If I try to defend my AOR after my area has been penetrated/compromised, then I've already failed.There are also cases where not everyone has the same experience with law/real estate that others do. 

But he couldn't quite sand ALL the deep-penetrating shellac out of those bottom cabinets, which left you with that persistent tint differential.I'm sure the dude's baffled and rationalizing his failure all day long; "But I finished them both the same way!

This could be allowing moisture to drain against the foundation. 

There are a handful of ways to help water penetration.

Look for 10 x 12 or 10 x 14 bedrooms and 8-9' ceilings, good stucco/brick, clean no/low moisture basement, average shingle roof, etc.  

Who can evaluate the source of the moisture?

But for each area repairs and capex are a different amount, for example, I live in great lakes so there is a lot of snow and moisture.

It's a mistake to put carpet in a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, or any space where there is a high risk of moisture and/or food spills.

Debating whether or not I should hire someone to inspect this area and see if there's any standing water or moisture build up (during inspection, there was some moisture build up but I'm planning to fix that by improving the soil grade around the house - so it drains away more effectively)7) Vinyl exterior - periodically pressure wash it every few years?

first GC didnt have water main repaired in crawl space. this led to moisture problems that cost an extra 3k in costs that he was unwilling to address.