Common home defects in the northwest Twin Cities metro
The issues we document most often, from aging sewer lines and foundation movement to ice dams, radon and engineered-siding failure.
Clay & cast-iron sewer line failure
Why aging clay and cast-iron sewer lines crack, belly and clog under older northwest-metro homes.
Foundation cracks & water intrusion
How clay soil, freeze-thaw and riverfront grading cause foundation cracks and basement seepage.
Ice dams & attic ventilation
How poor attic ventilation and insulation create the ice dams that damage Minnesota roofs every winter.
Elevated radon levels
Why the Anoka sand plain and Minnesota soils push radon above the 4.0 pCi/L action level.
LP & Masonite siding deterioration
How engineered wood siding on 1990s homes swells, rots and fails at the bottom edges.
Aluminum branch wiring
Why 1960s-70s aluminum wiring overheats at connections and what a safe remediation looks like.
Galvanized supply piping
How corroding galvanized pipes in post-war homes restrict flow and leach rust into your water.
Polybutylene plumbing
Why gray poly supply lines from the 1980s-90s are prone to sudden failure.
Knob-and-tube wiring
The risks of original early-1900s wiring still hiding in Anoka and Robbinsdale homes.
Undersized electrical panels
Why 60-100 amp panels in 1950s ramblers can't safely carry modern household loads.
Basement moisture & seepage
How damp-proofing, grading and old drain tile let water into lake-plain basements.
End-of-life furnaces & AC
Spotting furnaces and air conditioners past their service life before they fail in a cold snap.
Roof age & flashing failure
How to read remaining roof life and the flashing failures that drive leaks.
Grading & drainage issues
Why negative grading and short downspouts send water straight into the foundation.
Walkout basement moisture
Slope, grading and window-well issues unique to riverfront and hillside walkouts.
Septic & drainfield failure
Signs of a failing drainfield on well-and-septic homes in Andover, Corcoran and beyond.
Private well water quality
Why sand-plain wells need testing for bacteria, nitrates and arsenic.
Deck ledger & attachment safety
The deck connections that cause collapses and how inspectors verify them.
Attic insulation deficiency
Why thin or settled attic insulation drives ice dams and high winter heating bills.
Chimney masonry deterioration
How freeze-thaw spalls chimney crowns, mortar and liners on older homes.
Asbestos-era materials
Where asbestos hides in pre-1980 homes — tile, insulation, siding and duct wrap.
Window seal & glazing failure
Fogged double panes and single-pane heat loss in mid-century homes.
Frequently asked questions
What problems do you find most often?
In the northwest metro we most often find sewer line failures, foundation movement from clay soil, ice dams, aging electrical and plumbing, and grading or drainage issues that send water toward the foundation.
Does finding defects mean I shouldn't buy?
No. Most findings are normal for a home's age. The report's value is knowing which items are safety issues, which need attention before closing, and which are routine maintenance.
Will you re-inspect after repairs?
Yes, re-inspection of completed repairs can be scheduled and is quoted up front.