What to Do if Your Home Inspection Detects Problems Before Purchase

Home inspections are typically required by your homeowner’s insurance company, and for good reason: having a professional inspector walk through the house can uncover hidden problems and save you from costly surprises down the road.

So, what should you do if your pre-purchase home inspection finds some red flags? Let’s look at the most common defects found during home inspections, and what you can do about them before your closing date.

Common Problems During Inspections

The age of the home, as well as the quality of its upkeep, play an important role in the overall condition of the home. Some houses are simply well past their prime, while others have been neglected by their previous owners. Your home inspector will give you their impression of the soundness of the house’s structure. In addition, they will be especially vigilant when checking for:

• Water Damage. Water and moisture, whether from rain or condensation, are some of the most damaging elements to a home. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most common. They can cause wood rot, warped floorboards, leaky roofs, and mold and mildew, among other hazards.
• Roof Problems. Some roofing materials hold up to weather better than others, but they all grow weaker as they age. A roof check should be a part of your thorough home inspection. You’ll want to know about any holes, loose shingles, or sagging boards.
• Foundation Issues. The soil around Dallas-Fort Worth is notoriously shifty, so foundation problems are very common here. It’s the severity that you need to consider: a slightly uneven floor might not be a deal-breaker, but wide cracks in the walls and ceiling are definitely a warning sign of issues to come.
• Poor Plumbing. Old pipes and improper drainage can cause leaks and sewage back-ups that you probably won’t want to deal with. If you catch them early during a home inspection, the seller could be on the hook to pay for repairs.
• Faulty Wiring. Perhaps the most dangerous fault on this list, wiring defects can cause fires or electrocution. An inspection is crucial to bring wiring problems to light.
• Heating and Cooling Systems. Have you ever been through a Texas summer without air conditioning? It’s not fun. Many older houses have heating and cooling units that are on their last leg, so have a home inspector take a look before you agree to buy.

• Take Legal Action. If the seller had agreed to have the problems repaired before closing, you have the right to delay closing until they are corrected. You also have the right to hire a real estate attorney if the sellers are dragging their feet.
• Just Walk Away. If the house is proving to be more trouble than it’s worth, it might be best to find another one. It’s always disappointing to have to leave behind a house that you’d imagined yourself living in, but the home’s condition could give you no choice.

Help is a Phone Call Away

1st Choice Inspection Services specializes in home inspections. Put our expertise to work for you! Just give us a call when you need a home inspection, and we will uncover potential problems so that you know exactly what you’re getting into by purchasing the home.