What Are the Deal Breakers on a Home Inspection Report?

by Kevin Smith Author

A home inspection report provides a homebuyer with peace of mind knowing that the house they’re purchasing has no major underlying issues. Many buyers and sellers alike await the report with some anxiety, worried that there will be something wrong with the house that could ruin the deal. But what exactly should you be looking for as a buyer? What issues should be major red flags that ought to make you reconsider the purchase? Keep reading to learn more.

The Roof

If there are major issues in the roof, you should pump the breaks on this deal. While the roof doesn’t have to be a total deal-breaker, it does warrant some thought and renegotiation. Major roof repairs are expensive and often make it impossible to live in the home for a period of time. At the very least, you should be renegotiating the price of the house to accommodate for the added cost of the roof repairs. If that kind of project isn’t something you want to buy into (and nobody could blame you), then walk away.

The Foundation

The bottom is just as important as the top! Issues with the home’s foundation are one of those problems that frequently halt a home sale in its tracks. An unstable foundation is expensive and difficult to fix, more often than not, and it’s not something people want to deal with in a new home. If you’re absolutely in love with the property, you could speak to a contractor about what it would take to fix the foundation, but odds are, it’s best to walk away.

The Electricity

Electrical issues are not only expensive, but they can be dangerous as well. Wiring that is outdated or not up to code can spark a fire in your home, so it’s not a problem that can be ignored. A few fixes in the electrical system isn’t something to be very concerned about; these can usually be done quickly and relatively cheaply. But if your home needs to be completely rewired, that’s a major project and a huge expense. Renegotiation or reconsideration are definitely in order.

The Plumbing

Like the electricity, a home’s plumbing can get outdated. Generally, this is only an issue in much older homes, but if your inspector reports that the plumbing is old and showing signs of decay, then you should start looking at your options. Repiping an entire house is expensive and not usually a project you want to take on with a brand-new home. Renegotiate the terms of your purchase, or find a property that requires less upfront work.

If you do decide to purchase a home that needs some plumbing repair in Sacramento, consider asking the seller to conduct the repairs before selling so that you can move into a home that’s truly ready for your family.