Common Home Inspection Issues in Rhode Island: What Buyers Should Know

Buying a home in Rhode Island (or nearby southeastern Massachusetts) means falling in love with charming properties that often come with a bit of history—and sometimes, a few quirks revealed during a home inspection. I always tell my buyers: inspections aren’t about finding a “perfect” home; they’re about understanding the one you’re buying so you can make confident, informed decisions. And that’s where having a hyper-local expert in your corner makes all the difference.

Here in RI, moisture tops the list of common findings. We live in a coastal, high-water-table state with humid summers and heavy spring rains. It’s extremely common to see evidence of past or minor water incidents in basements. In fact, I’ve yet to meet a home that hasn’t been affected by our historic 2010 flooding in some way.

The good news? Many water-related findings are easily resolved with simple exterior fixes—cleaning gutters, improving grading, or installing properly sized downspouts. At one point, we began noticing water in our own basement and feared the worst. After consulting with a few local basement waterproofing companies, we learned all we needed was a new downspout! A simple fix that made all the difference.

It’s also perfectly normal to see one or two dehumidifiers running in basements across Rhode Island. I run two myself, 365 days a year. In our climate, proactive moisture management isn’t a red flag—it’s responsible homeownership.

Another frequent note is radon. Radon mitigation systems are common throughout the region and relatively straightforward to install. A flagged test result isn’t cause for alarm—it’s simply something to plan for and address.

Beyond that, you’ll often see standard maintenance items: missing GFCI outlets, aging mechanicals, minor exterior wood rot, or handrail updates. These are part of regular homeownership, not deal-breakers.

My role as your Realtor is to help you distinguish between “typical for Rhode Island” and “worth negotiating.” After walking hundreds of inspections, I know what’s normal, what’s worth addressing, and which local pros to call when needed.

When you work with me, I’ll prepare you for what we’re likely to see before we even make an offer—so when that inspection report lands, you’ll be informed, calm, and confident. That’s the Huard Hustle in action: bringing expertise, perspective, and peace of mind to every step of your journey home.

Thinking of buying in Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts? Let’s connect to talk about how to navigate inspections with confidence—and find a home that feels like the perfect fit. I’d love to guide you with the same grit, heart, and local expertise that define the Huard Hustle.