Every homebuyer wants their home to pass a home inspection with flying colors. But is it possible for a home to really pass or fail an inspection?
A home inspection is not intended to be a pass-or-fail kind of examination. Instead, it assesses what can be changed, updated, or improved upon by either the seller or the buyer. Inspections also help clarify the home’s condition for the buyer, informing them if a house is worth pursuing or not.
While there is no passing or failing a home inspection, an inspector can uncover issues that raise significant concerns for homebuyers.
Issues that Can Fail a Home Inspection
There are several categorical areas of a house that home inspectors examine. Your inspector can find significant, deal-breaking issues in areas like:
The Foundation
It’s crucial for your home’s foundation to be in good, solid condition and not show signs of damage. Red flags that usually point to foundation issues and could cause homebuyers to reconsider their purchase include:
- Large cracks in the walls, ceiling, or siding
- Moisture buildup in crawl spaces or basements
- Doors and windows that cannot open or shut all the way
- Sloping within the home
The Roof
Like the foundation, you want the roof to be in great shape before purchasing a home. Roof repairs or replacements can be costly, and signs that the roof requires attention include:
- Aged materials
- Damage from branches or debris
Roofs wear out over time and will need to be replaced eventually. If the home you’re interested in requires a new roof, try negotiating with the seller to take care of the replacement costs.
Home Drainage
If there is dysfunction in a home’s drainage system, your inspector will likely find signs of water damage and foundational complications. Warning signs include:
- Poor grading that slopes toward the house
- Standing water after a rain
- Mold growth at the base of the home
- Water stains in the basement or crawl space
Plumbing Issues
Your plumbing system needs to be healthy and up to date, especially if you’re looking at purchasing an older house. Plumbing issues that could lead to a failed home inspection include:
- Aged piping
- Broken pipes
- Leaks
- Poor DIY plumbing projects
All these issues with the foundation, roof, drainage system, or plumbing system can indicate more significant problems with the home or serve as red flags for the homebuyer(s). These are only some of the issues a home inspector can discover, too. If your home inspector finds significant problems in any area of the home, you should negotiate corrections with the owner or reconsider your interest in the purchase.
Are you in the home inspection phase of the homebuying process? Get the most out of your sale by partnering with the homebuying experts at Walker, Hulbert, Gray, & Moore
Our attorneys understand home inspections and how to approach the sale after the report. Let us help you evaluate your home inspection and determine your next steps in the purchase. Schedule your appointment with our firm today: 478-987-1415
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Home Inspection Problems Part 2: Additional Problems
The Home Inspection Checklist: 6 Major Things the Inspector Examines