7 Things That Fail a Home Inspection in Los Angeles

Home buying is one of the most exciting times in life. After spending months searching or roaming around real estate companies, you finally found a home to call your own.

And, of course, before closing on its deal, you’d definitely want to inspect it thoroughly. 

There could be unknown problems that need attention and repairs before you move in. When you know what’s wrong with your property, you can have different types of perks. Like you can negotiate with your seller, request repairs, demand leverage on price – or simply step away from your deal. With a well-conducted home inspection, you’ll understand if your chosen home is the right fit for you or not.

Here’s the catch. 

What if your inspection process turns out to be opposite to what you expected?

Imagine you are going for a smooth home inspection before buying a home, as any regular homebuyer does. And it fails badly! 

There are many things that fail a home inspection in Los Angeles. That’s what we are going to discuss throughout this blog. 

But let’s be clear first on something important.

If your chosen home doesn’t pass an inspection, it doesn’t mean you should walk away. 

Elite Inspection brings you this handy guide on how do you fail a home inspection. So read on. And let’s just see where it goes wrong.

Things That Fail a Home Inspection in Los Angeles

You can’t expect a home to be an exact copy of what’s in your dream. This means no home can be perfect. But! There are certain elements that you shouldn’t compromise on. And that is where home inspections help us identify what a home is capable of. Whether it has a bright future ahead in terms of marketability and family safety or not. 

The table turns when a home inspection fails. The process that was supposed to reveal problems becomes a trouble itself. And when this incident happens, you can expect nothing but the worst. That’s why you have to be proactive and keep an eye out for these things that fail a home inspection. 

So let’s see these things in detail.

Roof Replacement

Your home’s roof is one of the most important components. And it’s the most exposed area as well. Which means it is subject to severe weather conditions and rash outdoor elements. Shelter and protection against rain, storms, or heavy winds is what everyone expects from a roofing.

But to your surprise, your roof can be a cause of failing an inspection. 

You see, when a roof is near the end of its useful life. Or is leaking or has significant damage, it will likely fail inspections. And you’ll eventually need a whole roof replacement. That is why inspectors first examine the age of the roof. Then, look for its material condition and any visible leaks or damage.

Foundation Issues

You might know very well that the foundation supports the entire structure of your home. If it is in dire straits, that would be a red flag. Foundational problems like major cracks, shifting, or sinking can challenge the smooth inspection process. A foundation that has wider cracks of more than ¼ inch. Or has uneven floors or cracked walls and ceilings really indicate deterioration. And it will cost you a fortune to do the needful repairs. These repairs may include leveling, reinforcement, or foundation replacement.

Water Damage

If we say water damage is the real inspection deal breaker, that wouldn’t be wrong. Minor leaks or sagging can lead to uncontrollable mold or moisture damage. The inspectors look for water stains or damage in different areas of your home. Including the walls and ceilings, moisture in materials, musty odors, and visible mold growth. Repairing the water damage and preventing further issues can be expensive.

Mold

In addition to water damage, excess moisture can lead to mold growth. These mold patches may be hidden within walls or under materials. The inspectors look for visible mold, suspicious odors, and moisture problems. So, instead of going for a home that has moldy materials and an expensive cleanup waiting for you. We suggest looking for something else.

HVAC Replacement

HVAC is also on this list of things that fail a home inspection. An HVAC unit has an average lifespan of 10-15 years. The inspectors will assess the age and condition of your HVAC system. If your older system is noisy, inefficient, or not cooling or heating properly, it will likely need replacement. 

Electrical Issues 

Unsafe electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated electrical panels may fail your smooth-going inspection. If your electrical components are faulty, like knob-and-tube wiring, it can pose fire risks. And may need complete rewiring. 

Plumbing Issues

It’s not a hidden truth that water leaks can cause extensive damage – that can go out of your hands. And can ultimately contribute to the things that fail a home inspection. You will have to address the faulty plumbing, such as leaky pipes, poor water pressure, corroded fixtures, and drainage issues.

Now you know how do you fail a home inspection. 

What’s Next

Believe the fact!

That paying attention to the mentioned common problems can turn up on a home inspection. And help you be informed and prepared when buying a home in Los Angeles. 

We suggest trying to get quotes from different contractors in case of any problems mentioned above. For instance, if your chosen home’s roof is nearing the end, look for roofing contractors to get an estimate of roof replacement cost. This way, you can take a guesswork of whether it’s worth staying on your deal. Or is it a dealbreaker for you? The same applies to all other things that fail a home inspection. Scroll through our blog section to learn more about home inspections