Window Questions
Are foggy windows a big deal?
Foggy windows mean the seal between the glass panes has failed. The insulating gas has escaped and moisture has gotten in. This is primarily a cosmetic and efficiency issue, not a structural problem. The window still keeps weather out and still functions. You lose maybe 10-20% of the insulating value. Repair costs $150-400 per window for glass replacement, or $300-800 for full window replacement. Not urgent, but worth addressing eventually.
How long do windows last?
Quality windows typically last 20-30 years before seal failures become common. Some windows from the 1990s are still going strong; others failed after 15 years. Manufacturing quality, sun exposure, and maintenance all affect lifespan. If a house has 20-year-old windows with one or two failed seals, that's normal aging. If half the seals have failed on 10-year-old windows, something went wrong.
Do all bedrooms need to have windows that open?
Yes. Building codes require at least one operable window in every bedroom as an emergency escape route. The window must open to a minimum size (typically 5.7 square feet of opening, with specific minimum height and width requirements). Windows painted shut, mechanically failed, or too small don't meet this requirement. This is a safety issue that should be addressed, not ignored.
Door Questions
Why do my doors stick?
Most sticking doors result from loose hinges, humidity changes causing wood to swell, or normal settling that slightly shifts the door frame. Tightening hinge screws fixes the majority of cases. If multiple doors throughout the house start sticking at the same time, that could indicate foundation movement and deserves professional evaluation. A single sticky door is almost always just that door's problem.
Is it bad if my door doesn't latch?
A door that won't latch is annoying but usually has a simple cause. The strike plate has shifted relative to the latch, or the door has moved slightly in the frame. Filing the strike plate hole larger or relocating the plate slightly usually fixes it. This is a 10-30 minute repair. The only time it's concerning is if it's an exterior door, where a non-latching door is a security issue.
Siding Questions
How serious is cracked vinyl siding?
Cracked vinyl siding is mostly cosmetic unless the crack is large enough to allow significant water entry. Small cracks from hail or impacts don't usually cause water problems. The siding behind still provides weather protection, and the housewrap behind that provides a secondary barrier. Repair by replacing the damaged panels, which costs $100-300 per panel typically. Not urgent unless the cracks are large or numerous.
What does faded siding mean?
Faded siding means UV exposure has degraded the surface over time. All siding fades eventually, with south and west exposures fading fastest. Fading is purely cosmetic. However, severe fading on vinyl (where the surface feels chalky) indicates the material is becoming brittle and may be more prone to cracking. Faded siding doesn't require immediate action but may need replacement in the coming years.
Is wood rot in siding a deal-breaker?
Depends on how much. Small areas of rot at window corners or trim pieces are common maintenance items. Large areas of rot, especially if it's spread to the wall sheathing behind, are more serious. The repair cost difference is significant: patching small rot spots costs $200-500, while extensive rot requiring structural repair can run $5,000-15,000. The location and extent matter more than the simple presence of rot.
Moisture and Water Questions
What causes water stains on ceilings?
The three most common causes are roof leaks, plumbing leaks from above, and HVAC condensation problems. Roof leaks often appear far from the actual entry point because water travels along rafters before dripping. Plumbing leaks show up directly below bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry areas. HVAC condensation appears near air handlers or ductwork. Fresh, active stains require investigation. Old, dry stains may be from issues already fixed.
Should I be worried about basement dampness?
Some basement dampness is common, especially in older homes. The question is degree. Occasional condensation or slight dampness after heavy rain is typical. Standing water, persistent moisture, musty odors, visible mold, or efflorescence (white mineral deposits) indicate more significant issues. Most basement moisture problems trace to exterior drainage rather than foundation defects. Proper grading and downspout extensions often solve what seems like a basement waterproofing problem.
How do I know if I have a moisture problem?
Trust your nose first. Musty or earthy smells indicate microbial growth from moisture. Visual signs include paint bubbling or peeling, staining, efflorescence on masonry, warped wood, and visible mold. A moisture meter ($30-50 at hardware stores) can detect elevated moisture in walls and floors before visible damage appears. Normal interior wood reads 6-12% moisture. Above 15% suggests a problem. Above 20% means active water presence.
Drainage Questions
What is negative grading?
Negative grading means the ground slopes toward your foundation instead of away from it. This directs rainwater toward the house rather than away. The fix is regrading so that the ground falls at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from the foundation. Most negative grading develops over time as soil settles and landscaping changes the contours. It's one of the most common and most easily fixed drainage problems.
How far should downspouts extend from the house?
At minimum, 6 feet from the foundation. Preferably 10 feet or more, especially if the ground slopes back toward the house. The goal is to move concentrated roof runoff far enough away that it drains away from the foundation rather than pooling against it. This is one of the cheapest fixes for basement moisture problems. Basic extensions cost $5-15 each and take 5 minutes to install.
Deck Questions
How can I tell if my deck is safe?
Check three things. First, grab the top rail and shake it. It should feel solid with no movement. Second, look at where the deck attaches to the house. You should see bolt heads every 16 inches or so along the ledger board. If you only see nails, the connection may be inadequate. Third, probe the bottom of posts where they meet the ground. Soft wood means hidden rot. If any of these checks raise concerns, get a professional evaluation before hosting that big party.
What does it cost to bring an old deck up to code?
It varies widely. Adding lag bolts to a nailed ledger might cost $200-400. Raising railings to proper height and adjusting baluster spacing runs $1,000-3,000. Replacing rotted posts costs $300-800 each. If the entire structure is compromised, rebuilding can cost $15,000-30,000. Get specific quotes based on what actually needs to be done rather than assuming the worst.
General Questions
What's the difference between a defect and a maintenance item?
A defect is something wrong with the house that shouldn't be that way. A maintenance item is normal wear that requires periodic attention. Foggy windows are maintenance. A window installed without flashing is a defect. Both need attention, but defects often suggest careless construction or hidden problems, while maintenance items are just part of owning a house. Inspection reports try to distinguish between these, though the line isn't always clear.
Should older homes meet current building codes?
No. Building codes are not retroactive. A house built in 1980 was built to 1980 codes, which were different from today's. Stair railings might be lower, baluster spacing wider, windows smaller. This is normal and expected. Inspectors note conditions that differ from current standards but don't usually call them defects unless they present safety hazards. Buyers of older homes should expect some code evolution issues.