Top 5 Red Flags to Look for in a Home Inspection Report

• By bk-digilatics
•

A home inspection is among the most vital steps during the homebuying process. It provides detailed information about the property’s condition. The home inspection report is an orderly breakdown of conditions affecting your property, starting from the roof and moving down to the foundation. This assessment provides both buyers and sellers vital information about home problems that could decrease property value or compromise living conditions.

However, not all problems are obvious to the untrained eye, and this is where the home inspection report comes in handy. It raises red flags that need your absolute attention since they signal trouble.

So, what are those home inspection report red flags? We will examine the top five red flags mentioned in the inspection reports with explanations of how you should respond to them.

1. Foundation Problems

Everyone knows the home foundation stands as its central support system. It is the home’s backbone and keeps the house stable. Foundation problems will end up affecting all parts of the housing structure.

The inspection report will mention foundation problems through statements like “cracks in the foundation,” “uneven flooring,” or “settling.” Pay attention to these and discuss them at length with your Home inspector. Some issues may require thousands of dollars to fix and may compromise the very structure of the house. 

What To Look For

  • Large cracks in the walls or floors.
  • Floors that incline noticeably along one side.
  • Gaps around doors and windows.

Any issues with your foundation require instant and proper attention. Foundation repairs can cost from $5,000 to $40,000 based on the fault’s complexity. If your home inspection report red flags include foundation problems, it’s worth getting an expert to assess the severity before you go ahead with the purchase. 

2- Roof Damage Or Leaks

The roof is the shelter that protects against everything. In your inspection report, roof damage, notably leaks, are warning signs that demand immediate attention.

A single leak in your roof can create more complex problems, like mold formation, wood deterioration, and weakening roof structure that can even cause it to collapse. Any report of roof issues during an inspection requires you to assess the remaining useful lifespan of your roof.

What To Look For

  • Missing or damaged shingles.
  • Evidence of water damage appears as stains on the ceiling and attic surface.
  • Moss and algae on the roof. 
  • Previous repair work that was possibly inadequate.

Roof repairs can be costly. The total cost for replacing a house roof falls somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000, based on structural elements and materials. If the home inspection report red flags mention roof problems, be sure to factor this potential cost into your decision-making.

3. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing serves as an important system which we easily overlook before it explodes, quite literally. Defects in a property’s plumbing systems are important issues that demand your attention on a home inspection report. Common plumbing problems in homes stem from cracked water pipes, the use of aged plumbing systems, and inadequate water pressure systems.

Minor plumbing problems are easier to fix, but big ones require investment of time and money. Neglecting plumbing problems will eventually manifest as water damage, mold growth, and structural damage to the house.

What To Look For

  • Check for leaks that affect the faucets, pipes, and toilets.
  • Low water pressure.
  • Water damage in bathrooms, kitchens, and foundations.
  • Old or rusty pipes.

Plumbing repairs can cost between $150 to $1,000 and even more if the problem is more extensive. If your home inspection report red flags include plumbing issues, consider asking the seller for repairs or a price reduction before moving forward.

4. Electrical Problems

Electrical flaws are among the riskiest problems in a residential property. Wiring issues can trigger house fires, electrocution incidents, and electricity breakdowns. It is essential to seek immediate remedy when electrical issues appear on your home inspection report.

Old electrical systems are ticking time bombs. They may have lived their useful lives, and they can cause potential damage. The latest safety codes require you to change your home’s wiring after a certain period of time, and failing to do so invites trouble. 

What To Look For

  • Exposed or frayed wires.
  • Non-functioning power outlets displaying burn marks.
  • Frequently tripped circuit breakers.
  • Old electrical panels require replacement.

The expenses for electrical system renovation start at $3,000 but can easily reach $10,000 depending on the home’s size. Given the potential safety risks, if you see home inspection report red flags related to electrical issues, it’s worth negotiating with the seller to handle repairs or make adjustments to the price.

5. Termite Infestation

Termites may be tiny, but their invasion is a recipe for disaster and can even take down a house. Their strength lies in their sheer numbers; Americans spend US$5 billion every year to rectify their damage. Home inspection reports indicating termite infestation should ring a bell. The small size of these pests does not diminish the severe destruction they can inflict upon property structures.

They attack beams and flooring and destroy basic home structures. You can choose to ignore termite activity at your own peril. 

What To Look For

  • If the wood produces a hollow sound upon tapping, termites have eaten through the wood pulp.
  • Mud tubes running from the foundation to the walls serve as termite travel passages between soil and wood.
  • Swarming termite wings usually accumulate around doors and windows since these insects leave behind their discarded wings.
  • Crumbling and soft areas of wood appear most commonly near foundations as well as attics.

Termite damage repair expenses range from $3,000 to $4,000 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. If your home inspection reports termite infestation, it’s essential to take immediate action, either by negotiating with the seller to handle treatment or seeking expert advice on the extent of the damage. Any ignored warnings in home inspection reports will only exacerbate the situation and increase repair expenses.

Conclusion

Look out for these red flags in the home inspection report that can point to potential problems. You must never ignore signs of foundation problems, roof leakage, serious plumbing defects, electrical faults, and termite infestations. These problems highlighted in the report will cause costly repairs that impede the house’s value and resale potential.

Do not fear when your inspection report reveals any potentially concerning issues. When facing potential red flags, consult experts for a supplementary assessment and attempt to reach an agreement with the seller to pay for repairs or reduce the price. You will benefit from the home inspection as it provides essential information needed to make decisions confidently.

The Brickkicker team recognizes that complete house inspections hold great importance. Our team of professionals offers precise and detailed inspection reports that help you select the right future home. You can rely on services and sleep peacefully in your new home knowing that our inspection report has covered all that you ever needed to know about your new house.