9 Things Home Inspectors Always Notice (Part 3: Maintenance Red Flags)

Welcome back to the final stretch of our series! If you’ve been following along, we’ve already tackled the interior and exterior "gotchas" that home inspectors love to find. Today, we’re diving into the "Maintenance Red Flags."

These are the items that tell an inspector, and potential buyers, how well you’ve cared for the home over the years. In the Salt Lake Valley, where our seasons swing from scorching summers to freezing winters, keeping up with these small tasks prevents them from turning into massive repair bills.

Here are the final three things home inspectors always notice.

7. Dirty Dryer Vents

You probably clean your lint trap after every load of laundry (at least, we hope so!), but when was the last time you looked at the actual vent ducting? Home inspectors check this because a clogged dryer vent is a major fire hazard.

Over time, lint bypasses the trap and builds up in the hose and the exterior wall vent. This restricts airflow, making your dryer work harder (hello, higher energy bills!) and creating a serious fire hazard inside your walls. If an inspector sees a vent caked with lint or a plastic "accordion" style hose (which is a big no-no for fire safety), it’s going straight onto the report.

Whether you’re in a bungalow in Magna or a newer build in Herriman, a quick professional vent cleaning is one of those home repairs homeowners often put off that can make a huge difference in safety.

8. Water Heater Corrosion

Your water heater is the unsung hero of your home: until it starts leaking all over your basement floor. Inspectors look closely at the "birth date" of the unit and the condition of the pipes.

In the Salt Lake Valley, our water can be a bit hard on plumbing. Inspectors look for "calcification" (that white, crusty buildup) or orange rust around the valves and the top of the tank. Corrosion is a sign that a slow leak is already happening or that the tank is reaching the end of its life. If your water heater looks heavily worn or corroded, it’s a red flag for future water damage.

9. Loose Deck Railings

Safety is the number one priority for any home inspector. If they walk out onto your deck and the railing wiggles even an inch when they lean on it, it’s a major liability.

Utah weather is tough on wood. Between the heavy snow in Sandy and the intense UV rays in Riverton, deck hardware can loosen and wood can rot over time. A loose railing isn't just a "minor fix," it’s a fall hazard that could result in serious injury. Inspectors will check the "pickets" (the vertical slats) and the posts to ensure everything is rock-solid.

If your deck is showing its age, it might be one of those signs your home isn't ready for summer.

Let the Pros Handle the Punch List

Home inspections can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Most of these "red flags" are simple fixes if caught early.

Whether you need a handyman in West Valley City to secure those deck railings or a licensed contractor in Salt Lake Valley to check your plumbing and vents, Your Handyman Pros has your back. We are a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor, meaning we have the expertise to handle everything from small maintenance tasks to larger renovation projects.

Don't wait for the inspector's report to find out what's wrong. Give us a call, and let’s get your home in tip-top shape!