Hi all, looking for some grounded opinions.
I’m under contract on an older home that I genuinely love. The general inspection came back with a pattern of moisture-related findings, and I’m trying to decide whether this is a reasonable next-steps situation or a red flag I shouldn’t ignore.
Some highlights from the report:
• Moisture detected under multiple windows
• Soft wall near a toilet and moisture near laundry hookups
• Mildew noted in shower wall
• Moisture at HVAC plenum
• Windows out of alignment, broken sash cords, doors not sealing properly
• Electrical issues like missing GFCIs, open breaker slots, loose outlets
• 1 missing shingle on Roof/exterior wear (shingles, vents, downspouts)
• General deferred maintenance throughout
No foundation issues were noted, no active flooding, and nothing was called an emergency failure, but the repetition of moisture findings across different areas is what’s giving me pause.
I’m considering getting a mold inspection next to understand whether this is:
• Historical moisture with cosmetic damage, or
• Active issues that could turn into something bigger
Emotionally, I still love the house. Logically, I don’t want to ignore risk or sign up for surprises.
For those who’ve been through this:
• Does this sound like a manageable “old house with problems” scenario if follow-up inspections are clean?
• Or is this the kind of inspection where walking away early is the smart move?
• Would you proceed with mold testing before deciding, or consider this enough to stop here?
Trying to balance caution with realism. Appreciate any insight.
Also note: the roof is 7 years old new hvac, new appliances, new floors, new water heater.
Old house inspection came back with moisture issues. I’m trying to decide if this is manageable or a walk-away
byu/notme_1234567890 inRealEstate
Posted by notme_1234567890
10 Comments
That moisture pattern across multiple areas would make me nervous tbh. The fact that it’s showing up at windows, plumbing areas AND the HVAC suggests there might be some underlying envelope/ventilation issues rather than just isolated problems
I’d definitely do the mold inspection before making any final calls – if it comes back clean and you can get quotes on fixing the window sealing and plumbing stuff, might be worth negotiating repairs or credits. But if mold is actively growing behind walls you’re looking at a much bigger headache
Walk away. Why are you buying someone else’s problem low ball them if they won’t fix it.
Sounds a lot like an old 40’s house I used to rent. Unless you’re prepared to fix any moisture issues right away, I wouldn’t do it. We were sick with bronchial issues the whole time.
My concern would be mold hiding.
So many more questions to provide a true opinion…
What would you say the overall condition of the home is on a scale of:
1 – Well Below Average
2 – Below Average
3 – Average
4 – Above Average
5 – Well above average
How old is this home? Who hired the inspector?how did you find the inspector?
The things you’ve mentioned make be lean towards its an older home (1940-50 or prior), not well maintained, and needs both cosmetic and building envelope level upgrades.
Anywhere there’s been water damage… it will require fixing. Those types of damage don’t “get better” if ignored. You don’t need a mold inspection. There is gonna be mold, I’ll bet $100 on that being the reality.
Where the water damage is happening will require inside and outside work to remedy. Unless you’re ready to undertake work AND the surprises that come with opening walls – move on.
Do not let the seller fix the issues and proceed. They will take the cheapest and easiest route to “fixing the issues” which means they won’t.
Why would there be moisture in the HVAC plenum? Also interesting they have a new HVAC. I suspect the house has not been lived in for awhile. Home has not been AC/central heated for awhile. Not sure the location you’re at, but if a house is left below 60F, especially with some open windows, that cool/damp air will infiltrate the home and cause issues. Perhaps that’s the reason?
Nothing on that list is very scary. If you love it ask for a price concession or see if you can include $50k for renovations that YOU do, not the seller.
It really isn’t hard to deal with any of those and it can be fun doing some remodeling. But if you aren’t built like that walk away. Personally l, I doubt I will ever buy a “Perfect” house again, you get more for your money buying an older home. Plus you get the fun of doing projects!
all solveable, esp if you love it. First line of defense is a few dehumidifiers.
Next, you’ll likely want to invest in new windows and doors anyway.
etc
How old?
Most of these things wouldn’t bother me, but moisture under the windows, soft wall, and mildew would definitely give me pause. If there’s moisture in the walls, it could quickly escalate to a bigger problem