Buying in a due-diligence state like North Carolina means you’re paying a non-refundable fee up front. Miss a big-ticket issue and you could forfeit that money and inherit a five-figure repair. Use this guide (and your inspector’s report) to stay in the driver’s seat.
Roof Damage or Deterioration
A full roof replacement in NC averages $6,700 – $25,000 depending on size and shingle type. Inch Calculator
What to look for
- Missing / curled shingles
- Sagging decking or soft spots in the attic
- Granules in gutters after a storm
Buyer play – Ask the seller for a licensed roofer evaluation and replacement credit or a new-roof escrow.
Foundation Cracks & Settlement
Typical repairs now range $2,200 – $8,100—severe fixes can hit $30K. This Old House
Watch for
- “Stair-step” cracks in brick
- Doors that stick, sloping floors
- Gaps where walls meet ceilings
Buyer play – Bring in a structural engineer during due diligence; negotiate a price reduction instead of DIY fixes.
Crawl-Space Moisture & Mold
When humidity tops 60 %, wood rot and mold explode in NC crawl-spaces. Tar Heel Basement Systems
Warning signs
- Standing water or mud
- Musty odor, white fungal growth on joists
- Rusted HVAC trunk lines
Buyer play – Request vapor-barrier installation or full encapsulation credit ($1.5K–$15K, depending on size).
Termite or Other Wood-Destroying Insects
Termites cause billions in damage nationwide and stay active year-round in NC’s mild climate. Carolina Pest
Look for
- Pencil-thin mud tubes on foundations
- Hollow-sounding or blistered wood
- Discarded wings near windowsills
Buyer play – Make the contract contingent on a clear WDI letter or seller-paid treatment plan.
Polybutylene Plumbing (or Other Problem Lines)
Many NC insurers won’t cover homes with original polybutylene supply lines. Tim Clarke Real Estate
Clues
- Gray ½ʺ or ¾ʺ piping stamped “PB 2110”
- Frequent pin-hole leaks, low pressure
- Homes built 1978-1995
Buyer play – Full repipe runs $4K–$15K; push for a seller credit or adjust your offer accordingly.
Unsafe Electrical Panels & Overloaded Circuits
Federal-Pacific and Zinsco panels fail to trip reliably and are often uninsurable. Harry Levine Insurance
Tell-tales
- Panel brand: “FPE,” “Stab-Lok,” or “Zinsco”
- Warm breakers, burn marks, buzzing sounds
- Aluminum branch wiring (1965-73 builds)
Buyer play – A new 200-amp panel plus rewiring can top $2K–$7K; ask the seller to swap it before closing.
End-of-Life HVAC Equipment
Heat-pumps in humid NC lose efficiency after 10-15 years; replacements average $6K–$10K. HVAC.com
Check
- Manufacture date on data plate
- Rusted drain pans, oil streaks, low refrigerant
- Uneven temps between rooms
Buyer play – Negotiate a home-warranty and a closing credit toward new equipment.
Watch the full guide below!
What to Do When a Red Flag Pops Up
- Get specialist quotes during due-diligence—structural engineer, roofer, electrician, etc.
- Re-price the home or request seller repairs/credits using those quotes.
- Walk away if repair costs > 10 % of purchase price and the seller won’t budge. Your due-diligence fee is cheaper than inheriting a money pit.
Next-Step Resources
- Free Download: Inspection Red-Flag Infographic
- Related Post: Save Up a Down Payment in Charlotte
- Neighborhood Guide: Where First-Time Buyers Can Still Afford a Home in Charlotte (Summer 2025)
Ready to Play It Safe?
Book a 15-minute inspection-prep call. We’ll:
- Review your report line-by-line
- Price out repairs with trusted pros
- Draft a bullet-proof negotiation strategy
Your first home shouldn’t start with a five-figure surprise—let’s make sure it doesn’t.