10 Major Defects That Cause a Home Inspection To Fail

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During a home inspection, minor issues such as cosmetic flaws or broken window panes may be noted in the report, but they usually do not impede the sale. However, significant repairs or hidden problems can potentially cause a buyer to withdraw or request a reduction in the purchase price. Some of the most frequent issues that can lead to a failed inspection include: 

1. Rundown Roofing
The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is usually 15 to 20 years, depending on the grade of shingles. As your roof approaches the end of its useful life, it may be flagged in an inspection report. The inspector will pay attention to any signs of wear and tear, such as broken, curled or brittle shingles, and any leaking areas or loose flashing. The cost of a new roof can vary, with an average cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. single-story ranch house ranging from $9,500 to $16,500, fully installed. It's worth noting that in the United States, the average size of a house is approximately 2,000 square feet. How To Fix This Issue?  Replace cracked shingles and broken shingles, damaged flashing, and seal up the roof's penetration points for ventilation pipes. In case you are not able to do that by yourself, you can think about engaging the services of a professional roofing firm or contractor to help. 

2. Drainage Issues
Improper surface grading around a property can result in significant drainage difficulties and harm to the foundation. Poor grading can cause basement leaks, encourage the growth of mold, and other issues. It can also result in the soil around the home becoming soft, causing foundations to move.  How To Fix This Issue? To correct this, topsoil should be added to grade the surface and create a slight gradient extending 10 feet from home. The ground should slope down by 1/4 inch for every foot away from the house. Furthermore, it's essential to install or fix damaged gutters and downspouts in order to redirect rainwater away from the foundation.  Keeping gutters clean, either by regular cleaning, or installing gutter guards is an effective means to keep water away from the foundation.

3. Faulty Foundation
Foundation issues can be costly to repair, with some severe cases costing multiple tens of thousands of dollars. Indicators of foundation problems include difficulty opening and closing windows and doors, cracks in walls above doorways, uneven floors, and horizontal or L-shaped cracks in the visible exterior foundation.  "A number of factors might cause foundation problems, but they typically start with the ground beneath and around the building," says Bay Crawl Space.  “The soil stretches and reacts like a sponge as it absorbs water. Expansion does not have to be a major issue, but a lot of it can strain your house. That pressure may cause minor structural damage, that might cause leaks, which may bring mold or more serious structural harm.” How To Fix This Issue? It's advisable to address significant foundation issues before putting your home on the market, as potential buyers may be discouraged by the prospect of needing to repair the foundation. Professional assistance is recommended for major repairs, but small cracks can be filled with silicone caulk or epoxy, and the exterior foundation can be sealed with a waterproof coating. Adjusting windows and doors to ensure they open and close smoothly can also be done along with minor foundation repairs. 

4. Plumbing Issues 
Cracked pipes, faulty water heaters, as well as clogged sewage systems are expensive to repair and frequently cause a home inspection to fail. Old houses may have plumbing pipes constructed of materials like polybutylene that have been phased out and are likely to fail. These unsuitable plumbing components will be reported by home inspectors. How To Fix This Issue? Consider installing modern pipework to update your plumbing. Fix any obvious leaks, at the very least. You should also clean and unblock your drains. Replacing the wax rings and reseating any toilets can also be helpful.

5. Pest Infestations
Nothing will make potential homebuyers withdraw their interest in a house like a bug infestation, particularly one with termites. When left untreated, termites, as well as other wood-eating pests, can seriously harm a building's structure. Although a home inspector is qualified to spot termite damage, your buyer may wish to have an additional termite inspection done by a pest control service for added assurance.
How To Fix This Issue? Well before the home inspection, engage a reputable pest control service to examine and fix your house. You must notify any termite infestation when it is discovered. Get rid of the termites and obtain a guarantee against future infestations to safeguard the buyer. 

6. Hidden Mold
During an inspection, finding molds can be problematic. Large-scale mold infestations can be expensive to clean up. Mold is a result of too much moisture and therefore is frequently an indication of a leakage or drainage problem. You should address any mold problems in the house as soon as feasible. Molds may lead to health issues, as stated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Molds create irritants, possibly poisonous chemicals (mycotoxins), and allergens (substances that can trigger allergic reactions). Sensitive people may have allergic reactions after contacting or inhaling mold or mold spores. How To Fix This Issue? Ensure the ground is graded appropriately all around the house and fix any evident leakage or faulty gutters. Keep the indoor humidity levels at the right levels too. That can involve operating the air conditioner, or a dehumidifier, especially in the summer.

7. Failing Heating Systems
Owing to the $4,000 to $8,000 replacement cost, purchasers may be put off by a furnace that is nearing the end of its estimated lifespan. Inadequate exhaust flues, obstructed chimneys, cracked heat exchangers, and non-operational system controls are a few more common problems. How To Fix This Issue? A yearly inspection might make your furnace last longer. Look to replace your furnace for safety purposes if it becomes too late for that and to avoid buyers from getting disinterested in it. 

8. Electrical Wiring
Broken receptacles, missing junctions, and reverse polarity are frequent electrical wiring issues that home inspectors find a lot. Homes constructed from 1965 to 1973 might also have substandard aluminum wiring, while those constructed from 1880 to 1940 might well have old knob-and-tube wiring, and all of those issues would be quickly spotted by a home inspector. How To Fix This Issue? Have any old wiring, defective outlets, as well as junction boxes inspected and upgraded by a professional electrician. Ensure the labels on your breaker box are also accurate.

9. Structural Damage
In old houses, structural problems like sinking floor joists, door headers, and roof rafters are common. Home inspectors will often recommend purchasers get the home assessed by an engineer if there are signs of any serious structural issues. How To Fix This Issue? Repairs to the structure are some of the most expensive and may deter buyers. Engage a structural engineer to determine the degree of the issues and the likely expenses of repairs if your home exhibits structural defects. The strength and lifespan of a building depend greatly on its foundation, which also defines many future problems that the structure may encounter. It is essential to have a structural analysis of the construction site as a result. This will help you find trouble areas and fix them quickly, saving you time, work, and a lot of money in the process. 

10. Poorly Maintained Condition
While minor cosmetic flaws such as cracked caulk peeling and paint are not necessarily serious issues on their own, a buildup of little faults may be a huge turnoff for some purchasers. Having lots of issues may suggest that the house has not been well-maintained to an inspection and the potential buyer. How To Fix This Issue?  The visible condition of a house can be greatly enhanced by applying a fresh coat of paint both inside and outside. Broken appliances and lighting fixtures should also be fixed or replaced.