The home inspection is a critical part of the real estate process. Once a home is under contract, the buyer hires a home inspector who will assess the condition of the home and document their findings. Sometimes the home inspection turns up no major issues and the home is declared sale-ready. Other times, the home inspector will discover problems that may need to be addressed before the sale can proceed. These are the most common repairs that are needed after a home inspection.
Appliance and HVAC repairs
During your home inspection, the inspector will examine some (but not all) of the major appliances to make sure they are in working order and not dangerous. This includes the stove, garbage disposal, dishwasher, and stove hood. They may also check to make sure the refrigerator and freezer are cooling properly. They’ll also look at the heating and cooling elements of the home as well as fireplaces and sprinkler systems. If any problems are found, they may need to be repaired before closing.
Electrical system repairs
In addition to having a typical home inspection, some may also opt to have the electrical systems checked by an electrician. This is to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe and up to code. Some common problems that may need to be repaired include three-pronged outlets that aren’t grounded, flickering lights, wires that are taped together and not in a junction box, circuit breakers with more than one live wire attached, and GFCI outlets that are missing or don’t work.
Removal of dead trees
Dead trees, especially large ones, can be a serious threat to a home and its occupants. Dead trees can easily fall on the house, in the yard, or on power lines, causing extensive and expensive damage. You may want to have large dead trees removed as a stipulation for closing on the home.
Plumbing and sewage repairs
Your home inspector will check for leaks around doors and windows, rusty or broken pipes, and water damage around plumbing and hookups. They’ll also look for mold and mildew which could cause serious health problems. If there are any problems with the plumbing, septic, or sewage systems, then these will need to be addressed.
Removal of infestations
Your home inspection will include looking for signs of infestations, such as insects or wildlife. However, the inspector will likely not go deep into the home to find out if there are any issues. If you’re concerned there may be an infestation such as raccoons living in the attic or termites in the walls, then you may want to hire a pest inspector. They can help you determine if immediate mitigation strategies are needed before closing.
Removal of hazardous materials
Your home inspection may uncover the presence of asbestos, lead paint, or radon. These can all cause serious health problems and should be addressed before you move in.
Structural or roof repairs
Finally, your home inspector will examine the roof for broken or missing shingles, clogged gutters, or tilting. They’ll also walk the perimeter to look for foundation cracks and drainage issues. These are also repairs that may need to be made before closing on your home.
