What Are the Most Common Home Inspection Issues in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Are the Most Common Home Inspection Issues in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire homes — especially in areas like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Bristol, and Ashland — often face unique inspection issues due to age, climate, terrain, and rural systems like wells and septic.

Whether you’re buying an older farmhouse, a log cabin, or a modern home in a mountain town, knowing the most common inspection problems helps you budget, negotiate, and protect yourself.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the inspection issues NH buyers see most often.

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1. Roof Wear & Aging Shingles

NH weather is harsh — snow loads, ice dams, high winds, and freeze–thaw cycles all take a toll.

Common problems:

Worn or curling shingles

Ice dam damage

Missing shingles

Moss growth

Aging architectural shingles

Poor attic insulation causing heat loss

Roof repairs/replacement can range from $6,000–$15,000+ depending on size.

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2. Foundation & Basement Moisture

One of the MOST common issues in NH.

Typical problems include:

Damp basements

Efflorescence (white chalky residue)

Cracks

Poor exterior drainage

Sump pump failures

High groundwater areas

Not all moisture = failure, but inspectors always note it.

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3. Old Heating Systems

NH has tons of older systems, including:

Oil boilers

Propane furnaces

Electric baseboard

Wood stoves

Pellet stoves

Common concerns:

Age (20–40 years old)

Inefficiency

Safety issues

Leaking oil tanks

Outdated venting

Replacing a heating system can cost $5,000–$12,000+.

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4. Electrical Issues

Older NH homes often still have:

Outdated panels

Ungrounded outlets

Double-tapped breakers

Aluminum wiring (rare but serious)

Lack of GFCI protection

Unsafe DIY wiring

Modernizing electrical systems can be a major undertaking.

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5. Septic System Problems

Extremely common in rural NH.

Issues inspectors and septic pros look for:

Slow drainage

Tank cracks

Improper baffle condition

Failed leach fields

High water levels

Roots in lines

Past backups

A failed leach field can cost $10,000–$30,000+ to replace.

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6. Well Water Issues

Many NH homes rely on private wells.

Common problems:

Low flow rate

Old or weak pumps

Contaminated water

Arsenic (common in NH granite areas)

Coliform bacteria

High iron or manganese

Well-related repairs can range $1,500–$8,000+ depending on the fix.

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7. Radon (Air & Water)

NH has some of the highest radon levels in New England.

Issues include:

Elevated radon in air

Radon in well water

Need for mitigation systems

Typical radon mitigation costs:

Air: $800–$1,500

Water: $2,000–$5,000

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8. Poor Insulation & Ventilation

Especially in older homes.

Common issues:

Heat loss

Ice dams

Drafts

High energy bills

Mold risk in attics

Adding insulation improves comfort and reduces costs.

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9. Exterior Damage

NH weather beats up homes.

Issues include:

Rotting decks

Loose rails

Worn siding

Cracked windows

Peeling trim

Old doors

These may not be deal-breakers but affect cost and safety.

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10. Aging Appliances

Many NH sellers list homes “as-is,” and appliances are often older.

Typical findings:

Older water heaters

Aging HVAC components

Failing dishwashers

Laundry machines at end of life

Water heaters especially tend to fail after 10–12 years.

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Are These Inspection Issues Deal Breakers?

Not usually — they’re negotiation points.

You can request:

Seller repairs

Seller credits

Price reduction

Extended inspection period

The key is understanding the cost and severity.

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Q&A

Q: What are the most common home inspection issues in NH?

A: Roof wear, heating system age, moisture, electrical problems, septic failures, well issues, radon, and poor insulation.

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Keywords

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

nh septic pumping schedule, new hampshire septic maintenance, plymouth nh septic systems, campton nh home buying, rumney nh septic care, thornton nh septic tank tips, central nh real estate guide

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com