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10 Things That Fail a Home Inspection And
How to Prevent Them
BY ALEXANDER HARRIS
Updated December 11, 2020
Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock
A home inspection is a top-to-bottom evaluation of a home, completed by a licensed
inspector. Home inspections are usually paid for by the buyer when purchasing a home.
The role of the home inspector is to provide the buyer with a comprehensive report
detailing problems with the home—both big and small. A buyer typically reserves the
right to back out of the transaction if the home inspection fails, or they can attempt to
renegotiate the price based on the cost of repairs.
A home inspector will evaluate each part of a subject property looking for electrical,
plumbing, mechanical, and structural issues. Some things that fail a home inspection
include anything from drainage issues in the yard to cracks in the foundation. For
sellers, preparing for a home inspection can help you address some of the most
common home inspection problems ahead of time.
The 10 most-common home inspection problems
Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs, like a broken window pane, for example, might come
up in an inspection report. However, these small items will rarely cause a deal to
unravel. It’s the costly and often hidden problems that can cause a buyer to back out or
ask for money off of the contract price. Here are some of the most common things that
fail a home inspection.
Problem #1: Rundown roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, don’t be
surprised to see it come up in the inspection report. Inspectors will call out brittle, curled,
or broken shingles, and any loose flashing or leaky spots. A severely neglected roof
could cost $10,000 or more to replace.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Replace damaged shingles and flashing. Recaulk areas where ventilation pipes
penetrate the roof.
Problem #2: Drainage issues
Surface grading around a home can cause serious drainage issues and foundation
damage. Improper grading can lead to leaky basements, causing mildew and other
problems. It can also create spongy soil that causes foundations to shift.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Add topsoil to grade the ground and create a slight 10-foot long slope around the home.
For every foot you move away from the home, the ground should slope down one inch.
You should also repair or add gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the
foundation.
Problem #3: Faulty foundation
Foundation problems are one of the most costly issues to fix, in some cases in excess of
$10,000. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that stick, cracks in
walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal cracks in the visible
parts of the exterior foundation.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
If you know your home has serious foundation issues, it might be best to take care of
them before you sell the house, as few buyers will want to deal with the hassle of fixing
a foundation. As far as minor foundation repairs go, fill any cracks with epoxy or silicone
caulk. Seal the exterior foundation with a waterproof coating. Adjust doors and windows
to make sure they all open and close without sticking.
Problem #4: Plumbing problems
Damaged pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, and backed-up sewage systems
are costly to fix and common things that fail a home inspection. Some types of plumbing
pipes found in older homes, such as those made from polybutylene, have been
discontinued and are prone to failure. Home inspectors will report these incompatible
plumbing materials.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Consider upgrading your plumbing with modern piping. At a minimum, repair any visible
leaks. Unclog and clean out drains. It can also help to reseat any toilets and install new
wax rings.
Problem #5: Pest infestations
There is nothing that will send some homebuyers running quite like an infestation of
pests, especially termites. Termites and other wood-eating insects can cause significant
structural damage if left untreated. A home inspector is trained to identify signs of
termites, however, your buyer might also want to perform a separate termite
inspection with a pest control company for additional peace of mind.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Hire a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your home before a home
inspection. If termites are found, you’ll need to disclose it. Treat the termites and get
a termite bond that will protect the buyer from re-infestation.
Problem #6: Hidden mold
Discovering mold during inspection can spell (and smell) trouble. Extensive mold
infestations can be costly to remediate. But if you don’t detect musty odors in your home
then you probably don’t have to worry. Mold is caused by excessive moisture and is
usually a sign of a leak or drainage issue.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Repair any obvious leaks or malfunctioning gutters. Make sure the ground around the
home is properly graded. Maintain proper humidity levels inside the house. That may
mean running the A/C in the summer even if your house is unoccupied.
Problem #7: Failing heating systems
A near-death furnace can turn off buyers due to the $5,000 to $8,000 replacement
cost. Other issues include non-working controls, blocked chimneys, damaged heat
exchangers, and exhaust flues that are not up to code.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Having your furnace inspected annually can help extend its life. If it’s too late for that,
consider replacing your furnace to keep buyers from walking.
Problem#8: Electrical wiring
Home inspectors commonly encounter problems with electrical wiring such as reverse
polarity, missing junction boxes, and damaged receptacles. Homes built between 1965
and 1973 may have inferior aluminum wiring, a concern home inspectors will also
identify.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade any faulty outlets and junction boxes.
