5 Spokane Homes That Look Like Deals—But Could Cost You Thousands

Not all low-priced listings are created equal. In fact, some of them come with hidden repair bills that can quickly turn your dream home into a financial headache. Here are five real-life Spokane-area homes that looked good on paper—but hid expensive issues beneath the surface.

1. Vintage Charm, Dangerous Wiring

Pre-1920 homes with leaded glass and coffered ceilings can be beautiful, but beware the knob-and-tube wiring. In one case, an updated panel still had live wires hanging in the basement. A simple panel upgrade might cost $5,000, but if you need to rewire the whole house? Expect a $20,000+ bill.

Pro tip: Always inspect the attic and basement for active knob-and-tube wiring, no matter what the listing says.

2. Hidden Water Tables

Spokane has surprising pockets of high groundwater, and homes built on them can suffer from seasonal flooding. Neighborhoods like Eagle Ridge, Glenrose, and Drumheller Springs are known for crawlspaces with standing water and basements with sump pumps.

Repair reality: Installing commercial-grade pumps and sealing foundations can cost $20,000 or more.

3. Radon Risks in the Rocks

Eastern Washington is one of the state’s worst areas for radon. South Hill, Latah Valley, and North Spokane all have hot spots. Anything above 4 picocuries per liter requires mitigation.

Mitigation cost: Expect $2,200–$3,000 for a proper system. It’s not expensive, but many homes lack it—and radon poses long-term health risks.

4. Plumbing Pitfalls: Polybutylene & Orangeburg

• Polybutylene: These 1980s gray plastic pipes can fail without warning. In one deal on a manufactured home, we negotiated a $30,000 seller-paid repipe.

• Orangeburg: This 60–80-year-old tar paper sewer piping is still found all over Spokane. It crumbles, letting in roots and groundwater.

Typical sewer repair: $7,500–$8,500 depending on access, sometimes more.

Warning signs: Slow drains, frequent backups, or older homes with no documented sewer updates.

5. Frankenstein Pipes and Mixed Metals

Galvanized + copper + PEX in one run? It might work—for a while. But mismatched metals cause corrosion, and over time reduce flow and reliability.

Long-term fix: A full repipe ensures you’re not patching together plumbing every few years.

Bonus: The Window Replacement Trap

You can update paint, flooring, even countertops—but window replacements are a silent budget buster.

• Home Depot quoted $8,500 for three bedrooms

• Andersen quoted $40,000 for the same job

Old wood windows leak air, spike utility bills, and make your home feel drafty. Vinyl warps in heat, aluminum sweats in winter. Choose wisely—and plan ahead.

None of these issues are dealbreakers—but they are deal changers. Spokane’s balanced market finally gives you time to inspect, test, and ask questions.

• Scope the sewer

• Test for radon

• Crawl into the crawlspace

• Ask about electrical, plumbing, and drainage history

And sellers: just because something "still works" doesn't mean buyers won't ask for repairs or credits. If you're getting no offers, the market may be trying to tell you something.

In a city where charm and character run deep, it pays to dig a little deeper. Because what you don’t see in the listing photos could cost you $80,000 or more down the line.