A Complete List of Things That Fail a Home Inspection
Home inspections can be intimidating as they can either positively or negatively impact both the buyer and the seller. These inspections can, however, be a bit easier when you know what to expect and the types of things that fail a home inspection.
12 Things That Fail a Home Inspection
Below is a comprehensive guide to help. Make sure you check every point thoroughly before a home inspection, otherwise you might expect an F!
1. Roofing
We’ll start with the top of the home: the roofing issues. This is one of the most common reasons homes fail an inspection. Problems with a roof can lead to many other issues, and it can add up to a lot of money for repairs.
I recently saw a home that had an old, leaky roof. Every time it rained, the water would leak into the walls and through the ceiling. Along the way, it had destroyed all of the insulation, most of the ceiling, interfered with the electrical wiring, and damaged the floor.
Due to the extensive damage, it was determined that it would be much cheaper to just buy a new home than to repair that one. One hole in a roof that goes unchecked can lead to at least tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages.
Generally, a roof that is not leaking is considered “okay,” but inspectors look for more than leaks. They determine if the roof looks like it might need work soon.
For example, if the roof is missing even one or a few shingles, it wasn’t properly installed, or the shingles are curling, broken, or brittle, it likely won’t pass. And if it’s in good shape but it’s coming up at the end of its life expectancy, it might fail.
However, the inspector may just note that it’s in decent shape but will need to be replaced soon. In either case, your roof may cause some issues with the inspection.
2. Foundational and Structural Damage
Structural damage is a big issue when it comes to a home inspection. Not only does no one want to live in a home that might cave in at any moment, but an inspector can’t in good conscience sign off on such a property.
Remember, we’re talking about the base of the house – not the cosmetic side. Anything cosmetic can be fixed a little at a time, and a buyer is more likely to purchase a home that can easily be fixed up to look like they want it to. If there are structural issues, though, it can be incredibly expensive and intimidating.
The point here is twofold: structural issues can cause a home to fail inspection, but they can also make a potential buyer not want to buy the property.
If you are selling a home that has structural damage, you should either plan to fix it first or be willing to take less to sell it “as is.” Cutting the purchase price might make the buyer feel better about having to make repairs.
3. Pests
Pests are more than – well, pests. They are hazardous to health and safety. They carry diseases and bacteria, meaning they can easily spread things to people who live there.
Pests can also damage the structure of the home. Termites can tear a home apart with little effort. It can literally fall down around you. If a home inspector sees evidence of pests, the home will not pass inspection.
So what evidence are they looking for? Here’s a list of some of the signs:
Nesting
Tunnels, holes and gnaw marks in the wood, especially around the baseboards
Rodent feces
Buckling wood or swollen floors and ceilings
Scratching noises
4. Drainage Issues
Water is a source of life in most cases – at least when it’s in the proper places. However, in the wrong spot, such as running loose in or around your home, it can be destructive.
Water must be able to flow properly away from the home. Otherwise, it can cause severe damage to it. So inspectors look for signs that it’s not draining properly, such as:
Water leaking into the basement
Pools of water in the yard or surrounding the home
Gutters that overflow
Musty smells
Mildew or mold
5. Plumbing
Plumbing issues can include anything from a leaky faucet to a backed up sewage line and an improperly functioning water heater. In truth, a leaky faucet probably isn’t going to cause you to fail a home inspection as it can be fixed easily.
However, if you notice the leak before the inspection, go ahead and take care of it. If the inspector notices that leak, it might feel as though you haven’t maintained the property and reflect poorly on you. This doesn’t mean a failed inspection, but it can influence the overall opinion of the home.
More serious issues, though, can cause you to fail. Old pipes are one of them. Throughout history, people have had to be creative with the materials used for different things.
For example, there was a time that sewage pipes were made from a type of papier mache. Can you imagine that? It was the equivalent of a toilet paper tube to carry liquid waste away.
It sounds crazy, sure, but there was a time when it was necessary and ingenious. Still, most materials of the past will not stand up to today’s needs and do not meet current codes. This includes polybutylene pipes, as they have been discontinued.
When the home inspector comes out, they’ll check to see what the pipes are made from, whether they are working properly, and if there are any leaks. The answer to these questions could lead to a failed home inspection.
6. Mold
If a property has plumbing issues or drainage issues – especially if those issues have been going on for a while – there is a high chance that there is some mold present. And mold is a very dangerous health hazard, so there’s no real surprise that it can cause a home inspection to fail.
It’s important to note that you can address the mold issue with the help of a mold remediation company. However, cleaning out mold growth isn’t going to do any good if the reason behind the mold growth isn’t addressed.
In other words, if a leaky pipe led to mold growth, that leaky pipe needs to be fixed first. Otherwise, it’s just going to keep leaking and mold will just grow again.
