A home inspection is just like putting a home under a magnifying glass and analyzing everything in the building. A home that looks perfect can have hidden problems that can fail an inspection. Things that fail a home inspection process might not be so catastrophic, but are fixable.
Why Does Home Inspection Matters?
A home inspection isn’t just a formality; it’s a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of a home. The licensed inspector checks everything from the roof to the foundation to detect the presence of any issues that might impact the safety, function, or value of the home.
For buyers, a home inspection is peace of mind, and for sellers, it is an opportunity to resolve the red flags before they derail the sale. In short, a home inspection is a roadmap for proper maintenance and the things that fail a home inspection are routine fixes.
What are the Things That Can Fail a Home Inspection?
Let’s have a look at the problematic things found in a home inspection process that can cause its failure:
Electrical Problems
Electrical issues are among the most common things that lead to a failed home inspection. The older homes don’t meet the modern codes, and even the newer homes can have some issues with wiring. Any missing GFCI outlets, damaged electrical panels, or double-tapped breakers can raise serious questions about the electrical system of a home.
Meanwhile, these issues can be repaired, and the home can be made safe, which can raise the value of the property.
Condition of the Roof
No one wants to hear that the roof of their home is in bad condition. However, an old roof and exposure to the extreme weather conditions can cause damage. The issues with the roof can be:
- 1. Missing, curling, or cracked shingles
- 2. Soft spots or sagging areas
- 3. Improper flashing around chimneys or vents
- 4. Leakage in the attic
All these issues can be fixed by replacing a few shingles or sealing the flashing. If the roof is older, its partial or full replacement can also help to have a perfect inspection report.
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing leaks, poor water pressure, or outdated piping can raise red flags about a home’s condition. Plumbing issues not resolved in a timely manner can create major problems in the home. Home inspectors can’t ignore the following problems with the plumbing system:
- 1. Leaky faucets or fixtures
- 2. Clogged or slow drains
- 3. Corroded pipes
- 4. Improper installation of the water heater
The fixes for the plumbing issues are straightforward. Replacing old pipes and repairing leaky connections can make it all manageable.
HVAC System Issues
The heating and cooling systems in a home are linked to the comfort of the residents. The failure in these systems can cause a failure of the home inspection. The most common issues with the HVAC systems are:
- 1. Dirty or clogged filters
- 2. Inadequate airflow
- 3. Systems that are past their prime
- 4. Improper installation
Regular maintenance can keep the HVAC system functioning properly; however, after detection of a problem, replacement of the filters, repairing ducts, or changing a thermostat can be helpful to fix such issues.
Foundation Cracks
Every homebuyer pays attention to the foundation of a home. Any issues found here sound scary. Problems in the foundation can affect the whole structure of a home. During inspection, the inspectors look for:
- 1. Vertical or horizontal cracks
- 2. Sign of shifting or settling
- 3. Sloping floors or sticking doors
The cosmetic cracks in the foundation are fixed very easily. But, the serious issues and bigger cracks may need repairing by involving a structural engineer to get fixed.
Poor Drainage or Grading
Water is an essential for homes. If it is not drained properly, it causes serious damages and affects the structural integrity of a home. There can be the following signs related to a drainage system that has failed your home inspection:
- 1. Standing water near the foundation
- 2. Soggy landscaping or mulch
- 3. Downspouts discharging near the building
- 4. Soil sloping towards the home
Grading can be corrected to reslope the soil, and downspouts can also be extended. All these issues can be dealt with as the sump pumps can help to improve the drainage system.
Mold and Moisture
Moisture can trigger big problems in a home. In the poorly ventilated areas, the presence of mold is expected, which makes the place unhealthy and unsafe to live in. Getting a mold inspection and eradicating it can help make the place safe. Meanwhile, improving ventilation can help to control the moisture content, and the home can pass the inspection.
Insulation Issues
Insulation issues are most likely to be found in the attic of homes, which is the most ignored part by homeowners. Issues there can lead to:
- 1. Reduction in energy efficiency
- 2. Compromised temperatures
- 3. Heavy utility bills
Such defects can be fixed by sealing the gaps. Commonly, for such issues, no major renovations are needed.
Pest or Termite Damage
Termites and other pests can do serious damage to a home. If the home inspectors find any trace of such pests, they’ll flag it fast. The signs they’ll look for are:
- 1. Wood that sounds hollow
- 2. Mud tubes
- 3. Chewed wiring or insulation
- 4. Damaged wooden beams
A professional pest control service can help deal with the pest infestation. If there has been a pest inspection at an earlier stage, then it is easier to eradicate them and repair the defects.
Safety Hazards
People are more concerned about the safety hazards in a building. Even minor safety hazards can fail a home inspection. These issues can be inexpensive, but they raise concerns about liability. Common safety hazards are:
- 1. Missing handrails on stairs
- 2. Non-functional smoke detectors
- 3. Loose floorboards
- 4. Uneven walkways
- 5. Problematic electrical system
Most of the safety hazards are easier to deal with. Keeping them to the lowest possible levels indicates that the homeowner has taken care of the building. It makes a big difference while selling a home.
What Will Fail a Home Insurance Inspection?
In case you are trying to get your home insured, you must know that home insurance inspections have their own standards. They can be similar to the buyer’s inspection. The things that can fail a home insurance inspection are:
- 1. Outdated electrical panels
- 2. Damaged roof or missing shingles
- 3. Outdated plumbing system
- 4. Unstable porches or steps
- 5. Trees are too close to the home
- 6. Lack of smoke detectors
- 7. Poor structural integrity of the home
- 8. Inefficient mechanical systems
Final Thoughts
A home inspection is not about pointing fingers at the issues, but about uncovering the problems that can be fixed. It is true that most of the problems that can fail a home inspection are totally fixable. So if you want to keep your biggest investment in the best shape, you can schedule a home inspection to know the required repair work. This way, you can make your home perfect and insured as well.