A home inspection is a top-to-bottom evaluation of a home, completed by a
licensed inspector. Home inspections are usually paid for by the buyer when
purchasing a home. The role of the home inspector is to provide the buyer with a
comprehensive report detailing problems with the home — both big and small. A
buyer typically reserves the right to back out of the transaction if the home
inspection fails, or they can attempt to renegotiate the price based on the cost of
repairs.
A home inspector will evaluate each part of a subject property looking for electrical,
plumbing, mechanical, and structural issues. Some things that fail a home
inspection include anything from drainage issues in the yard to cracks in the
foundation. For sellers, preparing for a home inspection can help you address
some of the most common home inspection problems ahead of time.
The 10 Most-Common Home Inspection Problems
Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs, like a broken window pane, for example, might
come up in an inspection report. However, these small items will rarely cause a deal
to unravel. It’s the costly and often hidden problems that can cause a buyer to back
out or ask for money off of the contract price. Here are some of the most common
things that fail a home inspection.
Problem #1: Rundown Roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 25 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, don’t
be surprised to see it come up in the inspection report. Inspectors will call out
brittle, curled, or broken shingles, and any loose flashing or leaky spots. A severely
neglected roof could cost $10,000 or more to replace.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Replace damaged shingles and flashing. Recaulk areas where ventilation pipes
penetrate the roof.
Problem #2: Drainage Issues
Surface grading around a home can cause serious drainage issues and foundation
damage. Improper grading can lead to leaky basements, causing mildew and other
problems. It can also create spongy soil that causes foundations to shift.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Add topsoil to grade the ground and create a slight 10-foot-long slope around the
home. For every foot you move away from the home, the ground should slope
down one inch. You should also repair or add gutters and downspouts to direct
rainwater away from the foundation.
Problem #3: Faulty Foundation
Foundation problems are one of the most costly issues to fix, in some cases
in excess of $10,000. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that
stick, cracks in walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal
cracks in the visible parts of the exterior foundation.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
If you know your home has serious foundation issues, it might be best to take care
of them before you sell the house, as few buyers will want to deal with the hassle of
fixing a foundation. As far as minor foundation repairs go, fill any cracks with epoxy
or silicone caulk. Seal the exterior foundation with a waterproof coating. Adjust
doors and windows to make sure they all open and close without sticking.
Problem #4: Plumbing Problems
Damaged pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, and backed-up sewage systems
are costly to fix and common things that fail a home inspection. Some types of
plumbing pipes found in older homes, such as those made from polybutylene,
have been discontinued and are prone to failure. Home inspectors will report
these incompatible plumbing materials.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Consider upgrading your plumbing with modern piping. At a minimum, repair any
visible leaks. Unclog and clean out drains. It can also help to reseat any toilets
and install new wax rings.
Problem #5: Pest Infestations
There is nothing that will send some homebuyers running quite like an infestation
of pests, especially termites. Termites and other wood-eating insects can cause
significant structural damage if left untreated. A home inspector is trained to
identify signs of termites, however, your buyer might also want to perform
a separate termite inspection with a pest control company for additional peace of
mind.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Hire a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your home before a
home inspection. If termites are found, you’ll need to disclose it. Treat the termites
and get a termite bond that will protect the buyer from re-infestation.
Problem #6: Hidden Mold
Discovering mold during inspection can spell (and smell) trouble. Extensive mold
infestations can be costly to remediate. But if you don’t detect musty odors in
your home then you probably don’t have to worry. Mold is caused by excessive
moisture and is usually a sign of a leak or drainage issue.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Repair any obvious leaks or malfunctioning gutters. Make sure the ground around
the home is properly graded. Maintain proper humidity levels inside the house.
That may mean running the A/C in the summer even if your house is unoccupied.
Problem #7: Failing Heating Systems
A near-death furnace can turn off buyers due to the $6,000 to
$10,000 replacement cost. Other issues include non-working controls, blocked
chimneys, damaged heat exchangers, and exhaust flues that are not up to code.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Having your furnace inspected annually can help extend its life. If it’s too late for
that, consider replacing your furnace to keep buyers from walking.
Problem#8: Electrical Wiring
Home inspectors commonly encounter problems with electrical wiring such as
reverse polarity, missing junction boxes, and damaged receptacles. Homes built
between 1965 and 1973 may have inferior aluminum wiring, a concern that a home
inspector will also identify.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade any faulty outlets and junction
boxes. Make sure that your breaker box is correctly labeled as well.
Problem #9: Structural Damage
Older homes are prone to structural issues such as sagging floor joists, rafters,
and door headers. It may not be immediately apparent if a structural issue is major
or minor, and many home inspectors will advise buyers to have the home
inspected by an engineer if that is the case.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Structural repairs are among the most costly and can turn buyers off. If your home
shows signs of structural flaws, hire a structural engineer to assess the extent of
the problems and the potential repair costs.
Problem #10: Poorly Maintained Condition
While cosmetic issues like peeling paint and cracked caulk aren’t major problems on
their own, an accumulation of small problems could be a big turn-off for some
buyers. Having numerous problems can signal to an inspector, and the buyer, that
the home has been poorly maintained.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
A fresh coat of paint inside and out can go a long way toward improving the visible
condition of a home. Replace or repair broken light fixtures and appliances, as well.
What Home Inspectors Look For
Home inspections are a critical part of the home-buying process. As the buyer, you
can find yourself in an expensive pickle if the inspector fails to notice a crack in a
foundation or a potential hazard. If the inspector finds issues with the property, you
can always renegotiate the price to take into consideration the cost of the repairs or
even walk away from the deal.
It’s extremely important that you use a certified home inspector as well. The
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) provides
a searchable database to help you find the right inspector in your area.
So, what is an inspector looking for exactly? The leader of InterNACHI®, Claude
McGavic, told Realtor.com that there is a list of 1,600 items inspectors look for.
Some of those items include heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical
systems, structural components, foundations, and insulation. Those are just a few
of the items an inspector will check. They also look at the basics of a home: walls,
floors, ceilings, windows, etc.
Home Inspection Tips
- Tip #1: Remember that sellers are required to disclose known defects to the buyer in advance.
- Tip #2: Keep your home clean and clear of clutter. Ensure all systems are on and working.
- Tip #3: Sellers should not attend the inspection so the buyer, agent, and inspector can speak freely.
The Bottom Line
Inspections can be stressful for sellers, but knowing what inspectors look for can
help you anticipate things that fail a home inspection. Minor tweaks here and there
can improve the overall report. Repair major issues in advance or disclose them to
the seller.
Connect