12 Of the Most Common Repairs Needed After a Home Inspection

Most common repairs needed after a home inspection

Home inspections can uncover repairs that may affect your budget. Knowing the most common fixes helps you plan financially before closing.

1. Dead trees

Removing dead trees isn’t technically a repair, but you do want to have an arborist come out for an inspection, especially if there are a lot of large trees near the house. Dead trees are dangerous because rotting wood is much more likely to break, and if a tree falls in your yard, on the house, or on the power lines, it could cost quite a bit.

Homeowners insurance, depending on the kind of coverage you have, will only cover so much. For example, AllState will only cover $500 to $1,000 of the cost.

2. Trip hazards

Trip hazards happen when a walkway suddenly changes height or level, making it easy to lose your footing. They’re common findings in home inspections because sidewalks, driveways, and flooring naturally settle or shift over time. Weather, tree roots, and normal wear and tear can also create uneven surfaces. Fixing these hazards is important for safety and can prevent potential liability issues for the homeowner.

Some examples of trip hazards include:

• Tree roots uprooting walkways
• Uneven or broken pavers or cement walkways
• Inadequate lighting over stairways, steps, or outdoor areas

3. Dysfunctional appliances

Home inspectors will inspect some appliances in the house to ensure they aren’t going to be dangerous to the owner. They won’t check every appliance to make sure they are safe, but they will look at:

• Kitchen stove
• Dishwasher
• Built-in microwave
• Garbage disposal
• Stove hood

They might also check that the refrigerator and freezer are at the right temperatures, about 40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer.

4. Plumbing, sewage, and septic problems

Home inspectors start by checking the plumbing system throughout the house. They look for leaks, damaged, rusted, or corroded pipes, and any signs of water damage around fixtures and hookups. While examining the pipes, inspectors also watch for mold or mildew, which can be a serious health concern if left unaddressed.

They also check for cross-connection issues, which happen when a drinking water supply is accidentally linked to a source of contamination, like a garden hose, irrigation system, or wastewater line. Such connections can allow dirty water to flow back into the clean water system, so inspectors make sure the home’s plumbing is properly protected.

Moreover, professionals check if the house has the proper type of pipe and look for water stains on ceilings, which could indicate upstairs plumbing problems or roof leaks.

Although the inspector won’t test water quality, buyers should consider having the water checked for metals like arsenic, lead, or cadmium. For homes with a septic system, the tank should be inspected for contamination and confirmed as properly pumped to prevent backups in toilets or sinks.

5. Electrical hazards

You want to hire a licensed electrician or an electrical contractor, not just a home inspector, to inspect the home’s electric system. They’ll know what the safety benchmark is for all types of electrical equipment and ensure the design, installation, and inspection are up to the National Electric Code’s standards.

Some of the most common issues an electrician may find include:

• Wires are taped or spliced together and not in a junction box.
• Three-prong outlets are not grounded and may cause electrical shocks.
• Outlets are painted, which can cause overheating.
• Circuit breakers have more than one live wire running to them.
• Electrical panels were modified incorrectly, causing flickering lights, outlets not working, etc.
• GFCI outlets do not work or are missing altogether.

6. Fire hazards

Fire hazards primarily come from electrical problems, such as overheated or sparking outlets and gas leaks. However, home inspectors will also look to see if the home has any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and if they’re in the right places. They’ll check for fire extinguishers and see if the certification is current, too.

Inspectors will also check if the doors and windows are in good condition, open and close easily, and if the locking mechanisms work. Faulty doors and windows aren’t just a fire hazard. They are a safety hazard, too, as they can make it harder to get out in an emergency or let someone in when you don’t want them to. That’s why smooth operation and working locks matter.

7. Pest or wildlife infestation

Your average home inspector isn’t going to go deep into the home to find a pest problem. However, they will do a cursory survey and look for indications of an infestation. Should there be a problem, you will want to find a pest inspector to come out and assess the extent of the issue.

8. Asbestos, radon, and lead paint

Asbestos, radon, and lead paint are other items that will require a specialty inspector, but these are three points you do not want to overlook because they can cause serious health problems, such as:

Asbestos:

• Scarring of the lungs
• Pleural disease
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma

Radon:

• Lung cancer

Lead paint:

• Damage to the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood
• Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
• Seizures
• Death

9. HVAC problems

The home inspector is going to examine the heating and cooling elements of your home. This means they’ll check to ensure the wiring and ventilation are safe and don’t pose a fire risk. They’ll look at fireplaces and sprinkler systems as well, to make sure they are safe and work properly. If your home only has a furnace, the inspector will check that, too.

10. Chimney issues

Homes with a chimney should definitely be looked at to ensure there are no problems with the bricks and cement, the flue or connectors, and that the interior is free of any potential fire hazards.

11. Roof damage

Roof repairs can be a major expense, so it’s crucial that the inspector takes a close look. They’ll check for missing or broken shingles, signs of sagging or tilting, and make sure the gutters are clear so water can drain properly. Catching these issues early can save buyers from costly surprises down the line.

12. Structural damage

Structural damage is another big expense that you do not want to get saddled with. Depending on the problem, it could cost thousands to repair.

The inspector will walk around the perimeter of the home to look for any cracks in the foundation, drainage issues in the basement or crawl space, and whether the brickwork and masonry are not deteriorating, to name a few.

What options do buyers have?

Joan Steinberg, a top-rated agent in Augusta, Georgia, explains what buyers can do to protect their home purchase.

During the due diligence period, you can order any inspections you feel are necessary. If there are any problems or issues that you would like addressed before closing, you can have your agent submit a buyer’s repair request form listing, along with a copy of the relevant inspection reports.

“The buyer has the option to ask the seller to repair everything on the list, but most people just ask for any electrical, plumbing, structural, and moisture control, since these are costly repairs. Once the amendment has been submitted, the seller doesn’t have to agree with everything — they can choose what items they will agree to fix.” Then it’s down to negotiating what repairs (if any) will be done.

During the due diligence period (usually 10 to 14 days), the buyer can walk away from the contract if both parties cannot come to an agreement. They get their earnest money back and can continue their search for that perfect home.

Reviewing the common repairs needed after a home inspection

Home inspections are a necessary part of buying a home — because you don’t want to buy a house with problems, or worse yet, problems the seller knew about but did not disclose. The due diligence period is a short window of time to get all of the inspections you want, but remember, the expense of these inspections will come out of your pocket.

If your inspection reports come back with big problems, such as structural damage or a roof that needs replacing, you should submit a request to have them repaired. The smaller things, such as the doors, windows, and tree removal, can be done on your own if you just want to get to the closing table.

No matter how you move forward, lean on your real estate agent to help you navigate this stage of the negotiation and advocate for your best interests. If the deal works out, great. But if it doesn’t, don’t view it as a setback. You can always walk away and keep searching for a home that’s a better fit. The right home and the right deal will come when you make informed choices and give it time.

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