Splurge on a $500 model with a stronger exhaust and vent it all the way to the outside of the house, to avoid future repairs caused by excess moisture and mold.Worth it?

He mentioned there's a moisture issue in the basement which could be due to a grading issue.

The pic on the left appears to be the result of moisture infiltration.

It is legal in my state so I did not stop it immediately and the moisture damaged the ceiling.

Hunter Byler just make sure it was done properly and that there are no signs of mold from the moisture.

They stayed warm due to generating lots of heat internally and only heating the portions of the house being used {i.e. you would not heat the dining room or salon during the night}.With older properties we usually lay-out a plan to improve the building envelope first through air sealing (getting rid of drafts and convection within the wall cavities) and, where possible, insulation {not always straight forward ... many old brick buildings have limited insulation options due to the brick requiring heat transfer from inside to drive moisture from the brick}.Around here it is not uncommon to find an old mansion converted to multiple units - or the occasional purpose-built multi-unit - where the operating costs are 70 - 80% of the revenue and heating comprises 20 - 25% of the operating costs.  

We recommend they be fully evaluated by a qualified electrical contractor or engineer.The front bedroom closet has foam insulation installed as the ceiling but has gaps around the sides that are not fully fire blocked/fire sealed to the level above.There are moisture stains and biological growth at the bottom of the rear bedroom closet wall opposite the bathroom.ATTICWe could not find attic access in the interior of the home, there was a window on the front of the house over the front porch but it was caulked/sealed shut and we could not open it without causing damage.

The parameters for the inspection are pretty bare-minimum for any reasonably built and maintained unit,    but if you are looking at converting a basement with low ceilings,  uneven or dirt floors,  moisture issues, no or very small windows,  etc.  

Moisture and laminate do not do well together. 

I just got the home inspection report- the roof is thrashed and there is significant moisture damage throughout the house.