10 Home Inspection Red Flags Every Phoenix Buyer Should Know
Before you buy a home in the Valley of the Sun, make sure you're not inheriting hidden problems. These are the issues we see every week — and what they mean for you.
1. UV-Damaged Roof Shingles
The desert sun beats down on roofs year-round. Asphalt shingles dry out, crack, and lose granules faster than in cooler climates. Inspections often reveal premature aging or patch jobs that hint at deeper issues.
2. HVAC Systems on Their Last Leg
Cooling isn’t optional in Phoenix. Units older than 10 years often show signs of stress or poor maintenance. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, or short cycling are red flags.
3. Stucco Cracks and Settlement
Soil movement and heat cause hairline cracks in stucco — but when they reach corners or window frames, they can signal structural shifting.
4. Poor Attic Ventilation
Hot air trapped in attics can damage roofing from the inside out. We often find missing vents or inadequate airflow that compromises both comfort and longevity.
5. Outdated Electrical Panels
Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels still pop up in older Phoenix homes. These outdated systems pose fire risks and fail to meet modern insurance standards.
6. Polybutylene Plumbing
This obsolete piping material was common in homes built from the late 70s to mid-90s and is prone to unexpected leaks or ruptures.
7. Slab Cracks & Foundation Shifting
Desert soil expands and contracts. Large diagonal cracks, misaligned door frames, or uneven floors often point to foundation movement.
8. Roof Flashing Failures
Improperly installed or deteriorated flashing allows water intrusion during rare but intense Phoenix monsoons. Easy to miss, but expensive to fix.
9. DIY Renovation Errors
Investor flips sometimes cut corners. We frequently uncover non-code wiring, makeshift plumbing, or poorly installed flooring and fixtures.
10. Termite Damage
Despite the dry climate, termites thrive here. Subterranean species nest in irrigated yards and move indoors undetected until serious damage is done.
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