Recent Home Inspection Findings
Every month I share a few things I found during recent home inspections around Kirkland and the Eastside. These are real photos from real homes. I never share addresses or client details. Some of these problems are small, some are expensive, and most are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
October 2026
1. Attic duct held together with old duct tape
What I found: A flexible exhaust duct in the attic had separated at the joint. The only thing holding it was old duct tape that had peeled away.
Why it matters: Warm, moist air from the bathroom (or lint from a dryer) blows into the attic instead of outside. Over time that can lead to mold, damp insulation and, with dryer lint, a fire risk.
What to do: Reconnect the joint with a clamp and foil tape rated for ducts. Ordinary duct tape dries out and lets go.
2. Standing water in the crawlspace
What I found: Water pooled on top of the plastic vapor barrier along the foundation wall.
Why it matters: The barrier is meant to block moisture from the ground, not hold puddles. Water like this usually comes from outside: soil sloping toward the house, downspouts dumping too close, or seepage through the foundation. It raises humidity under the floor and can lead to musty smells, mold and wood rot.
What to do: After a heavy rain, walk around the house. Make sure soil slopes away from the foundation and downspouts empty several feet out. If water keeps coming in, have a drainage contractor take a look.
3. Gutter so full that plants are growing in it
What I found: My drone showed a gutter packed with debris, with small plants growing in it.
Why it matters: A clogged gutter overflows. Rainwater soaks the siding and trim and lands right next to the foundation, which can cause rot and crawlspace moisture like finding #2.
What to do: Clean gutters at least twice a year, especially after leaves and needles drop in the fall. Gutter guards help on homes with lots of trees.
4. Crawlspace insulation falling down
What I found: Fiberglass insulation was sagging and dropping out from between the floor joists.
Why it matters: Insulation only works when it sits tight against the floor above. When it falls, you get cold floors and higher heating bills, and moisture can condense under the house.
What to do: Hold the insulation in place with wire supports or netting. If it’s wet or moldy, fix the moisture source first, then replace it.
5. Attic vent duct with no sealed connection
What I found: Where a vent duct met the roof, it was surrounded by loose wire mesh held with staples instead of being clamped to a vent cap.
Why it matters: A loose duct leaks humid air into the attic. That moisture can condense on the cold roof sheathing and lead to mold and rot.
What to do: The duct should clamp tightly onto a proper roof or wall vent cap and be sealed with foil tape.
Want this kind of detail on the home you’re buying or selling? I write every report within 24 hours, with photos like these.
