Home inspections can be nerve-racking, but knowing what to expect – and how to react – can greatly improve the experience.
When buying a home, a thorough inspection is crucial. But what are the main issues that cause a home inspection to “fail?” The real answer is: nothing! Contrary to popular belief, home inspections don't "fail" homes. Instead, inspections identify issues that buyers and sellers can negotiate over.
According to Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, this misconception is rooted in the origins of home inspections.
“Prior to the 1980s, home inspections didn't really exist,” said Long. “There were just real estate transactions. Then, people started having their homes inspected to find out if there was something wrong with the home before the transaction went through, and at that time, as you can imagine, home sellers were not really happy with this process, because they may have been trying to hide something from the clients.”
Long explained that this lingering stigma has stayed intact and many still view home inspectors as “deal killers.” However, a modern home inspection by a professional home inspection company does not lead to a “failed” deal.
“If you think about it, every home is sold. It's not like a home fails and then they just take it off the market and burn it to the ground,” said Long. “The problem is that some home inspectors fail to provide the information properly to the parties involved, and because of that, the news is alarming when it surfaces and the buyer decides to not purchase the home.”
While the buyer may feel that they have escaped a trap at this point, they typically go on to buy another home — which may not suit their needs as well as the first — when in reality, the issue with the first home might have been an easy fix.
“The buyer could have just gone to the seller and said, ‘Hey, I need $20,000 off the price, or I need you to fix this roof before we move forward,’” said Long.
Home inspections are not something to be feared. They may turn up issues, but there is always a solution. That being said, it’s always better to be prepared. According to HomeTeam Inspection Service, these are the top 10 common issues found during home inspections.
Foundation
Foundation issues can severely impact a home's value and safety. Symptoms include cracks in exterior walls, sagging floors and windows or doors that don't operate correctly. Addressing foundation problems is essential as they can lead to significant structural failures.
Roofing
The roof is a critical component that shields the home from the elements. Common roofing issues include damaged or missing shingles, leaks or other signs of decay. These problems can lead to water damage and costly repairs, making the roof inspection a high priority.
Plumbing
Plumbing issues are notorious for causing extensive water damage. Visible leaks, mildew, stains and unexpected spikes in water bills are red flags. Since many pipes are hidden, detecting problems early can save homeowners from expensive repairs and water wastage.
Electrical
Electrical problems are a major safety hazard. Faulty wiring, outdated panels and overloaded breakers can lead to fires. Home inspectors often find switches or outlets that don't work, along with exposed wires and other electrical flaws that require immediate attention.
Safety
Safety is an important part of every home inspection. Missing or faulty handrails, trip hazards, loose steps as well as non-GFCI outlets and non-functional or missing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are common safety issues that are reported by home inspectors. Often these items are easy fixes but left uncorrected, could cause harm to someone moving into the home.
Heating, Ventilation and Air (HVAC)
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems must function correctly for safety and comfort. Inspectors look for refrigerant leaks, ductwork cracks and signs of carbon monoxide. Proper HVAC maintenance ensures the system is safe and efficient.
Window and Door
Problems with windows and doors can signify underlying structural issues. Inspectors check for difficulty in opening or closing them, broken locks and drafts. Ensuring windows and doors are in good condition also enhances security and energy efficiency.
Environmental
Older homes might contain hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint. Additionally, radon and carbon monoxide can infiltrate the home. Inspectors use specialized tests to detect these toxins, and remediation is often required for safety. Environmental tests can be added to a standard home inspection.
Mold
Mold indicates water problems and poses health risks. It can spread quickly and cause respiratory issues. Inspectors check for visual signs of mold in damp areas like basements and bathrooms; however, a mold sample that is sent to a testing lab must be added to a standard home inspection if mold is suspected. Addressing mold promptly prevents it from becoming a larger, more expensive problem.
Pests
Pests like termites and rodents can damage a home's structure and create unhealthy living conditions. Signs of infestations include droppings, marks from gnawing and damaged wood. Regular pest control and inspections are vital to maintaining a home's integrity. A termite inspection can be added to a standard home inspection and the particulars of these inspections vary by state.
While issues can arise during a home inspection, a good home inspection team can provide the transparency both parties need to make an informed decision. “The job of home inspectors,” said Long, “is to give a clear explanation of the home in its current condition and then allow the client, the seller and the agents to negotiate the deal.”
