Real Estate News

A home inspection is a key part of buying or selling a home. Buyers rely on a home inspection to ensure they are purchasing a home that is structurally sound with safe plumbing, electric, and more. A seller relies on a home inspection to assuage the prospective buyer’s concerns by providing prospective buyers with a better understanding of the home’s physical condition. As you browse Champions Gate homes for sale, it is important to take into consideration that some homes may require repairs or replacements after a home inspection. Here’s what you need to know about home inspection fails and the most common home inspection issues.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

A home inspection should be completed by a licensed home inspector who visits the home and property to look for any potential issues or areas for concern. A home inspector completes a thorough checklist that includes verifying the safety of the home. A home inspection reviews the big picture of the home, including whether the foundation is solid, the home is structurally sound, and everything is functioning properly and safely. Sometimes a home inspection will fail because the home inspector identifies significant issues that may end up being expensive and labor-intensive. A failed home inspection can negatively affect the sale of a home.

What Will Fail a Home Inspection?

Here are 15 common things that fail a home inspection and what that means for the buyer and seller:

1. Foundation Problems

A home must have a solid foundation, and a home inspector will look for any cracks in the foundation. Many homes are built on expansive soil, which means the land can shift slightly and affect the foundation. Foundation problems can negatively affect other structural aspects of the home.

2. Sloping Ground

When the ground slopes toward a home, you run the risk of water draining toward the home or even into the home. The ground slope near a home should be designed so that water flows away from the home to help avoid water damage. If the ground doesn’t have proper grading or drainage, then this can affect the foundation and standing water in the home.

3. Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are a common issue with home inspections. From leaking faucets to cracked pipes, issues with plumbing can range from a quick fix to a costly repair. Hidden leaks can lead to significant and expensive damage.

4. Water Damage

Any leaks in or around the home can lead to water damage. The home inspector will look for signs of water damage, including mold, mildew, cracked pipes, and water spots or cracks along the ceilings.

5. Harmful Mold

Harmful mold can grow due to issues like water damage, poor plumbing, or foundation problems. Exposure to mold is very harmful and can cause a range of health concerns like headaches, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.

6. Rotting Wood

A home inspector will look for exposed wood in the home and make sure there isn’t any rotting wood. Wood rot can occur due to age, moisture in the home, mold, or termites. Common areas where rotting wood can occur include windows, exterior door jambs, and wooden structures like decking and stairs.

7. Termite Damage

Mold and rotting wood in the home can lead to a termite infestation. Termite damage can affect structural beams in the home, affecting the safety and integrity of the property. Termites can also damage walls, beams, floors, and other parts of the home.

8. Electrical Problems

A home inspection will involve a thorough review of the home’s electrical system to confirm everything is functioning safely and properly. Common electrical problems in the home can range from mismatched wires, frayed insulation, and overcurrent.

9. HVAC Problems

HVAC problems can include any issues with the home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling system. The home inspector will check for proper connections for gas-fired furnaces and other appliances to confirm there aren’t any gas leaks.

10. Security Issues

Security concerns with the home can range from faulty smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensuring all locks are functioning properly on windows and doors.

11. Roofing Problems

Roofing problems can fail a home inspection because roof leaks can end up requiring expensive repairs or replacements. A home inspection will involve checking for quality roofing materials in good condition and looking for water damage.

12. Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 must be inspected for lead paint. Homes built prior to 1978 were often painted with lead paint, which has been known to cause significant health concerns.

13. Asbestos

Homes built before 1981 may also have been built with materials containing asbestos. Insulation, flooring, and surfacing prior to this date could include asbestos, a known carcinogen causing health issues.

14. Radon

Radon is also a health concern in some homes. This type of radioactive gas in high concentrations can increase the risk of lung cancer.

15. Code Violations

A home inspection will also confirm that the house is up to code. Code violations can include DIY electrical or plumbing work, ventilation problems, and lack of proper egress routes.