Examples from real home inspections

A home inspection can uncover a repair you would not notice during a showing. These examples from my inspections explain what was wrong and what it meant for the buyer.

A dryer vent blocked by the roof itself

While inspecting a roof, I noticed a screen over the dryer vent outlet. Dryer exhaust carries lint, and a screen can catch that lint and restrict airflow. That made this outlet worth a closer look.

I moved the screen and opened the damper. Behind it, the wood roof decking had never been cut through. I checked from the attic and confirmed the obstruction. The dryer was exhausting into a closed cavity instead of outside.

Removing the screen alone would not solve this. The blocked opening also needed correction so the dryer could exhaust outside properly. Restricted exhaust can cause overheating and create a fire concern.

For background, see PNNL’s explanation of dryer vent screens and airflow.

Bathroom moisture upstairs and active leaking below

I found moisture beneath an upstairs toilet and at the nearby bathroom wall. The report documented a toilet leak and moisture at the wall near the shower.

In the bathroom below, water was actively dripping from the ceiling and wall while plumbing fixtures upstairs were running. Paint was bubbling, and moisture-meter testing confirmed elevated moisture in the affected area.

This was an active leak affecting both levels. I recommended that a plumber locate and repair the source, followed by evaluation and repair of the wet building materials.

Cut roof trusses in the attic

During the attic inspection, I found cut roof trusses. These are structural components, so I documented the alterations and recommended evaluation by a structural engineer.

The report called for engineering documentation for the alterations or evaluation by a structural engineer if that documentation was unavailable. An engineer later designed a substantial repair, and I returned to review the completed work.

Cracks, sticking doors and uneven floors

Cracking, doors or windows that do not operate properly, and flooring problems can warrant a closer foundation evaluation. In homes with these conditions, I have used ZIPLEVEL measurements to document differences in floor elevation.

The readings add measurements to the visible observations. They show relative elevations at the time of the inspection, but do not establish by themselves what caused the differences or whether movement is ongoing.

I consider the measurements together with the cracking, openings and floor conditions. When the combined evidence warrants it, I recommend a structural engineer evaluate the foundation. See what foundation elevation measurements include.

Roots inside a sewer line

The sewer-camera image below shows roots extending into a sewer line. This is a view from inside the pipe, where a normal visual home inspection cannot see.

Roots can restrict the space available for wastewater to flow. A plumber can evaluate the affected section and recommend the appropriate repair. A camera image documents the visible condition; it does not establish a repair price.

A sewer scope includes the full narrated video, relevant still images and written findings, with any access limitations explained.

Watch a finding from an inspection

Running the Water Revealed This Hidden Leak →

A short video from Eaton Bates, Austin Real Estate Inspections.

Photos that help you find the issue

This separate sample-report example shows damage to a garage wall finish. The close-up shows the condition; the wider photo and arrow show where to find it. It was classified as a minor concern in this report.

Explore the full sample reports to see how findings, locations and recommended next steps are presented.