Ten years ago, a solid roof, functioning heat, and dry basement covered most inspection concerns. In 2026, the checklist has grown. Homes have become more complex, building materials have changed, and buyer expectations are higher. As a result, today’s inspections focus on issues that were rarely discussed—or didn’t exist—just a decade ago.
Here are some of the newer problem areas shaping modern home inspections.
1. High-Efficiency Systems That Age Poorly
Inspectors are finding issues such as premature corrosion, blocked condensate drains, and failed control boards in high-efficiency systems like condensing boilers, tankless water heaters, and furnaces, which are more sensitive to poor installation and maintenance than older systems. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that “efficient” doesn’t always mean “durable.”
2. Spray Foam and Modern Insulation Mistakes
Spray foam insulation was once considered a premium upgrade. Today, improperly installed foam is a frequent concern. Common problems include trapped moisture, hidden roof leaks, compromised ventilation, and even structural damage from over-expansion. In cold climates, these mistakes can accelerate rot rather than prevent it, making insulation quality just as important as insulation type.
3. Aging Solar and Battery Systems
Inspectors are seeing issues such as failing inverters, improper roof flashing on penetrations, outdated monitoring, and panels nearing end of effective lifespan in solar systems installed in the mid-2010s, along with battery storage concerns, including ventilation, fire risk, and clearances.
4. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Homes wired before widespread electric vehicle adoption are often retrofitted with EV chargers. Inspectors now routinely identify undersized panels, double-tapped breakers, improper grounding, and amateur installations. What looks like a convenient upgrade can represent a significant electrical hazard if not done correctly.
5. Indoor Air Quality and Moisture Management
Post-2020 construction emphasized tighter building envelopes. While this improves efficiency, it also increases the risk of poor indoor air quality. Inspectors are now paying closer attention to ventilation systems, humidity levels, mold-prone areas, and signs of condensation inside wall cavities—issues rarely evaluated in older, draftier homes.
6. Rapidly Aging “Low-Maintenance” Materials
Composite decking, PVC trim, and synthetic siding promised longevity. In practice, some early-generation products are warping, fading, cracking, or failing far sooner than expected. Inspectors are now trained to recognize manufacturer-specific failures that weren’t known when these materials first hit the market.
The Bottom Line
Modern homes aren’t necessarily better or worse—they’re just different. Today’s inspections require a deeper understanding of evolving technology, materials, and building science. For buyers and homeowners alike, awareness of these newer issues can prevent expensive surprises and help ensure a safer, more durable home for the years ahead.
