Most homes don’t fall apart in obvious ways. The real risks are often hidden—beneath paint, under flooring, or behind the walls. And they’re exactly what a thorough building inspection is designed to uncover.
If you’re buying or selling, here are 7 red flags that instantly raise concern during an inspection—and why they matter.
Uneven Floors or Shifting Foundations
This is where the serious costs start. A minor slope in the floor, a few cracks running along a wall, or gaps beneath doors may not seem like much—but they can be early signs of foundation movement.
When the ground shifts, everything above it follows. It’s not just a structural concern; it affects resale value, insurance eligibility, and long-term peace of mind.
Dampness You Can’t See
A freshly painted wall can cover a lot—but it doesn’t fix what’s behind it.
We use moisture meters to test high-risk zones: beneath windows, behind showers, under floor coverings. It’s not guesswork.
We’re looking for elevated readings that signal water is getting in where it shouldn’t.
Mould, rot, and poor ventilation often follow. If left untreated, they can weaken the structure and create health issues down the line.
Roofing That’s Near the End of Its Life
One of the first places we check is the roof—not because it always looks bad, but because it’s often neglected. A roof doesn’t need to be leaking to be a problem.
You might see:
- Isolated rust on flashings
- Tiles lifting with wind exposure
- Guttering that’s sagging or poorly pitched
What we see: warning signs. Deferred maintenance up top usually leads to hidden water damage below. And once moisture gets in, the repair bill grows fast.
Electrical Setups That Aren’t Up to Code
Not all hazards are visible. And with electrical systems, safety can’t be assumed just because everything powers on.
Some properties—especially older ones—still run on pre-2000s wiring with no residual current devices. Others have been through a few renovations, and not every change has been signed off.
We’re not just checking if the house works. We’re checking if it complies, if it’s safe, and if it’ll pass insurance requirements without holding up the sale.
Plumbing That’s Quietly Failing
Water is subtle. It doesn’t always flood a room or soak a carpet. Sometimes it leaves a faint musty smell under the sink. Sometimes it’s just a soft spot in the floor beside the shower.
- That’s why we check:
- The pressure at every tap
- Drainage slope and pooling outside
- Moisture levels around key plumbing areas
Most expensive repairs start with a leak no one noticed. We make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Unconsented Work That Could Come Back to Bite
Renovations can make a home look great. But they can also create legal and financial problems if they weren’t done properly.
We flag work that raises questions—whether it’s a new bathroom layout that doesn’t match original plans or a deck that appears DIY.
If council approval wasn’t granted, you could inherit the problem and the cost of fixing it.
And if you’re selling? These surprises have a way of showing up after a buyer brings in their own inspector—often at the worst possible time.
Meth Contamination (When Requested)
Not all issues are structural. Some are chemical.
Meth contamination isn’t something you can see or smell, but it has serious implications—especially for rental properties or homes with a history of tenant turnover.
If requested, we run a screening test to rule it out or confirm the risk before it affects the sale or your family’s health.
In many cases, buyers simply won’t proceed without that clarity.
Final Word
Not every red flag is a deal-breaker—but every one of them deserves your attention.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or thinking about buying, the goal is the same: avoid surprises and make decisions with all the facts in front of you.
At PRO CHECK, we don’t just check boxes—we give you the full picture, in plain language, with no shortcuts.
