Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas are particularly vulnerable to leaks and hidden water damage. Check around tubs, showers, toilets, sinks, and appliances for soft spots, staining, or warping. In older homes, inspect under cabinetry and around plumbing penetrations where leaks may have gone unnoticed.

All bathrooms should have functional exhaust fans vented to the outdoors, not into the attic or wall cavities. Water heaters should be equipped with a metal drain pan piped to the outside and a functional temperature and pressure relief valve. When these systems are missing or appear neglected, it suggests a history of water intrusion or poor maintenance that could affect the health of the living space.