Maryland's housing stock is unusually diverse for a small state. The Baltimore metro area is dominated by 19th and early 20th century rowhomes built in tight masonry construction. The DC suburbs lean toward mid-century single-family detached housing and newer townhome developments. The Eastern Shore mixes modest farmhouses with waterfront properties exposed to Chesapeake Bay storm patterns. Western Maryland looks closer to Pennsylvania, with stone foundations and steep terrain.
Humidity is the unifying inspection concern. Summers regularly hit 90% relative humidity for weeks at a time, and the freeze-thaw cycles of Maryland winters compound any moisture damage that took hold during the warm months. Inspectors throughout the state pay close attention to attic ventilation, basement moisture, brick mortar condition, and HVAC sizing relative to humidity loads.
Old housing dominates many markets. Baltimore alone has tens of thousands of homes built before 1940, which means lead paint, knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, asbestos floor tile, and original masonry are common findings. None are deal-breakers individually, but understanding their combined implications matters for any buyer of a pre-1978 Maryland home.
Maryland follows the International Residential Code with state amendments enforced by local jurisdictions. Lead paint disclosure is required for all rental and sale properties built before 1978, with specific certification requirements for rental units. The Critical Area Act adds environmental review requirements for properties within 1,000 feet of Chesapeake Bay tidal waters.
Common Maryland Considerations
- Brick mortar deterioration
- Basement moisture
- Lead paint in pre-1978 homes
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Galvanized plumbing
- Roof storm damage
Local Requirements: Maryland Building Performance Standards based on IRC, lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties