Regular maintenance is key. Homeowners should change furnace filters every three months, schedule annual tune-ups, and have the ducts cleaned periodically. If your system is over 15 years old or shows signs of wear, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. A clean, reliable HVAC system adds value and is a key selling feature for potential buyers. Our inspectors at Odds On Home Inspection ensure your system is in top shape—or highlight what needs improvement.
Trust Odds On Home Inspection to Spot—and Explain—What Matters
If you're planning to buy or sell in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Diamond Valley, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Bragg Creek, Cochrane, Strathmore, Chestermere, Langdon, Millarville, Carstairs, Carseland, Nanton, Cayley, Vulcan, Priddis, Stavely, De Winton, or the surrounding areas, Odds On Home Inspection is your trusted local expert. Our detailed and professional home inspection services help you make smart real estate decisions with confidence. Whether you need a pre-purchase inspection, a pre-listing home check, or a walkthrough consultation, we uncover the details that matter most—so you're never caught off guard. Contact us today to book your inspection and protect your biggest investment with clarity and peace of mind.