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How Many Issues Does the Average Home Inspection Actually Find?

  • Writer: David Cousins
    David Cousins
  • Jan 5
  • 3 min read






















If you’ve never had a home inspection before, you might imagine the report either coming back spotless or full of terrifying red flags.

The truth?

Most homes fall somewhere in the middle — and almost every home, even new ones, has something that shows up during an inspection.


So how many issues does the average home inspection uncover?


Let’s break it down using industry data — and real-world experience from inspecting homes across all 99 Iowa counties.


The Average Home Inspection Finds 3–5 Issues

Based on national home-inspection data and industry research:


📌 Most home inspections uncover an average of 3–5 defects

This number includes a mix of both minor and moderate issues — things like loose outlets, plumbing leaks, roof wear, or poor grading.


📌 About 70%–86% of inspections reveal at least one issue

Meaning a “perfect, issue-free” home is extremely rare.


📌 Even brand-new homes typically have small defects or installation errors

New doesn’t always mean flawless — construction oversights happen more often than people think.


Why Homes Have So Many Issues (And Why It’s Normal)

Homes are complicated systems. They age, settle, expand, contract, and experience wear from Iowa weather year after year. Common reasons issues show up include:

  • Aging materials

  • Heavy freeze–thaw cycles

  • Iowa’s expansive clay soils

  • Water drainage problems

  • Deferred maintenance

  • Incomplete or rushed repairs

  • Hidden damage behind drywall

  • Old plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems

None of this means a home is “bad” — it just means it’s a home.


The 5 Most Common Issues Found During Iowa Home Inspections

Here’s what we see repeatedly in the field:

1. Grading & Drainage Problems

Negative grade, short downspouts, and poor water control — the #1 cause of basement moisture and foundation stress in Iowa.

2. Roof Wear or Damage

Loose shingles, exposed nails, hail impact, poor flashing, or aging roofs — very common in our storm-heavy state.

3. Electrical Issues

Double-tapped breakers, outdated panels, missing GFCIs/AFCIs, open junction boxes — especially in homes built before the ‘90s.

4. Plumbing Leaks & Corrosion

Dripping traps, slow drains, sump pump problems, corroded galvanized pipes, and cast-iron sewer lines nearing end-of-life.

5. HVAC & Ventilation Problems

Dirty coils, improper venting, missing combustion air, blocked attic ventilation, or aging equipment.

These are typical — not deal-killers — but knowing about them helps buyers make smart decisions.


In Iowa, the Number Is Often Higher Than Average

Here’s why Iowa inspections tend to reveal more than the national 3–5 defect average:

✔ Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Concrete, siding, roofing, and foundations move and crack every winter.

✔ High Radon Levels (Highest in the U.S.)

Radon shows up as a major issue in many Iowa inspections.

✔ Basement Construction

More basement = more surface area where moisture and pressure can create problems.

✔ Older Housing Stock

Many Iowa counties have large numbers of homes built before 1980.

✔ Expansive Clay Soils

Soils swell when wet and shrink when dry — not great for foundations.

Put all this together, and Iowa homes naturally show more defects than homes built on dry, stable ground in the South or Southwest.


Why a Home Inspection Matters More Than Ever

A good home inspection helps buyers understand:

  • Which issues are minor

  • Which issues need repair

  • Which issues could become expensive

  • Which issues are safety concerns

  • And what to ask the seller to fix

Most problems are manageable when discovered early — and expensive when ignored.


What You Get With One Vision Inspections LLC

We don’t just check boxes — we uncover the things that really matter.

Every inspection includes:

✔ Full foundation & structural review

✔ Thermal imaging at no extra cost

✔ Grading & drainage evaluation

✔ Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, and attic inspection

✔ Sewer scopes available

✔ High-resolution photos

✔ Clear, modern, buyer-friendly reports

✔ Fast turnaround

Whether the home has 1 issue or 15, we help you See Your Investment Clearly.


Final Thoughts

Most home inspections uncover several issues — and that’s normal. The goal isn’t to find a flawless home…It’s to uncover the truth about the home you’re buying so you can make informed decisions with confidence.


Ready for a clear picture of your next home? Schedule your inspection at OneVisionInspections.com.

 
 
 

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