Home inspection is the process of checking the structure and system of a house. Home inspector provides a home inspection report. This report includes the critical issues that need attention. Home inspection failure can break a contract. Every home has flaws. But not every issue found in the home inspection can end the deal. Home inspection pinpoints the major red flags of a house. The homeowners should understand things that fail a home inspection. Passing the home inspection makes them feel safe. The buyers should hire a home inspector to make the best decision. It will help them avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
What is Home Inspection?
Home inspection is a process of thoroughly assessing a property’s condition. The home inspectors check from the roof to the foundation. After that they provide a home inspection report. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a single-family home inspection takes 2 to 4 hours on average. However, it can vary depending on the size and condition of the house. Home inspection saves the buyers from the unexpected repair expense.
Top 10 Things that Fail a Home Inspection
The buyers and sellers must understand what may fail in a home inspection. Having a home inspection checklist will ease the stress of both parties. So, let’s look into 10 things that fail home inspection.
Foundation Issues
Cracks in the walls and uneven floors are symptoms of foundation issues. The reasons behind this problem are soil and drainage issues. Natural disasters also cause cracks in the walls.
A structural engineer identities the foundation problems of a house. Contact them when you see bowed walls, cracks in walls or doors that do not open easily. Frequent maintenance of the house is the key to avoid bigger foundation problems. Foundation repair costs anywhere from $2,162 to $7,795.
Roof Problems
Damaged or missing shingles, sagging areas, and leaks are proof of faulty roofs. Old houses generally have roof issues. These roofs have to be replaced. But we can detect roof damages in the new homes too. The damages turn into wood rot and mold issues. Potential buyers get demotivated seeing the faulty roofs. Homeowners must identify any leak or damage in the roof. And then replace or repair it before listing the house. Consult with a licensed roofing professional to fix the problems. Meanwhile, the buyers have to negotiate with the sellers regarding the roof replacement.
Insect Infection
Termites and other insects extensively damage a home’s structure. No one wants to pay millions to live in a house with insect infection. Holes in wood, termite tunnels, droppings, and nests indicate the insect infection. The inspectors check from top to bottom to find insect-caused damages. Contact pest control companies to treat insect problems.
Inspection Failure due to Poor Drainage System
Surface grading problems around homes cause drainage issues. Poor drainage leads to a leaky basement, mold and mildew issues. It causes foundation damage as well.
Add topsoil to fix the poor surface grading problem. And make a 10-foot long slope around your home. Try to check gutters and downspouts regularly for any sign of deterioration. Additionally, clean the gutters for proper drainage by appointing professional gutter cleaners.
Electrical Issues
Home inspectors will look for outdated or undersized wirings, aluminum wirings, and improper circuit breakers. They will note down any electrical issues that violate the safety of the house. Major electrical issues can be expensive to fix. It can cost around $7,000 on average to rewire a house. As licensed electricians look at any electrical issues and modernize the system.
HVAC System Issues
The home inspectors check the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Broken down HVAC systems can fail home inspection. It deters the potential buyers. Contact an air duct cleaning company to maintain HVAC components. And replace the faulty components.
Inspection Fail for Home Plumbing Issues
Signs of plumbing issues are leaks, outdated pipes, and low water pressure. It compromises the structural stability of the home. Plumbing problem mutates into mold and health hazards. Replacing a main sewer line costs a lot. Homeowners should hire local plumbers to check plumbing issues. They should fix the problem before it gets complex.
Building Code Violation
Major building code violations can lead to home inspection failure. Improper renovations, unsafe staircases, and inadequate smoke detectors are some of the violations. These can cause withdrawal of agreement. Buyers should make sure to check thoroughly or else they may be liable for the repairs. And the homeowners should contact the build code inspector. The inspectors will help to fix everything. After that the homeowner can proceed to sell.
Structural Issues
Sagging floors, warped walls, and sticking doors and windows are signs of structural damage. It is a red flag in the home inspection checklist. It can create buyers’ remorse. Structural problems decrease property values. It also increases safety risks. Homeowners should hire a structural engineer. The structural engineers will check and repair the structural damages. The severity of the damages often cannot be detected by the home inspectors. That’s why they suggest the buyers consult with structural engineers.
Risk of Asbestos
The houses built before 1980 may contain asbestos or lead-based paint. Asbestos can lead to hazardous health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can be found in floor tiles, plaster, ceiling tiles, and textured paints. This problem is one of the vital things that fail home inspection. It must be removed by a professional immediately to avoid health issues.
Why is it important to have a thorough home inspection?
Home inspection is equally important for the buyer and the seller. An in-depth look into the property condition helps the buyers in decision-making. It also helps the real estate agents to negotiate to minimize any loss. As for the homeowners, they should understand things that fail a home inspection.
What to do if you failed a home Inspection?
The home inspector may reveal many unexpected issues. It causes stress and panic to the homeowners. A competent real estate agent can help you to solve these issues. They consider the market factors to reach a solution.
Buyers can ask the seller to fix the problem. They can also take money for the repairs. Sometimes the issues found in the inspection report are too serious. Buyers can back out from the deal in such cases.
The home inspection report states many issues of the house. But the sellers do not have to fix everything. A real estate agent can help to understand what to fix.
Final Thoughts
Home inspections ensure the home is in good condition. It reduces the hassle of the buyers. Sellers also get the home inspected. The goal is to avoid difficulties in selling the house. Buyers and sellers must understand what fails a home inspection. Home inspection failure can be a dealbreaker. Homeowners should maintain and repair the house. This will help them to avoid home inspection failure. A skilled real estate agent can assist to reduce home inspection failures.