7. Electrical Wiring
Of all the issues on this list, problems with electrical wiring scare me the most. Faulty wiring can easily lead to a fire, and fire is a scary thing.
No inspector is going to pass a home that could catch on fire at the drop of a hat. And, let’s be honest, no buyer wants to move into a home that is a fire hazard or a home in which all of the outlets do not work properly.
Faulty wiring is more common than it should be due to non-professional work. Let me be clear, here: I am all for saving money where you can, doing things yourself, or letting a friend or family member help.
However, there are some cases in which none of those is a good course of action. And in my humble opinion, electrical work is one of them. I don’t care if Cousin Bob “knows what he’s doing.” If he is not licensed and insured, he shouldn’t be touching the electrical wiring.
If this seems like just an opinion and that a non-professional might be able to pull it off, consider this: A home inspector knows the difference between DIY and professional electrical work. And if he feels that it’s a DIY job, he might ask for proof of a work order. It’s safer on all sides to have a professional do the work.
Additionally, if the home is older, it might have outdated wiring. For instance, homes built prior to 1950 have knob and tube wiring which is not suitable for current needs.
8. HVAC
The bottom line with an HVAC system is that it needs to work properly. This means that it heats and cools as it should, the wiring is safe, and the ductwork is properly installed. If it’s a gas system, the inspector ensures there is enough ventilation in the space and will likely look for a smoke and a carbon dioxide alarm.
9. Basic Safety and Security
It doesn’t matter what type of neighborhood you live in, security cameras, flood lights, and alarms are great ideas. However, the inspector won’t count points off if you don’t have these.
In fact, you can have these items and still fail a home inspection. That’s because what really counts is basic safety, such as windows and doors that shut properly and locks that actually work.
And it’s not just about keeping people out. It’s about overall safety. So if the windows are not closing all the way, air and rain can come in. Or if there are gaps at the tops of doors, the same thing can happen. These are considered safety issues, and they will not pass inspection.
10. Paint
No, the inspector does not care if your home is all white or if your teen decided they wanted their walls neon green. You won’t fail an inspection over your decorating choices.
However, if your paint contains lead, they do care. Not all inspectors automatically check for this, but the buyer can request it – usually for an additional charge.
11. Radon and Asbestos
It’s no secret that asbestos is hazardous to a person’s health, but it may actually be present in your home. This is typically only true if the house was built prior to 1981, but the inspector will check for asbestos to ensure there’s no danger.
Additionally, the inspector will look for high concentrations of radon. This is a radioactive gas that we are actually around more often than we think, so in small doses, it’s okay.
However, once it reaches a high enough level, it can be extremely harmful and lead to lung cancer. The inspector will test for this gas before completing the inspection.
12. Building Code Violations
Building codes typically vary among states and local jurisdictions, so there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist here. Your local inspector will check the home according to building codes that apply to your area. If anything isn’t up to code, it will likely need to be fixed prior to the sale, especially if you want the best price.
FAQs About Home Inspection
Home inspections are usually only required for certain events. These usually include when a home is being sold and a mortgage will be involved in the sale.
The mortgage company typically requires one because approving the mortgage is a risk they are taking on. They want the house to be in good shape so that if the buyer defaults on the loan, they can recoup their losses by selling it to someone else.
Not all mortgage companies require an inspection, though. Many will, instead, ask for an appraisal and possibly an inspection of wood-destroying organisms.
Also, a home insurance company or private mortgage insurance company will usually require a home inspection. This is because they want to be sure the home is not too risky to insure.
Please note that even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to have an inspection done. It can help protect both the buyer and the seller, as everyone knows what they are getting into. And it can help you to negotiate a fair price.
That depends on the parties involved. The buyer might decide to back out or try to negotiate a lower price. At this point, you can either drop the price, agree to some repairs, or wait for another buyer who’s willing to pay what you’re asking.
Not necessarily. In most cases, the seller can leave the home as is. However, not making repairs can lead to the buyer backing out or having to negotiate a lower purchase price. Often, it’s in the seller’s best interest to make some repairs so they can sell at a higher profit.
No, not as long as they back out within the stated time frame. Real estate contracts typically clarify a set period during which the buyer can change their mind for any reason.
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Conclusion
Buying or selling a home can be challenging. At Goalry, we want to help you meet your goals in the simplest manner possible. We offer several online stores that can help you achieve those goals, including Accury, which is dedicated to all things real estate.
Whether you are buying, selling, or already in the process of moving, we have some information guides available at your fingertips. And you can take advantage of our network of lenders to help find a mortgage loan or a loan to help you make repairs before selling. You can also take advantage of our other great stores to budget your loan payments and more. Get your member key now so you can harness the Goalry power for yourself.