Short answerCommon findings include failed window seals that fog, rotted sills, broken glass, doors that stick or do not latch, damaged or loose siding, gaps that let water in, and older siding materials that may contain asbestos. Most are repair or budget items. Rot around openings and water getting behind siding deserve a closer look.
What do inspectors check?
Operation of a sample of windows and doors, glass, frames, sills, caulking, siding condition, and trim.
What are the common findings?
- Failed seals and fogged glass.
- Rotted sills and trim.
- Broken or missing screens and glass.
- Loose, cracked, or damaged siding.
- Possible asbestos cement siding.
How serious is it?
Mostly cosmetic or budget items. Water damage behind siding is more serious.
What does it cost to fix?
| Item | Planning estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Single window replacement | $450 to $1,200 | W |
| Whole house windows, 10 or more | $7,000 to $22,000 | W |
| Siding repair | $400 to $2,500 | W |
| Vinyl siding replacement | $8,000 to $20,000 | W |
Planning estimates, not bids. Local contractors may price differently.
When is a specialist needed?
Rot that extends into framing or water behind siding.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Do appraisers care about broken windows?
Government loan appraisers may require broken glass to be fixed.
Is old siding a problem?
Some older siding may contain asbestos. Leave it undisturbed until tested.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- Wardmark Property Operations pricing, June to September 2026
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.