Part II: How Cosmetic Fixes Hide Real Problems

This is what some flips feel like:
A big cosmetic improvement placed right on top of a home that still needs serious work.

Fresh siding. New paint. Updated trim. Pretty landscaping.
Great photos… but that doesn’t automatically mean the home’s exterior system is doing its #1 job.

Because outside is where most problems start.

The “Flip Illusion”: Why Pretty Doesn’t Always Mean Protected

Cosmetic upgrades are easy to spot. They’re also fast, relatively affordable, and highly marketable.

That’s why a professional home inspection is essential—especially for homes that look “too perfect” for their age.

The Exterior “Cover-Ups” Inspectors Watch For

A home can look “updated” from the street—fresh paint, new siding, clean trim, pretty landscaping—but exterior cosmetics don’t always mean the home is protected from the elements. During a professional home inspection, the focus is on how the exterior handles water, wind, and weather over time.

Here are common exterior-only “cover-ups” and what inspectors look for instead:

1) Fresh Paint That Conceals Deterioration

New paint can temporarily hide:

  • peeling/failed coatings

  • hairline cracking in trim

  • patched areas on fascia/soffits

  • early wood decay

Inspector focus: soft or damaged wood, repeat peeling patterns, exposed end-grain, and areas that stay wet longer than they should.

2) New Siding That’s Installed Incorrectly

Siding can be brand new and still create problems if:

  • it’s too close to grade/roofing surfaces

  • seams don’t align or aren’t properly finished

  • transitions aren’t detailed correctly at corners and openings

  • it’s missing proper termination details

Inspector focus: clearances, straight installation, proper terminations, and signs of moisture risk at edges and joints.

3) “Everything Is Caulked” Instead of Properly Detailed

Caulk is useful—but it’s not a substitute for correct exterior construction. Heavy caulking is often used to mask:

  • gaps around windows/doors

  • vulnerable joints in trim

  • siding-to-trim transitions

  • penetrations like pipes and conduit

Inspector focus: whether the exterior is properly detailed so that water sheds naturally—because caulk fails with age, sun, and movement.

4) Gutters That Look New but Don’t Perform

New gutters can still cause issues if:

  • they’re pitched incorrectly

  • they overflow at valleys or corners

  • downspouts don’t discharge properly

  • extensions are missing or too short

Inspector focus: gutter slope, secure attachment, leakage/overflow evidence, and discharge location that keeps water away from the foundation area.

5) Quick Roof-Edge “Touch-Ups” That Don’t Fix the Real Risk Areas

Homes can look sharp from the street even if roof edges and transitions are compromised. Common cosmetic distractions include “cleaned up” edges without addressing:

  • flashing details at roof-to-wall areas

  • penetrations (vents, pipes)

  • drip edges and water direction at the eaves

Inspector focus: roof-edge detailing, flashing presence/condition where visible, and staining patterns that suggest water isn’t shedding correctly.

6) Exterior Openings That Look Great—But Aren’t Protected

New doors/windows look high-end, but the risk is in the details: water can enter if:

  • trim is improperly sealed/detailed

  • visible gaps exist at corners

  • there are no proper transition/edge protections (where applicable)

Inspector focus: tight, consistent fit; proper exterior sealing; and visible signs of water staining or deterioration around openings.

Don’t Buy a Paint Job—Buy the Truth

Cosmetic upgrades can be great. But they should be the cherry on top—not a distraction from major defects.

A home inspection helps you see the home with clear eyes, protect your budget, and avoid moving-day surprises like leaks, unsafe wiring, or failing systems.

Because a staged living room is nice… but a safe, solid home is better.

Thinking about buying (or selling) a home?

Schedule a professional home inspection to uncover hidden issues before they become expensive repairs.

  • Clear reporting

  • Photos and documented findings

  • Peace of mind before closing

PPT Inspections is a trusted, locally owned company serving Detroit, Troy, Sterling Heights, and surrounding areas since 1994. Specializing in comprehensive home inspections, we provide peace of mind with expert evaluations for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.

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