5 Home Inspection Items that Can Kill A Deal

When a home buyer and seller have reached a deal, it is time for the (sometimes) dreaded "Home Inspection".  Buyers just want to be sure their new home is problem-free...and seller usually just want to pack up and move.

There are a number of things that inspectors look for, and addressing them before the inspection will save the seller a lot of headaches...and may increase their sale price.

Here are 5 of the most common problem areas found that will need to be addressed to close a home sale:

Mold & Mildew
Buyers will always be concerned if the home inspection report includes problems with mold and mildew.  While stains and odors from mold and mildew are hard to cover up, and inspection can reveal other problems that will need to be fixed. The only way to rid of this problem is to find the source of the mold, remove it and fix the damaged areas around the source. Mold and mildew’s most common hang out spot is the basement and attic of your home.

Plumbing Problems
No buyer wants to inherit leaking pipes, drainage and water pressure.  The home inspection will test all of these and include in the report.  Leaking pipes are easy to detect and fix prior to inspection, but sometimes other plumbing problems are not as easy to spot. Inspectors will turn on faucets in the bathroom on the top floor of your home and flush the toilet to gauge the water pressure throughout the house. They might also check your septic system by flushing a dye solution and checking the septic drainfield to determine the proper drainage is in place.  It can be helpful to test the plumbing before the inspection to remove the problems proactively.

Electrical Issues
Just as important to a new buyer is the electrical service and related safety issues for a home.  Inspectors will check the electrical panel and circuit breaker to determine if there are any issues with meeting the electrical needs of the house. In bathrooms and kitchens, they will look for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFI’s). These are the receptacles that contain the “reset” and “test” buttons, which work as mini circuit breakers when undergoing a short circuit or overload. It’s important that these and all other electrical outlets are wired correctly in order to prevent a fire hazard.

Heating and Cooling Systems
Maintaining the proper temperature in your home is important, and energy efficient homes are even more important to home buyers today. Inspectors will check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is functioning properly and within its typical life-span of 15-25 years. Aside from a working furnace, having the proper insulation and ventilation is equally important to maintaining an energy efficient home. 

Roofing Repairs
Roofing is an important feature to homes that are exposed to the elements like heavy rains, snow, and winds on a regular basis. Cracked or deteriorating shingles can cause slow but major leaks to occur. The proper gutter and drainage system is important to keep water from running down the exterior walls of your home and causing a slew of structural and foundational problems on the inside of your home.

Prepare for a home inspection by checking these items ahead of time. Determine the cost of repairing what’s needed, and weigh its effect on the sale of your home. Last but not least, don’t get discouraged if you inspection report reveals a few negative areas. Work with the right contractor to find the right solution and get the house sold.