When buying a home, it’s easy to overlook the many things that go through your mind from the first time you walk into a home until you finally sign on the dotted line. It can be easy to forget about little odds and ends that could cost you down the road. This article will go over common things that typically fail a home inspection (and how to avoid them).
Why Check For Things That Fail a Home Inspection?
A home inspection can be very useful in helping you make an informed decision about whether or not this particular property is right for you, but there are some things it needs to catch. For example, your new home might look great now, but what happens when it falls apart? The home inspector won’t know until it’s too late—but if he’d checked for things that failed during his inspection process, then he might have been able to prevent those issues from occurring.
In addition, a home inspection is not a pass/fail test but rather a description of the home’s physical condition and an assessment of what may need to be repaired or replaced.
What Is a Home Inspection Contingency?
A home inspection contingency clause in a real estate purchase contract allows the buyer to hire a home inspector to assess the property’s condition. It requires the seller to take reasonable steps to repair any issues found in the home inspection report. This clause gives buyers peace of mind and protects them from buying an unsafe or expensive-to-fix property.
A real estate agent can help you negotiate and understand this contingency, ensuring it’s included in your purchase contract for maximum protection. Home inspectors are experts who can provide an unbiased view of a property’s condition, which is invaluable when making such a significant investment.
Who pays for a house inspection report?
When buying a dream house, it is important to know what kind of condition it is in before you sign any paperwork. Most sellers require home buyers to pay for a house inspection report. The inspection report will outline any reasonable repairs that need to be done before closing on the home. It will also allow the buyer to renegotiate the purchase price if necessary.
The cost of a house inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property, but most sellers are willing to pay for at least a portion of it. The buyer pays some or all of it, depending on how much they are willing to negotiate repairs with the seller.
Overall, both parties must agree on who pays for the house inspection report so they can move forward in purchasing or selling their dream home, knowing they are making an informed decision based on all available information.
Things That Fail a Home Inspection
- Ground Sloping
Home inspections are incredibly important for potential buyers. Ground sloping is one of the things that can fail a home inspection, as it can lead to potential problems like standing water and drainage problems.
The sloped ground can cause standing water to accumulate near the foundation of a house, which can lead to mold, mildew, and other costly problems. Home inspectors will look for the uneven ground around the house’s perimeter as part of their assessment. If they find any discrepancies, the inspection could fail and have severe implications for future owners.
- Foundation Issues
The cracked foundation, framing problems, and other structural issues are among the most common home inspection fails regarding foundation conditions. Sometimes, these structural problems can be easily fixed with minor repairs or adjustments. However, if major repairs are needed, it could delay your move-in date or increase your overall cost of moving into the new property.
- Termite Damage
One of the common home inspection issues is termite damage. Termites are small insects that feed on wood and structural elements, and if left untreated, they can cause significant damage to a home’s structure.
Home inspectors will often use specialized tools such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera to detect termite infestation more accurately. Homeowners must know the signs and symptoms of possible termite infestation to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
- HVAC Problems
HVAC systems are one of the most common items that can fail a home inspection. When inspecting an HVAC system, an inspector will ensure all parts are working properly, installed correctly, and free from major issues. If the system fails inspection, it can mean that the buyer backs out or loses their earnest money.
Knowing potential issues to look for in an HVAC system before an inspection can help avoid any unexpected costs or problems. Common issues include faulty air conditioning units and water heaters not being installed properly or working properly.
- Radon and Asbestos
Radon and asbestos are two of the most common causes of home safety issues and respiratory problems. Both radon and asbestos can be dangerous if they are not properly removed or detected.
Carbon monoxide detectors can help alert homeowners to any potential hazards due to radon or asbestos in the home. At the same time, proper testing is necessary to ensure these materials are not present on the property. It is also a good idea for homeowners to educate themselves on the health risks associated with these matters and how best to avoid them. Failing a home inspection due to radon or asbestos can have serious consequences for the homeowner and potential buyers, so these issues must be addressed before any sale occurs.
- Water Damage and Plumbing Problems
One of the most common home inspection problems is water damage and plumbing issues. These issues can range from leaky pipes to tree roots in the lines and can be a costly problem if left unchecked.
Leaks cause water damage, inside or outside, while plumbing problems often involve pipes not running properly or leaky pipes. Other common problems include tree roots invading underground plumbing lines and other common issues with septic tanks and sewer systems. Identifying these issues during a home inspection can save much money.
- Roofing Issues
Inspectors look for both major and minor issues with roofing, such as holes, poor flashing installation, damaged or missing shingles, blocked gutters or drains and any other conditions that could lead to leaks or structural damage. In order to pass an inspection, it is important for a home buyer to address any potential roofing issues before closing the deal.
- Mold and Rotting Wood
Mold and rotting wood are costly to repair and can also be dangerous to your health. Moreover, these issues can pose cosmetic issues for potential buyers and sellers alike. In addition, mold and rotting wood are two of the most common cosmetic issues that can fail a home inspection and make it difficult for a home seller to sell their house.
- Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can be one of the most common things found during a home inspection. They can range from minor to major and require attention from a licensed electrician. Crumbling insulation, electrical wiring that is not up to code, and reverse polarity are all red flags during an inspection. These issues must be addressed before the purchase of a home can move forward.
- Windows and Doors Issues
Home inspectors often overlook windows and doors, but they can be a significant source of issues. Poor installation, damage from wear and tear, or lack of maintenance can lead to problems that will fail a home inspection. Common issues include windows and doors that do not close properly or have broken seals.
Also, windows may be missing weather stripping or other necessary parts for energy efficiency. Inspectors will also check for any holes in the window or door frames, which can cause drafts and reduce insulation.
- Kitchen Appliances
Common issues that can cause a kitchen appliance to fail a home inspection include inadequate smoke detectors, faulty wiring, missing parts, improper installation, and insufficient ventilation. While these issues may seem minor at first glance, they can have significant repercussions if not adequately addressed.
What Happens After a Home Inspection?
After a home inspection, it’s essential to understand the property’s overall condition. The inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any deficiencies or issues discovered during the inspection. The inspection report should include recommendations for repairs or improvements that need to be made to bring the property up to code or address safety concerns.
After receiving the report, it’s important to follow up with any necessary repairs or improvements before selling or renting out the property. It’s also important to discuss any findings with your real estate agent and determine if further action needs to be taken to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Foothills Home Inspections: Your One-Stop Shop Home Inspectors
Foothills Home Inspections is your one-stop shop for home inspections in Northern Colorado. Whether you’re a potential home buyer or a current home seller, our team of experienced inspectors can help you ensure that the property you’re considering is safe and up to code.
We provide detailed reports of our findings so that you can make an informed decision about the condition of your potential new home or the market value of your current property. Let us help ease your mind when making a major purchase—we have years of experience and dedication to quality service that make us ideal partners for all your home inspection needs in Northern Colorado.
Call Foothills Home Inspections at 970-567-8180 or book an appointment online to schedule an inspection of your home.