02/27/2026
✅🫣🏡🔨Most buyers don’t realize these problems until after they move in….Most buyers walk into a Maui home and notice the countertops, cabinets, and paint colors.
Smart buyers look at the things that cost REAL money here.
Here’s the checklist I walk my Maui buyers through:
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1️⃣ Water Heater 🔧
Check the label for the manufacture date.
On Maui, water heaters usually last 8–12 years because of salt air.
If it’s older, budget about:
$2,000 – $4,000 installed - for a regular tank - some are leaning towards tankless also that ranges from $700–$1,800 approx
That’s a negotiation point.
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2️⃣ Electrical Panel ⚡
Ask to see inside the panel.
Watch for:
• Corrosion from salt air
Insurance companies in Hawaii often won’t insure certain panels.
Replacement cost:
$3,000 – $6,000 Approx
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3️⃣ Signs of Water or Roof Issues 🌧️
Look at ceilings and walls.
Water stains in Maui often mean:
• Roof wear
• Wind-driven rain
• Flashing issues
Roof repairs can run:
$3,000 – $20,000+
Always ask:
When was the roof last replaced?
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4️⃣ Windows and Salt Air 🌊
Check the windows closely.
Salt air causes:
• Rusted hardware
• Sticking windows
• Failed seals
Replacing windows in Hawaii can run:
$10,000 – $30,000+
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5️⃣ Plumbing & Water Pressure 🚿
Turn on the shower and flush the toilet.
Weak pressure could mean:
• Old galvanized pipes
• Corrosion buildup
Replumbing can cost:
$8,000 – $20,000
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6️⃣ Drainage Around the Home 🌧️
Walk around the property.
The ground should slope away from the house.
On Maui, poor drainage means:
• Moisture under the home
• Mold risk
• Foundation movement
Fixes often cost:
$2,000 – $8,000
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7️⃣ Sewer or Septic 🚽
You can’t see it — but you should ask.
Older Maui homes may have:
• Aging sewer lines
• Older septic systems
A sewer scope costs about:
$300 – $600
Repairs can be:
$10,000 – $25,000+
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💬 The Truth About Buying on Maui
The pretty stuff is easy to see.
The expensive stuff is usually hiding in plain sight.
Every one of these items can be leverage at the negotiating table.
Save this list for when you tour homes on Maui. 🌴
