I’ve wondered about those fancy tools too. The moisture meters seem cool, but I’m not sure I’d use it enough to justify the cost. Have you tried just using your hand to feel for cold spots on the wall? Not high-tech, but it’s saved me once before.
Honestly, feeling for cold spots is hit or miss. I get wanting to save money, but a moisture meter can catch stuff your hand won’t—especially if you’ve got insulation or thicker walls. One leak behind drywall and you’ll wish you’d caught it earlier. Not saying everyone needs one, but it’s saved me a headache more than once.
I get the appeal of a moisture meter, but I’m still on the fence about buying one. They’re not super cheap, and I’m always weighing if it’s worth it for something I might use once or twice a year. I usually just keep an eye out for stains or musty smells, and check under sinks and around toilets. Maybe I’m rolling the dice, but so far, no disasters. Guess it depends how old your house is, too—mine’s not ancient, so maybe I’m just lucky.
I get where you’re coming from—those meters aren’t exactly pocket change, and if you’re not dealing with leaks every year, it’s hard to justify. I’ve always just done a quick check: look for bubbling paint, soft spots on the floor, and sniff around for that damp smell. One time I caught a slow leak under the kitchen sink just by noticing the cabinet wood felt a bit off. Have you ever tried using a cheap hygrometer instead? Not as precise, but it gives you a ballpark idea if something’s off.
I totally get the appeal of just using your senses—honestly, half the time it’s that weird musty smell that tips me off something’s wrong. I’ve tried those cheap hygrometers, but in my experience, they’re hit or miss. Once, I thought I had a leak because the reading was high, but it turned out my kid left a wet towel under the bathroom sink... Not exactly high-tech detective work. Still, for older homes especially, I’d rather spend a bit more upfront on a solid inspection every few years than deal with mold remediation down the line. The peace of mind is worth it for me, but I know not everyone feels the same.
