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An inspection is essential for making sure that a homebuyer is getting the best deal at closing.

No homebuyer wants to spend thousands on a home just to learn that they need to replace the roof! Buying a home is a huge investment and a home inspection is needed to ensure that this investment doesn’t come with problems.

If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll have to pass inspection before moving forward to the appraisal or closing.

So, what can cause a home to fail inspection? Keep reading to learn more!

What Does It Mean to Pass a Home Inspection?

If you’ve ever bought a home before, then you know that there is a huge process that goes into it.

If you haven’t bought a home before, then it’s important to know that there’s an inspection before the buyers can close. Many buyers will hire their own inspector to learn the condition of the home.

This is important for buyers in case the home has an expensive underlying problem that needs to be fixed. When an inspector comes to perform the inspection, they will spend a few days walking around and taking note of the condition of the home.

They’ll look on the inside as well as the outside thoroughly.

The inspection can be worrisome to the seller as well as the buyer. This is because the inspection plays a huge part in moving forward with the deal.

When we talk about “passing” the inspection, we’re mostly talking about big problems that can impact the value of the home. An inspector has a list of around 30 items they’re going to inspect, all of which impact the home’s value.

This list contains both small and large problems. Small problems like standing water around the home are noted. Large problems like flaws in the foundation are also noted.

You can basically consider an inspection passed when the home is free of large, expensive issues. Small issues are usually quick and inexpensive to fix. They also don’t have a large impact on the ability to close the deal.

What Factors Will Cause the Home to Fail Inspection?

As the inspection is conducted, there are certain problems that the inspector is on the lookout for.

When problems are found, the inspector must point them out. Upon learning the problems, it’s up to you to decide if the home has passed or failed inspection.

When the home fails inspection, it’s on the seller to fix the problems before moving forward with closing.

Here are some common reasons for failing an inspection.

Water Damage

While water damage is a pretty common problem for homes to have, it’s also an expensive one to fix.

If water is leaking into the walls or the basement, mold or mildew can accumulate. This is not only taking away from the value of the home, but these things aren’t safe to breathe in.

If water damage or mold and mildew are present during the inspection, the owner must fix this problem before selling the home. Stopping the leakage as well as cleaning up the water damage is an owner’s responsibility to fix.

Foundation Problems

Problems with the foundation are the most expensive problems to fix, with a cost of $10,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.

Not only are foundational problems expensive to fix, but they’re time-consuming as well. If a foundational problem appears during the inspection, this may push back the closing date by months.

Foundational problems include:

  • Unsafe roof
  • Sagging or uneven floors
  • Fractures or cracks in the wall or floor
  • Gaps around windows and door frames
  • Counters or cabinets separating from the wall

Foundation problems must be fixed before a buyer purchases the home. The problems in the foundation will only get worse over time if not addressed. This creates an unsafe home, as well as increased investment in repair costs.

Wiring or Electrical Problems

The wiring or electrical setup in a home must be up-to-date to pass inspection.

In many older homes, the wiring in the home can be outdated and considered unsafe. This is often the result of an owner trying to create electrical systems on their own without proper knowledge.

Or, the wiring may have been done before the latest fire codes were released.

Deciding What Makes a Home Pass Inspection

As the homebuyer, you’re ultimately in charge of whether the inspection has passed or failed.

Most homeowners only consider the inspection failed if large problems are addressed. The factors listed previously are usually too expensive for a homeowner to fix on their own right after purchasing the home.

Plus, these factors make the home unsafe to live in.

If small insignificant problems are addressed, this isn’t typically enough for a homebuyer to walk away. For example, chipped cabinets, damaged carpet, or dead grass are considered small problems.

These problems are fairly cheap to fix and aren’t projects that take months to complete. When these problems are present, a homebuyer may take it upon themselves to fix the problems over time.

That being said, it’s your choice whether you want to be responsible for fixing these problems. If you’re looking for an immaculate home, you may push to have the seller pay for these problems.

If the seller refuses to take care of the issues, you have the option to walk if the offer was contingent on the inspection results.

On the other hand, many homebuyers plan to buy fixer-uppers for a low price so they have creative control over the renovations. While an inspector has the ability to deem a home passed or failed, you reserve that right as the buyer as well.

Schedule Your Home Inspection Today

If you’re looking to sell or buy a home, an inspector is a must-have.

For a home to pass inspection and be move-in ready, an inspection must be done. The sooner you schedule an inspection, the sooner you can close on the house. Plus, if problems are discovered, you can get them fixed more quickly.

Reach out today to schedule your inspection!