Your walls do more than hold up your home. They can also hide the clues about what’s happening inside it. As inspectors, our job is to help clients see beyond the paint and plaster, separating serious concerns from harmless imperfections. Some issues signal costly repairs ahead, while others are purely cosmetic and easy to fix. Here are three common wall issues and what they may mean.

1. Cracks in Your Drywall
Drywall is affordable, easy to install, and fire-resistant, but it’s not the most durable material, so dings, dents, and minor cracks are common. Most of these blemishes come from everyday wear or issues during installation–quick, inexpensive fixes that shouldn’t cause too much alarm. But not all cracks are created equal.

Diagonal cracks that start at the corners of doors or windows can point to foundation settlement: a serious structural issue that, in extreme cases, can run $10,000 or more to repair. When inspectors see these, we look closely to determine whether it’s simply cosmetic or a sign of something bigger.

2. Signs of Bulging
While bulges are sometimes just the result of sloppy installation, they can also point to structural trouble. Wall studs — the vertical wood supports inside your walls — can buckle if installed incorrectly, sized too small for a remodel, or weakened by moisture damage, pest activity, or mold growth.

Even perfectly sound framing can appear to bulge if something is happening behind it. When paired with discoloration or staining, bulging often means water is getting in, whether from a leaky roof, damaged exterior wall system, or failing plumbing.

3. Malfunctioning Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are part of a home’s interior wall systems, and inspectors always test them for proper operation. A sticking door might just be annoying on a day-to-day basis, but it can also serve as a clue pointing to foundation settlement. As always, we endeavor to spot potential structural problems while ensuring the home will be comfortable to live in.

Poorly sealed windows can let in moisture, create drafts, and drive up energy bills. Signs to watch for include condensation, fogging, peeling paint, and stains, which warrant resealing and will certainly get called out in an inspection report.

Our inspectors are always spotting interesting maintenance issues in the field. What’s going on in the photo below?

Pictured above is a large tree stump one of our inspectors discovered in a home’s crawlspace. The stump is wood in direct contact with soil, the type of damp environment that termites thrive in. Not only that, it appears to be supporting the foundation. 

Even if the stump itself is the primary target now, termites don’t stay put—they expand their feeding territory. That means the rest of the home’s wood components could eventually be compromised, leading to costly repairs. Plus, it may go without saying, but a tree stump is not a safe or reliable foundation support. This crawlspace will need to be evaluated by an expert and inspected for pests before new owners move in. 

From keeping up with your day-to-day chores to attending to seasonal projects, home maintenance certainly takes plenty of time and effort. One of the most common and costly issues homeowners face is plumbing leaks. Left unchecked, even a small drip can cause serious water damage, mold growth, and inflated utility bills. The good news is, you don’t need to be a plumber to spot the early signs. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to check your sinks and toilets for leaks, and potentially save yourself thousands in repairs.

Step 1: Check That the Faucet Pipe Is Mounted Securely
Start at your sink. Locating your faucet, gently grasp the pipe where it connects to the sink basin and try shaking it. Gaps and movement are a red flag, and a sure opportunity for leaks. A loose or unstable faucet pipe should be tightened or resealed as soon as possible.

Step 2: Turn On the Faucet and Check for Seepage
Next, turn on the water at full pressure and leave it running for a full minute. Watch the faucet and confirm whether seepage occurs at its base or at any joints throughout the faucet system. Even a small leak could mean something just needs tightening, but if it persists, hardware replacement may be in order.

Step 3: Watch for Drainage
As the water drains, observe how quickly the sink basin empties while also monitoring for any leaks in the piping underneath. Faucet and pipe leaks are among the most common sources of water waste, contributing to the 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year, according to the EPA. Of course, quick and problem-free drainage is ideal. Slow drainage or standing water, on the other hand, could indicate a clog, which not only causes inconvenience but also increases pressure in your pipes–leading to corrosion and leaks over time. 

Step 4: Check the Trap Below the Sink
Looking further at the piping under your sinks, let’s talk about the P-trap. Among your white PVC pipes, you should be able to spot a “U”-shaped pipe which is designed to actively hold water and block harmful (and smelly!) sewer gases from entering the home. P-traps are a common spot for clogs and leaks, so it’s worth giving them a quick check. Just like with your faucet pipes, check your traps for movement, damage, or loose fittings.

A secure and stable trap means better performance and fewer unpleasant surprises down the road.

Step 5: Rock the Toilet Back and Forth
After your sinks, toilets are another major source of household water loss. A quick way to check for potential leaks is by testing how stable the toilet is. Stand with a foot on either side of the bowl and rock the toilet back and forth to watch for movement. Half an inch or so of movement can be fixed fairly easily by tightening the flange bolts or resealing the wax ring at its base.