If you have found your dream home and the inspection is done, you now have a lengthy inspection report with details ranging from a loose door knob to possible roof replacement.
At such a moment, you must want to know what home inspection fixes are of real concern. So, let’s discover what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection, but before it, let’s recall the home inspection.
What Exactly is a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a thorough, professional evaluation of a property’s condition. The home inspectors check everything from the roof to the foundation, including:
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- HVAC equipment
- Roof and attic
- Foundation and structure
- Windows, doors, and floors
- Insulation and ventilation
- Drainage and grading
After a home inspection, you will receive a detailed report containing information about all major and minor issues. From this report, you will need to decide which fixes are needed.
Mandatory Fixes After a Home Inspection
There are no set home inspection fixes for all houses. It depends on what a home inspection has discovered. Some fixes that are counted as mandatory to ensure a safe living place are needed if there are:
Structural Defects
Major issues with the home’s structure, like cracked foundation, sagging roof, or significant framing problems, must be addressed as soon as possible. The structural issues must be fixed for FHA or VA loans. If the seller doesn’t agree to negotiate on structural fixes, you can walk away from the deal.
Safety Hazards
The presence of any safety hazard in the home can put your life at risk. The most common safety hazards discovered during an inspection are:
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Broken stair railings
- Missing smoke detectors
- High levels of radon or carbon monoxide
Safety standards must be met. If any safety hazards are highlighted in the report, they are counted as mandatory fixes after a home inspection.
Building Code Violations
Older homes or homes with DIY renovations may not meet current building codes. If the inspection report reveals any unpermitted renovations, it means that some fixes are waiting for you. It is better to request the buyer to make them, because such violations can be hard to fix sometimes.
Water Intrusion or Mold
Inspectors may flag water stains, roof leaks, or signs of mold. Such issues can expand and become more serious with time. It is recommended to get them fixed. Otherwise, it can have an adverse effect on your health.
Pest Infestations
If there’s evidence of active termite damage or a rodent infestation, most lenders (especially FHA and VA) won’t close until the issue is treated and reinspected. So it is also a mandatory fix to have after a home inspection.
Roof Damage or Leaks
A few missing shingles probably won’t break a deal. But if the roof is severely deteriorated or there are signs of leakage, it raises safety issues. Appraisers also flag such roofs. It is better to get it fixed right after an inspection. Otherwise, it can cause severe damage to the building.
Plumbing or Sewage Backups
If there is a dripping faucet in the home, then it is not an issue, but if there are leaks behind walls or signs of sewage backups, cracked pipes, or major drainage issues, that’s a red flag. Such issues can affect the systems’ functionality and the home’s habitability, so they are also counted as essential home inspection fixes.
HVAC System Failure
A faulty HVAC system affects the comfort of the residents and can make the place unsuitable for living in extreme weather conditions. If the home inspector discovers any issues with the HVAC system, those are graded as compulsory fixes to have after the inspection.
What Home Inspection Fixes Are Not Mandatory
The minor issues are counted as non-mandatory fixes after a home inspection. Such issues can’t break the deal. For example:
- Cosmetic issues
- Minor cracks on drywall
- Loose hinges or broken tiles
- Older but functional appliances
- Windows that are single-pane
Final Thoughts
Not all issues on a home inspection need to be fixed before closing the deal. However, some major issues that can affect the residents’ health, safety, and comfort must be fixed. So when the inspection report arrives, don’t panic.
Just consult with the experts to know what home inspection fixes are mandatory and make a confident decision.
If you have not scheduled an inspection for the home you are going to invest in, schedule one now. Most of the fine-looking homes have hidden problems that can be problematic for you in the near future.
