A home inspection is conducted before ownership of a home takes place. This ensures the new buyers are aware of any concerns. Not all issues are deal breakers, but they should be identified and addressed. When the inspection report comes back, the seller can take care of any concerns. This ensures the deal continues without incident.
There are times where there are major problems though and the home inspection kills the deal. The cost of repairs can be expensive, making it impossible to get the loan approved for that home. It can be time-consuming, making it impossible for the necessary repairs to be done timely.
When does the home inspection can kill the deal
Foundation Problems
The foundation of a home is the core of it. Cracks in the cement in the basement can be a telling sign the foundation has shifted. Cracks in the walls can also identify foundation problems. It takes the eye of an expert to find most foundation problems. Not only does this decrease the value of the home, but it can also be a safety concern.
When the foundation isn’t secure, the walls or the cabinets can start to lean. Windows and doors may not open or close like they normally would. Walls may begin to show bowing due to the strain on them. Foundation problems are complex and both are time-consuming and expensive to repair. A mortgage company typically won’t move forward with a loan for a home with foundation problems.
Roofing Issues
The roof protects the home from the elements. When the roof needs repairs or replaced, it can make the rest of the home vulnerable. Water can get into the home and ruin the wood structure at the top. Water can seep through the walls and ceiling, destroying items in the house. If the roof has a few loose shingles, they can be replaced and it isn’t a problem.
A new roof is expensive and may ruin the deal. The only way to save the home at that time is for someone to come up with the funds to replace it. The seller may do so to get out from under the home. If the home is being sold for less than it is worth, the lender may approve additional funds to pay for a new roof.
If signs of damage are present, more than a new roof may be required to get the home in good condition. It may need new flash, new gutters, and even repairs to the structure of the attic. There can be decay due to the extensive water damage. A reliable inspector will identify any sagging or weakened areas that have to be addressed for safety.
Plumbing Concerns
Buying a new home with plumbing concerns can quickly become a nightmare. The home may have older pipes. When pipes are clogged or they need to be replaced, it is expensive. Often, it isn’t just a one time thing or one pipe. Instead, it can be a huge underlying issue with the entire system.
Pipes can leak in hard to get to spaces. A home inspector is trained to look for signs of such damages. They can trace it back to the spot of origin. Water leaks in a home can cause serious damage. They can create mold, increase your water bill, and ruin flooring. Stains and mildew are often telling signs of plumbing concerns in a home.
The water pressure should be checked during the inspection. When pipes are clogged, the right volume of water isn’t able to flow through them. The build-up pressure can cause them to burst, allowing tremendous amounts of water to flow through them until you shut the water off. Older pipes tend to leak and have to be replaced with newer materials.
Electrical Risks
All electrical outlets and wiring must be up to code for a home to be deemed safe. The risk of an electrical fire behind a wall is great if such issues are ignored. The average person isn’t aware of what to look for. They may verify electrical outlets work, but nothing further than that. The inspector has an important job, to verify there aren’t any electrical risks in the home.
Some electrical risks are easier to spot. For example, exposed wiring or outlets that don’t work. Flickering lights in areas of the home can be a red flag. The electrical panel may be outdated and not up to code. Breakers can easily get overloaded in a home where several electrical entities are on at the same time. This indicates the electrical wiring can’t handle that impact.
Faulty wiring isn’t going to pass a home inspection, and it can kill a deal. It is expensive to rewire a home. The cost involved and the time it takes depend on the size of the home, the underlying issues, and other variables.
Toxic Materials
Mold and mildew can lead to serious problems for those who reside there. Inhaling spores from mold or mildew can create health problems, especially for the very young and the very old. Both can be hidden in dark areas where there are water leaks. Mildew often has a terrible odor associated with it.
There are several times of mold, and some are quite dangerous compared to others. It requires specialized cleanup from trained crews to remove it. Once mold has been identified, it has to be tested and evaluated before a cleanup plan can be initiated. This is a lengthy process and very expensive. A home with mold or severe mildew isn’t going to pass inspection. There isn’t a lender out there that will approve the loan.
Other toxic materials a home inspector looks for include asbestos and lead paint. Asbestos can be found in some older building materials including floor tiles. Lead paint can cause health problems, and may be present in older homes. Most of the inspections also evaluate the levels of carbon monoxide and radon in a home. Such leaks can be serious and need to be evaluated before a home is sold.