Make sure that your breaker box is correctly labeled as well.
Problem #9: Structural damage
Older homes are prone to structural issues such as sagging floor joists, rafters, and door
headers. It may not be immediately apparent if a structural issue is major or minor, and
many home inspectors will advise buyers to have the home inspected by an engineer if
that is the case.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Structural repairs are among the most costly and can turn buyers off. If your home
shows signs of structural flaws, hire a structural engineer to assess the extent of the
problems and the potential repair costs.
Problem #10: Poorly maintained condition
While cosmetic issues like peeling paint and cracked caulk aren’t major problems on
their own, an accumulation of small problems could be a big turn off for some buyers.
Having numerous problems can signal to an inspector, and the buyer, that the home
has been poorly maintained.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
A fresh coat of paint inside and out can go a long way toward improving the visible
condition of a home. Replace or repair broken light fixtures and appliances, as well.
Home inspection tips
Tip #1: Remember that sellers are required to disclose known defects to the buyer
in advance.
Tip #2: Keep your home clean and clear of clutter.
Tip #3: Sellers should not attend the inspection so the buyer, agent, and inspector
can speak freely.
The bottom line
Inspections can be stressful for sellers, but knowing what inspectors look for can help
you anticipate things that fail a home inspection. Minor tweaks here and there can
improve the overall report. Repair major issues in advance or disclose to the seller.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a house fails inspection?
After the inspection report, a buyer has the option to back out of the contract without
penalty. They can also renegotiate the sale price or request that the seller make specific
repairs.
Do I have to fix everything on a home inspection?
No. Sellers are generally not required to fix anything uncovered during inspection. But
they have a strong incentive to consider making reasonable repairs because the buyer
can back out.
What should I be worried about during a home inspection?
Home inspections can reveal unknown issues like mold, termites, and foundation
problems. These issues are often costly to fix and can scare off buyers.
Can I back out of buying a house after inspection?
Most real estate contracts today have an option period, during which buyers have a
limited window of time to back out of a contract for any reason.
Alexander Harris is a writer, journalist, and editor living in the state of Texas. He's moved six
times in the last 10 years. When he isn't packing boxes he likes watching movies, taking long
walks, and taste-testing BBQ.
How to Prevent Them
BY ALEXANDER HARRIS
Updated December 11, 2020
Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock
A home inspection is a top-to-bottom evaluation of a home, completed by a licensed
inspector. Home inspections are usually paid for by the buyer when purchasing a home.
The role of the home inspector is to provide the buyer with a comprehensive report
detailing problems with the home—both big and small. A buyer typically reserves the
right to back out of the transaction if the home inspection fails, or they can attempt to
renegotiate the price based on the cost of repairs.
A home inspector will evaluate each part of a subject property looking for electrical,
plumbing, mechanical, and structural issues. Some things that fail a home inspection
include anything from drainage issues in the yard to cracks in the foundation. For
sellers, preparing for a home inspection can help you address some of the most
common home inspection problems ahead of time.
The 10 most-common home inspection problems
Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs, like a broken window pane, for example, might come
up in an inspection report. However, these small items will rarely cause a deal to
unravel. It’s the costly and often hidden problems that can cause a buyer to back out or
ask for money off of the contract price. Here are some of the most common things that
fail a home inspection.
Problem #1: Rundown roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, don’t be
surprised to see it come up in the inspection report. Inspectors will call out brittle, curled,
or broken shingles, and any loose flashing or leaky spots. A severely neglected roof
could cost $10,000 or more to replace.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Replace damaged shingles and flashing. Recaulk areas where ventilation pipes
penetrate the roof.
Problem #2: Drainage issues
Surface grading around a home can cause serious drainage issues and foundation
damage. Improper grading can lead to leaky basements, causing mildew and other
problems. It can also create spongy soil that causes foundations to shift.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Add topsoil to grade the ground and create a slight 10-foot long slope around the home.
For every foot you move away from the home, the ground should slope down one inch.
You should also repair or add gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the
foundation.
Problem #3: Faulty foundation
Foundation problems are one of the most costly issues to fix, in some cases in excess of
$10,000. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that stick, cracks in
walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal cracks in the visible
parts of the exterior foundation.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
If you know your home has serious foundation issues, it might be best to take care of
them before you sell the house, as few buyers will want to deal with the hassle of fixing
a foundation. As far as minor foundation repairs go, fill any cracks with epoxy or silicone
caulk. Seal the exterior foundation with a waterproof coating. Adjust doors and windows
to make sure they all open and close without sticking.
