Buying in Des Moines? 5 Red Flags Only a Local Home Inspector Will Find
The Des Moines real estate market is unique. Whether you are looking at a historic brick home in Beaverdale, a mid-century ranch in Urbandale, or new construction in Ankeny, every home in the Metro has a story to tell.
But in Iowa, the weather is extreme. Our freezing winters, humid summers, and heavy spring rains take a toll on houses in ways that don’t happen in other parts of the country.
At Stratton Home Inspections, we specialize in identifying the specific issues that plague Iowa homes. Before you close the deal, here are the top 5 things we look for to keep you from buying a “money pit.”
1. The “Silent Killer”: Radon Gas
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: Iowa has the highest percentage of homes above the EPA action level for Radon in the United States.
You cannot see, smell, or taste Radon, but it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It seeps up from our soil and gets trapped in basements and living spaces.
- The Myth: “The home has a walk-out basement, so I don’t need to test.”
- The Truth: We find high radon levels in homes of every age and style in Des Moines. We highly recommend adding a Radon Test to your inspection for peace of mind.
2. Basement Walls & Water Intrusion
Des Moines soil is heavy in clay. When it rains, the soil expands; when it dries, it shrinks. This puts immense pressure on your foundation walls.
- What we look for: We check for horizontal cracks (a sign of bowing walls), efflorescence (white powder indicating moisture), and functional sump pumps. A dry basement is essential for resale value in the Midwest.
3. The “Beaverdale Brick” & Older Plumbing
We love the charm of older Des Moines neighborhoods. However, homes built before 1970 often have Cast Iron or Clay sewer lines.
Over time, these pipes can crack or be invaded by the roots of those beautiful mature trees lining the street.
Pro Tip: If you are buying a home over 40 years old, ask us about a Sewer Scope. Seeing inside the pipe now can save you a $10,000 excavation bill later.
4. Roofs vs. The Iowa Winter
It’s not just about how old the shingles are. In Iowa, we have to worry about Ice Dams.
When an attic lacks proper insulation or ventilation, heat escapes and melts the snow on the roof. This water refreezes at the gutters, forcing water back under the shingles and into your walls. We inspect the attic insulation levels just as thoroughly as the roof exterior.
5. Electrical Panels
Many older homes in Des Moines still rely on outdated electrical systems (like knob-and-tube wiring or old fuse boxes) that weren’t designed for modern life. With everyone working from home and running multiple devices, ensuring your potential home has a modern, grounded, and safe electrical panel is a top priority.
Why Choose Stratton Home Inspections?
Buying a home is stressful; your inspection shouldn’t be. We are locally owned and understand the nuances of Des Moines construction.
- Local Expertise: We know the difference between a West Des Moines split-level and a Downtown loft.
- Clear Reporting: We don’t hand you a confusing checklist. We provide a clear, digital report with photos, helping you distinguish between “major repairs” and “maintenance items.”
- Honest Advice: We work for you, not the agent. Our goal is to ensure you know exactly what you are buying.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let the excitement of a new home blind you to potential issues. Whether you are in Polk, Dallas, or Warren County, let us give you the confidence to move forward.
