What Inspectors Almost Always Find in East Bay Homes (and What It Means)

After years of attending inspections in the East Bay, I've seen patterns in what comes up. Here's what to expect.

Older Homes (Pre-1970s)

• Outdated electrical: Knob and tube, ungrounded outlets, small panels
• Original plumbing: Galvanized pipes that may need replacement
• Foundation issues: Cracks, inadequate bolting to foundation
• Single-pane windows: Drafty and inefficient

1970s-1990s Homes

• Polybutylene plumbing: Gray plastic pipes prone to failure
• Original roofs: Most 30-year roofs are at end of life
• Dated HVAC: Inefficient systems needing replacement
• Aluminum wiring: Fire hazard requiring remediation

All Eras

• Drainage issues: Poor grading, clogged gutters
• Water heater problems: Seismic strapping, age, leaks
• Deferred maintenance: Small issues that add up
• Pest damage: Termites are everywhere in California

What's Normal

Every home has findings. The question is: are they routine maintenance or major concerns? An experienced agent helps you distinguish between the two.