You might walk away from a home inspection with what appears to be a lengthy to-do list. But chances are, many of these items are cosmetic issues. A “cosmetic issue” is a problem that affects a home’s appearance only. In other words, no safety or structural concern is present, it has no impact on a home’s performance, and fixing it is optional. While several cosmetic issues could add up to a home that feels dated or dingy, you can rest easy knowing they aren’t affecting the “bones” of the house. Here are the five most common cosmetic issues we see as inspectors:

1. Worn or damaged interior finishes. Scuffed walls, nail holes, uneven paint, and dinged or dirty baseboards are among the most common things we see as inspectors. We get it—all those things can have a huge impact on a home’s look and feel. But they’re all a normal part of owning a lived-in or older home and don’t typically affect the functionality of a space.

2. Scratched flooring or worn carpet. Scratched hardwood floors, worn carpet, cracked tiles, or minor gaps between boards are usually the result of everyday use. In most cases, these conditions do not indicate a structural problem and can be improved through refinishing, repair, or replacement when homeowners choose to update the space.

3. Cracks in drywall or plaster. Cracks in drywall and plaster are extremely common, and most don’t indicate a problem with the home’s foundation. Hairline cracks are often caused by normal settling or changes in temperature and humidity levels. Larger or widening cracks, however, may warrant further evaluation. 

4. Peeling exterior paint, faded siding, and weathered trim. We love a home with curb appeal, but not to worry—if a home looks a little worse for wear, chances are, there’s no immediate concern. As long as the issues don’t allow for moisture intrusion, an exterior renovation can typically wait a while.

5. Outdated fixtures. Older light fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, or bathroom finishes may function properly but reflect the design standards of a previous era. These items are considered part of a buyer’s renovation plans rather than a repair priority for the seller.

To the average eye, this may look like a typical electrical panel, but there are several serious safety concerns. The panel is open and missing its proper dead-front cover, leaving energized components and breaker terminals exposed. This creates a shock and electrocution hazard. Several conductors appear to enter the panel without proper connectors or protective bushings, increasing the likelihood of insulation damage from sharp metal edges and raising the risk of short circuits. The interior of the panel shows excessive wire crowding and disorganized conductor routing, which can contribute to overheating and make the panel unsafe to service or troubleshoot. The overall condition suggests improper or unprofessional electrical modifications that may not comply with current electrical standards. 

In addition, gaps are visible around the panel opening, which compromises the wall’s fire-resistance and could allow smoke or flames to spread more rapidly in the event of an electrical failure. Due to the presence of exposed energized components and improper wiring practices, this condition should be considered a major safety concern. Immediate repair by a licensed electrician is strongly recommended before the new homeowners move in. 

All across the country, precipitation increases in winter, leaving homes with large volumes of water to contend with in short periods of time. If that water has limited places to go, instead of draining away from the home, it may find the path of least resistance—toward the foundation. This is why late winter going into early spring is a common time of year for homeowners to notice damp basement walls, water stains, or musty odors that may not have been detectable earlier in the winter season.

One of the most important components to check during this time of year is your sump pump. All the extra rain or snowmelt (depending on your region) is a good test for whether the pump is functioning properly. A pump that runs constantly, fails to turn on, or discharges water too close to the foundation can allow moisture to accumulate quickly. If your home relies on a sump pump, this is also a good time to confirm you have a backup system in place in case of power loss.

Foundation seepage is another issue that often shows up. Small cracks or gaps that remain dry most of the year may allow water to enter when excessive precipitation occurs and builds up around the foundation. Even minor seepage can create damp conditions that encourage mold growth if left unaddressed.

Late winter and early spring moisture can set the stage for mold problems, especially when warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels arrive. Catching drainage and moisture concerns now gives homeowners the opportunity to make corrections before they become larger, more costly problems.