A home inspection is one of the last (and most crucial) steps before closing on a new house. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 60% of contract contingencies (i.e., requirements to be met for a real estate deal to close) and 10% of delayed contracts are linked to home inspection issues—and it’s easy to see why.
Hiring a licensed home inspector to peek under the hood of a house gives prospective buyers an opportunity to identify and pinpoint the repairs needed to make the property comfortable and safe. It helps them gauge the soundness of their investment—prevent nasty surprises down the road.
After a home inspection, the potential buyer and their lender can request the seller to make repairs for some of the defects identified in the report.
What Fixes Are ‘Mandatory’ After a Home Inspection?
Well, it depends! We use the term ‘mandatory’ loosely because a home seller is not necessarily mandated to make the requested repairs after a home inspection.
However, some states and lenders may set certain safety standards that should be met for a sale to go through. The buyer may also have a list of “must-have” repair requests that need to be addressed to keep the sale on track.
While the repairs that are needed after home inspections are relative to the agreement and negotiations between the home seller and buyer, here are some common repairs:
1. Roofing
The roof is an essential part of any house. It’s the first line of defense against the elements—and as such, any red flag raised during a home inspection can be a significant cause for concern.
Some common roof issues include missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, gutter issues, and leaks. If not addressed, these issues can lead to more significant (and costly) problems—including water and structural damage.
If a home inspection report identifies roofing issues, it’s advisable to hire a professional to do a thorough analysis and run the necessary repairs.
2. Structural Defects
Does the home inspection report hint at compromised structural integrity? From cracks in the foundation to visible damage to load-bearing walls, structural defects not only impact a house’s overall value but also pose a significant safety risk.
Depending on the severity of the problem, structural defects can be deal-breakers—which is why they must be fixed when identified by a home inspection.
3. HVAC Problems
A faulty HVAC system means an uncomfortable home—and no one wants to brave a cold winter night or a sweltering summer day without air conditioning. It’s also a safety risk due to poor air quality, fire hazards, and other dangerous situations. And because replacing an HVAC system can be expensive, it’s easy to see why it’s a common repair needed after home inspections.
4. Plumbing Problems
Plumbing is a crucial system in any home. It also happens to be intricate and delicate, making it a common item in most home inspection reports. If a home’s plumbing is not up to standard, it can cause serious safety and financial problems now and in the future.
Some plumbing defects that home inspectors look for include cross-connection problems, type of pipes used, septic tank issues, water leaks, broken pipes, and the risk of contamination. If not fixed, they could adversely affect contract negotiations.
5. Mold Issues
Still on the topic of plumbing problems, the presence of mold (typically associated with dampness or moisture due to water leaks) is a serious cause for concern in any home sale negotiations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold is a potential health hazard—especially to people with upper respiratory tract issues. It may cause allergic symptoms such as red eyes, wheezing, headache, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
On top of the health risks, addressing a mold problem may rank high on a home buyer’s repair requests because it may hint at an underlying issue, such as poor ventilation, high humidity due to faulty air conditioners, leaky roofs, broken pipes, or flooding issues.
6. Pest and Wildlife Infestation
Pest inspections are a relatively common requirement in real estate contracts. If a home inspector finds indications of an infestation, it’s important to assess the extent of the issue and fix it before closing the deal. This is especially the case when dealing with a termite infestation due to its potential to compromise the structural soundness of a house.
7. Electrical Faults
Similar to plumbing and air conditioning, electrical systems are essential for the functionality of a home. Any issues flagged during a home inspection must be fixed to prevent safety hazards and costly repairs down the line.
Some common electrical issues include outdated wiring, missing GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, reversed polarity of the outlets, and incorrectly modified electrical panels. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to ensure that the installation and design of the electrical system meet all safety standards, codes, and regulations.
8. Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are a serious issue that should never be taken lightly. They put your loved ones, property, and surrounding areas at significant risk of damage. Whether it’s a gas leak, an overheating electrical system, or malfunctioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it’s well within a potential home buyer’s right to ask for such issues to be addressed.
Need Help Navigating the Housing Market?
When determining the top repairs needed after home inspections, evaluate their threat to health or safety, the severity of the damage, and the cost of fixing them. Rather than sweating over the small stuff, focus on health and safety concerns.
And remember that you don’t have to go through the arduous process alone. Having a reliable and knowledgeable real estate agent in your corner can make the home buying/selling process seamless. They can help you answer some common questions, such as “Who pays for repairs after a home inspection?” or “What do you do if the seller refuses to make the requested repairs?”