Problem #4: Plumbing problems
Damaged pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, and backed-up sewage systems
are costly to fix and common things that fail a home inspection. Some types of plumbing
pipes found in older homes, such as those made from polybutylene, have been
discontinued and are prone to failure. Home inspectors will report these incompatible
plumbing materials.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Consider upgrading your plumbing with modern piping. At a minimum, repair any visible
leaks. Unclog and clean out drains. It can also help to reseat any toilets and install new
wax rings.
Problem #5: Pest infestations
There is nothing that will send some homebuyers running quite like an infestation of
pests, especially termites. Termites and other wood-eating insects can cause significant
structural damage if left untreated. A home inspector is trained to identify signs of
termites, however, your buyer might also want to perform a separate termite
inspection with a pest control company for additional peace of mind.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Hire a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your home before a home
inspection. If termites are found, you’ll need to disclose it. Treat the termites and get
a termite bond that will protect the buyer from re-infestation.
Problem #6: Hidden mold
Discovering mold during inspection can spell (and smell) trouble. Extensive mold
infestations can be costly to remediate. But if you don’t detect musty odors in your home
then you probably don’t have to worry. Mold is caused by excessive moisture and is
usually a sign of a leak or drainage issue.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Repair any obvious leaks or malfunctioning gutters. Make sure the ground around the
home is properly graded. Maintain proper humidity levels inside the house. That may
mean running the A/C in the summer even if your house is unoccupied.
Problem #7: Failing heating systems
A near-death furnace can turn off buyers due to the $5,000 to $8,000 replacement
cost. Other issues include non-working controls, blocked chimneys, damaged heat
exchangers, and exhaust flues that are not up to code.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Having your furnace inspected annually can help extend its life. If it’s too late for that,
consider replacing your furnace to keep buyers from walking.
Problem#8: Electrical wiring
Home inspectors commonly encounter problems with electrical wiring such as reverse
polarity, missing junction boxes, and damaged receptacles. Homes built between 1965
and 1973 may have inferior aluminum wiring, a concern home inspectors will also
identify.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade any faulty outlets and junction boxes.
Make sure that your breaker box is correctly labeled as well.
Problem #9: Structural damage
Older homes are prone to structural issues such as sagging floor joists, rafters, and door
headers. It may not be immediately apparent if a structural issue is major or minor, and
many home inspectors will advise buyers to have the home inspected by an engineer if
that is the case.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
Structural repairs are among the most costly and can turn buyers off. If your home
shows signs of structural flaws, hire a structural engineer to assess the extent of the
problems and the potential repair costs.
Problem #10: Poorly maintained condition
While cosmetic issues like peeling paint and cracked caulk aren’t major problems on
their own, an accumulation of small problems could be a big turn off for some buyers.
Having numerous problems can signal to an inspector, and the buyer, that the home
has been poorly maintained.
How to prevent this home inspection fail:
A fresh coat of paint inside and out can go a long way toward improving the visible
condition of a home. Replace or repair broken light fixtures and appliances, as well.
Home inspection tips
Tip #1: Remember that sellers are required to disclose known defects to the buyer
in advance.
Tip #2: Keep your home clean and clear of clutter.
Tip #3: Sellers should not attend the inspection so the buyer, agent, and inspector
can speak freely.
The bottom line
Inspections can be stressful for sellers, but knowing what inspectors look for can help
you anticipate things that fail a home inspection. Minor tweaks here and there can
improve the overall report. Repair major issues in advance or disclose to the seller.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a house fails inspection?
After the inspection report, a buyer has the option to back out of the contract without
penalty. They can also renegotiate the sale price or request that the seller make specific
repairs.
Do I have to fix everything on a home inspection?
No. Sellers are generally not required to fix anything uncovered during inspection. But
they have a strong incentive to consider making reasonable repairs because the buyer
can back out.
What should I be worried about during a home inspection?
Home inspections can reveal unknown issues like mold, termites, and foundation
problems. These issues are often costly to fix and can scare off buyers.
Can I back out of buying a house after inspection?
Most real estate contracts today have an option period, during which buyers have a
limited window of time to back out of a contract for any reason.
Alexander Harris is a writer, journalist, and editor living in the state of Texas. He's moved six
times in the last 10 years. When he isn't packing boxes he likes watching movies, taking long
walks, and taste-testing BBQ.