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After months of searching, your hard work has paid off and you’ve finally found your dream house – or so you think. A satisfactory home inspection is one of the most common conditions included by buyers in their offer to purchase, and with good reason. While a home may show well, there are many costly issues and upgrades that can be overlooked. The trained eye of a home inspector can help you uncover any issues, so you can either back out of your offer or negotiate a lower price with the sellers. As a result, a home inspection could be considered one of the most worthwhile closing costs to budget for.

Here are some of the most common problems found during a home inspection:

1. Drainage or Grading Problems in Your Landscaping

Water-related issues are by far the most frequent problem encountered by home inspectors. When viewing a house, look for any signs of water damage; you can usually spot it by finding dark brown spots on the ceiling or along the baseboards. Common drainage and grading problems include: landscaping that slopes towards your house, improper drainage for retaining walls, and downspouts that don’t drain at least six feet from the foundation. Over time, water damage can lead to major expenses – including having to fix a future crack in your foundation – so it’s imperative to fix these issues immediately.

2. Electrical Wiring

DIY home renovations are rising in popularity. Big box retailers, like Home Depot, hold regular classes on home improvement projects, and television shows make these projects look easy. While you can probably tackle a smaller project, like installing a new patio, tasks like electrical wiring are probably best left to the pros. DIY electrical wiring is often done incorrectly, which can lead to major issues down the road. Although your dream home may claim to have upgraded wiring, unfortunately, your home inspector can’t tear down walls and can only inspect what is visible. Signs of improper wiring include: too many junction boxes, knob and tube wiring, and dangerous wire connections.

3. Roof Repairs

When it rains, it pours. Roof repairs are one of the most common problems faced by buyers; it’s also one of the most costly. Peeling shingles are a telltale sign of a roof in need of repair. Other common roofing problems faced by buyers include: leaks and moisture, improper flashing, and a lack of venting. Also, don’t forget about the chimney – a leaning chimney could mean it will need to be taken down or rebuilt very soon.

4. HVAC

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is another common problem you could encounter, during your home inspection. While you might be impressed with the granite countertops in the kitchen, don’t forget to check out the furnace. You should ask the sellers for a copy of their heating bill, especially if the house has an old furnace. A small two-bedroom bungalow can cost just as much as a three-story house, if it has an old furnace and a lack of insulation.

5. A Lack of Maintenance and Repairs

Your home is most likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make, so it’s important to take good care of it. A lack of maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line and, while you can’t control what the seller did to the house, you can look for warnings of an uncared for home. Signs to look for include: peeling paint, damaged fixtures and cracked sidewalks. Remember that once you buy, you should tackle anything your home inspector recommends you fix first.