When buying a home, one step that you shall not miss is getting a home inspection. During the inspection process, the inspector will highly likely find minor issues within the property. That’s common. The problem arises when the inspector reveals major issues that are not for you to fix. No wonder these problems could be called “home inspection deal breakers,” and rightly so.
When the inspector highlights such issues, it’s better to think of your decision twice. Would it be worth buying such a house? If you’re more inclined towards “yes”, then it’s better to negotiate with the seller. Ask them to make the repairs before closing the deal or lower the selling price. The emphasis should always be on how the major issues are not something you are going to ignore. But no matter how inclined you are towards buying the house, if your inspector finds the eight home inspection issues that we’re to discuss in this blog, know that it’s time to say goodbye to the property and start finding a new one.
Eight Home Inspection Deal Breakers
Need for Major Roof Repairs
A roof shields a home against elements, and when it’s damaged, there’s a higher risk of water infiltration that could lead to severe damage to the home’s interior, including the ceilings, walls, etc. Besides this, a damaged roof can also create an environment that results in mold growth. This is not just a health risk but also a reason for compromised structural integrity. If your inspector highlights any issue with the property’s roof, then it’s time to back off the roof. If you choose to stick, then know that only fixing the roof damage can range from $300 to $2000, which is a lot.
Curled, Broken, or Missing Roof Shingles
Usually, the roof lasts about 30 years, so you need to know when the roof was installed for this property. If your inspector finds that the quality of the shingles has been compromised, then it is a sign that you might need to install a new roof very soon. Surely, you don’t want such a major expense right after you’ve invested a significant amount in buying the property. So, let your home inspector look out for damaged shingles, like curled, broken, or missing shingles. Repairing a roof can range from $3000 to $15000. Just fixing the gutters can cost around $1500 to $2500.
Cracked Walls or Ceilings
You need to be extra cautious when you’re walking through a property that has noticeable cracks in the ceilings and/or walls. Yes, small cracks are only superficial issues that are not that much to worry about. However, deeper cracks can be an indication of serious structural issues that need immediate attention.
Bad Plumbing
Check the water pressure in the house; if it is weak, then that’s a sign that the water flow is narrow. Often, the reason for this is the imperfect internal plumbing. Also, look for stains under the sinks and on the ceilings. These indicate the leaks that need repair. Check around the dishwasher, toilet, kitchen sink, and bathroom, and ensure that the floor isn’t soft from leakage.
In the end, have your inspect the house for its pipes, and make sure they don’t have polybutylene pipes that were used in the 1970s-80s. This type of pipe can fail without any prior warning and can also cause major damage.
Faulty Electrical
Poor electrical wiring is a major hazard indoors and also a massive expense. You need to be sure that the wiring within the house adheres to the building codes and regulations (your inspector will ensure this, though, but still keep this in your home inspection checklist).
Additionally, the inspector shall also check the main electrical panel and see if the circuit breakers are working fine. They may also turn on the appliances and lights to check whether the lights are dimming. If they are, then it shows excessive stress on the system. You need to be sure that the house doesn’t have many electrical issues as replacing and repairing electrical equipment can cost around $3000 to $10000, or even more.
Black Mold
Black mold is a toxic hazard that severely affects the health of anyone living in the house. It can grow in places that have experienced water damage, flood, or went through major roof leakage. The best way to identify mold is to look for signs like bad, musty odor and discoloration. You can also schedule a mold test to be sure. You can find it in basement walls, damp sheetrock, and the floor.
If you identify the presence of black mold, then you need to get it removed and follow mitigation. All of this can cost you around $500 to $10000, so it is better to back out of the deal instead of facing such financial surprises.
Slow Sewer Line
Water backing up into the sinks and slow drainage are two of the signs that there’s a need for replacement for the sewer line to the streets. You shall check the drains on all floors and the laundry machine to verify fast, strong drainage. If the sewer line needs replacements or repairs, then it might cost around $5000 to $50000.
DIY Disaster
To save all the costs like these, most homeowners choose to DIY the issues. These projects are not always done well. For this, you need to look beneath the surface and ensure that the work maintains the quality. And don’t accept any DIY additions or renovations done to the house. These need to be performed by a licensed contractor. You can’t settle with uninspected and unlicensed work, as that might not be up to code. Later this makes it difficult for you to get a loan and even homeowner’s insurance.
Conclusion
No wonder the home-buying process is an exciting endeavor, but you need to be sure that what you’re buying is worth your investment. The eight potential deal-breakers discussed, from roofing issues to DIY disasters, all of these can significantly impact the safety, functionality, and value of a property.
Asking the homeowner to address these home inspection issues early on not only protects your investment but also ensures a safe and comfortable living environment. You should work closely with qualified home inspectors to identify and assess every nook and cranny of the house, enabling informed decisions and potentially negotiating repairs or price adjustments.
Ensure your dream home is a sound investment with Elite Inspections. Our certified professionals provide thorough and reliable home inspections, identifying potential deal-breakers before they become costly issues. Don’t take chances with your future – schedule your inspection with Elite Inspections today and buy with confidence! Call us now or visit our website to book your appointment. Your peace of mind is just an inspection away.
