1. Water/moisture penetration through roof, poor grading, improper downspouts, window wells and cracks on basement wall
2. Mildew and Mold growth
3. Poor plumbing such as slope, excessive elbows, clogging, too long, traps issue.
4. Mice and pest
5. Fire hazard such as unsafe electrical wiring, insulation near recessed pot lights
6. Furnace outlet /inlet location.
7. Trip Hazard and fall safety such as missing hand rails, etc.
8. Structural deficiencies such as differential settlement/thrust, basement wall cracks, retaining wall movement, etc.
9. Building additions and renovations without permit
10. Contamination due to building products such as Asbestos, lead, leaked underground oil tank
11. Grow-op

Potentially costly and hazardous conditions based on house age

     Built between 1900 and 1950: Knob and tube wiring consists of fuses and fuse boxes and is considered outdated and inadequate to cover today's loads.Difficult to get home insurance without upgrading the house electrical wiring.

     Built between 1942 and 1958: Orangeberg sewer piping connect the house to the main sewer line. This piping was born out of necessity as the military during World War II was using all the iron products for the war effort. A pipe manufacturer in Orangeberg, N.Y., created this piping. If the pipes in the home you are considering buying have not failed as of yet, it is inevitable. The cost of repairs will run between $2,000 and $5,000. A video sewer pipe inspection by qualified professional is recommended.

     Built before 1978: Wall paint often contains lead, and nine-by-nine floor tiles in basements are likely to contain asbestos.

     Built between 1984 and 1990: Defective ABS piping made out of recycled plastic was produced by five manufacturers. The pipe has a tendency to crack within the glue joints. If ABS pipe is present it is extremely costly to replace.

     Built between 1990 and 2000: A NOX rod consolidated furnace has heat exchangers that will crack and release carbon monoxide into the home and potentially can cause fires. This furnace was used widely during this time period and is on a recall list. A thorough home inspection will detect this type of furnace.