Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—but even a standard inspection can miss important items if the right questions aren’t asked or if areas were inaccessible at the time. Most buyers focus on the obvious defects—roof issues, HVAC age, foundation cracks—but later discover hidden conditions that cost thousands to fix.

As inspectors, we routinely see issues that don’t seem urgent during the transaction but quickly become expensive headaches after the first few months of ownership. Here are 8 of the most overlooked items buyers regret not having thoroughly inspected.

1. Sewer Line Condition

Most standard home inspections only evaluate functional drainage at fixtures—meaning the deeper sewer line going from the house to the street or septic isn’t visually inspected.
A sewer scope inspection can reveal:

• Root intrusion
• Pipe settlement or collapse
• Bellies or standing water
• Broken or deteriorated cast iron, PVC, or clay lines

Repair costs often range from $4,000–$15,000+, especially if concrete must be cut or a line replaced under a slab.

Add-On to Consider: Sewer Scope Inspection

2. Grading and Drainage at the Foundation

Small grading issues rarely look like a big deal during a quick walkthrough, but water is one of the biggest enemies of Texas foundations.

Red flags include:

• Excessive mulch against brick or siding
• Negative slope toward the home
• No drainage paths in side yards

Correcting grading later can mean trucking in dirt, re-setting landscaping, or installing drain lines.

3. Attic Insulation Depth and Air Sealing

An attic that feels “warm but tolerable” on inspection day can become a furnace in August.

Issues often found later:

• Insulation blown thin due to prior attic work
• Missing insulation at electrical chases
• Gaps around recessed lighting

Energy loss equals higher electric bills—especially in DFW summers.

4. Age and Safety Functionality of Electrical Panels

Panels are often ignored unless something sparks or trips.

Overlooked problems include:

• Double-lugging
• Aluminum branch wiring
• Moisture intrusion
• Over-fused circuits

Panels found on recall lists (like certain Federal Pacific or Zinsco units) may need replacement.

5. Older Water Heaters With Improper Installations

They often function fine—but are installed incorrectly.

Issues include:

• Missing drain pans
• No proper TPR discharge routing
• Leaking expansion tanks
• Outdated dielectric fittings

When they fail, they typically fail catastrophically.

6. Improperly Flashed Windows

Most buyers don’t know window flashing even exists.

Signs later include:

• Rot under sills
• Moisture damage at lower framing members
• Leaks behind interior wall finishes

Repairing flashing often means removing trim, siding, or brick.

7. Irrigation System Issues

Sprinkler systems work—until summer requires them daily.

Common unseen defects:

• Pop-up heads spraying the house
• Missing rain/freeze sensors
• Low water pressure from leaks underground

In North Texas, bad irrigation often leads to foundation movement.

Recommended Add-On: Irrigation system inspection

8. Ventilation Problems in Attics

Buyers assume “if the house is new-ish, ventilation must be right.”
Often not.

Typical defects:

• Blocked ridge vents
• No baffles
• Mixed ventilation systems (turbines + ridge vents)

Poor ventilation = moisture + attic heat + premature shingle aging.

How to Protect Yourself as a Buyer

Buying a home isn't about handing an inspector a checklist—it's about ensuring that inspection includes:

✔ A thorough visual evaluation

✔ Accessible areas opened and inspected

✔ Add-on services when appropriate

At SFR Inspections, we help buyers understand not just what’s wrong today, but what could cost money later.

Smart Add-Ons That Can Save Thousands

Here’s what buyers regret skipping most:

🔥 Sewer Scope
💧 Irrigation System Inspection 
🏠 Pool Inspections

These services are inexpensive compared to post-closing repairs.

Think Beyond “Does It Work Today?”

The most expensive repairs are caused by:

• Long-term moisture
• Poor system installation
• Lack of drainage
• Improper airflow

These aren’t always visible in an initial walkthrough.

If you'd like help evaluating these risks — whether you’re buying resale, new construction, or investor property — SFR Inspections is here to guide you.



→ Schedule your inspection today!
Serving Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding cities.