How much is your home worth?
Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a very different answer.
One way to gauge a home’s value is to schedule a home inspection. A home inspector examines all the most important areas of a home—the HVAC system, the roof, the foundation—to assess its overall condition and potential issues.
You might think your home is ready to sell, but a home inspection can reveal all kinds of unforeseen problems. From structural instabilities to safety hazards, these problems can throw a wrench in the sale of your home.
That’s why it’s best to identify these issues and fix them before listing your house. Otherwise, you might only discover these problems when it’s too late and buyers are no longer interested.
We’ve listed the top 10 most common things that fail a home inspection:
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Roofing
Can you imagine buying a home, only to discover that it needs a new roof?
You just took out the biggest loan of your life, and now you need to pay an extra 10 grand! It’s enough to give anyone buyer’s remorse.
Roofing problems are all too common, especially in older homes. That’s why home inspectors always check the roof. A few common roof problems include:
- Missing shingles
- Damaged shingles
- Loose flashing
- Water leaks
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HVAC Issues
You rely on your heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable. It’s got a pretty important job to do, and there’s rarely a day where it isn’t hard at work. Over the years, HVAC systems develop wear and tear due to constant use.
You can mitigate issues by maintaining the unit regularly. But if you leave it be, your home inspector will probably find a problem with it. There might be clogged filters, leaky ductwork, or dirty condenser coils.
It’s best to fix any HVAC issues before selling your home. In Vancouver, every buyer will want to know whether you have an adequate heating and cooling system.
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Mould
You see it on food that’s been in the fridge too long. But if you see mould in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, then you’ve got a problem on your hands.
Mould can be tough to find—it lurks within walls and under floorboards. If your home has excessive moisture, a musty smell, or a drainage issue, you may have a mould problem. A licenced home inspector will make note of any mould they find in your home.
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Plumbing Problems
Water leaks cause extensive damage. From leaky pipes to drainage problems, water can damage your property in all kinds of ways. And it all comes back to your plumbing system.
How is the water pressure in your home? To check this, all you need to do is run the kitchen sink or shower tap. If the water comes out as a disappointing trickle, you know there’s a water pressure issue.
Low water pressure is a low-cost fix that goes a long way in helping your home inspection.
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Outdated Electrical
With each passing year, homeowners have greater energy demands. We load our homes with appliances, from smart fridges to TVs. Make sure your home can keep up with modern energy demands.
A home inspector will check electrical outlets, circuit breakers, and the wiring itself.
If your home uses knob and tube wiring, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Potential buyers might be scared off by an electrical system that poses a fire hazard.
Call up a licenced electrician, and ask them to take a closer look at your electrical wiring. They can modernize your system and install safety mechanisms, like overcurrent protection.
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Structural Issues
Are there cracks in your stucco? Is the wood in your home rotting? Do you see signs of termite damage? Foundation problems are another major issue that scares home buyers away. They can be caused by age, moisture damage, or pests.
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Old Windows
Single pane windows offer poor insulation. As cold or warm air escapes your house, you’ll need to use more energy (and pay more money) to maintain consistent temperatures.
Do the windows open and close properly? Or are they hard to maneuver, loose, and noisy when used? If so, it might be worth replacing some or all of your windows.
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Fencing
Have you taken a look at the exterior of your property, too? A well-kept fence will turn your backyard into a private space. But if the fence is broken, missing pieces, or sagging, it won’t bode well for your home inspection report. Make sure to fix any peeling paint or rotting wood on your fence.
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Security Features
How safe is your home? We aren’t talking about structural components here—we’re talking about anti-theft and safety measures. Home inspectors will look for:
- A security system (cameras or an alarm system)
- Smoke detectors
- Proximity to a fire hydrant
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Radon detector
- Locks on doors and windows
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Asbestos & Lead Paint
What year was your home built? If it’s older than 1980, it may contain asbestos or lead-based paint. Both of these materials have damaging health effects. Asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, while lead paint can cause anemia or brain damage.
Given the severity of these side effects, it’s best to call a professional to safely remove any traces of asbestos or lead paint from your home. Otherwise, the home inspection will scare buyers away!
FAQ
Is it worth it to book a home inspection?
Absolutely! You can find out about any costly issues (including electrical problems, foundation issues, and HVAC problems) before listing your home and fixing them to get a better listing price.
The home buying process can feel like it’s full of unknowns—but with an inspection report, it doesn’t have to be. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before you buy.
What is a home inspection contingency?
This is when a buyer stipulates that before they close the deal, the home must first pass a home inspection; if the home inspector reveals any serious issues, the buyer can back out of the deal.
How should I prepare for a home inspection?
There are a few minor repairs you can do before your inspection. They include:
- Checking for any water leaks or running toilets
- Testing your smoke and gas detectors
- Changing any burnt-out lightbulbs
- Making all areas of your home easily accessible
- Testing your power outlets
- Replacing your HVAC filter
These quick fixes will ensure your inspection goes smoothly!
How long does a home inspection take?
The answer depends on the size of your home; the more square footage, the more places there are to inspect. In most cases, home inspectors take 2 hours to check a house and 1 hour for a condo.
Sell Your Home With an Experienced Real Estate Agent Today!
Now that you know 10 things that fail a home inspection, you’re ready to roll up your sleeve and get to work.
Once your home is in mint condition, it’s time to put it on the market. But first, you need an experienced Vancouver realtor by your side.
Leo Wilk is committed to client satisfaction with every sale. With his passion and expertise in real estate, he’s helped countless homeowners in Vancouver successfully sell their homes. Ready to get started? Contact Leo Wilk today!