One of the most important aspects of buying and selling a home is a home inspection. Buyers want to know if the property they are eyeing is worth it since they know that a lot of work still needs to be done after purchasing it. Sellers are doing business, so they also want to make a profit from the sale.
An inspection gives a buyer clues about the house’s overall condition, especially issues that are not immediately visible. That way, the buyer can assess whether to continue the deal or look elsewhere. On the other hand, sellers can get a pre-listing inspection to find any issues they can fix before listing their home to get a higher sale price.

If you are on the lookout for a new property, an inspection also gives you some leverage in the sale – you can ask the seller to fix any unearthed issues or get cash credit for the necessary repairs. However, this does not mean that you can demand the seller fix every issue an inspector sees.
If you ask the seller to get the property fixed up first, make sure that your repair requests are reasonable.
Here’s everything you need to know about common and reasonable repair requests after a home inspection. Remember that requesting repairs will depend on how an offer was structured.
Table of Contents
- 11 Common Repairs Needed After Home Inspection
- 1. Structural and House Grading Issues
- 2. Condition of the Roof and Its Components
- 3. Water and Drainage
- 4. Supply Lines, Piping, and Plumbing
- 5. Presence Mold and Mildew
- 6. Pest
- 7. Electrical Issues
- 8. Problems with the HVAC
- 9. Faulty Doors and Windows
- 10. Security Concerns
- 11. Wood Rot
- 12. Presence of Dangerous Substances

11 Common Repairs Needed After Home Inspection
Many people think that only old homes can fail an inspection. That is why there are times that both the seller and the buyer are surprised when it happens to relatively newer construction. But why does this happen?
Contrary to what most people think, a visibly rundown house is not the only one that can fail an inspection. There may be some major issues that only caught the attention of the inspector, not the seller.
It may seem that they will check on every nook and cranny. Still, the reality is that they will only focus primarily on the ones underneath.
Here are some of the ones costing a lot of money to fix.
Reasons | Cost to fix |
Structural issues | $5000 – $25,000+ |
Roof replacement | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Water and drainage issues | $3,000 – $13,000 |
Mold | $1,000 – $30,000 |
1. Structural and House Grading Issues
The condition of foundations and other structures that support and keep it standing is among the first things an inspector will look at. After all, these structures determine their livability. Any structural issues discovered cause concern, as these put safety in question. Large cracks and doors that will not properly close are usual signs that they look for.
Foundation defects are also caused by house grading issues, which means water slopes toward the house instead of away from it. If so, it settles there. Unknown to most, too much water can damage and weaken the foundations.
- Cracks in the chimney
- Damp subfloor
- Crumbling concrete
- Uneven gaps on windows and doors
2. Condition of the Roof and Its Components
One of the most common aspects that people neglect is the roof. And unless they already experience roof-related problems, they will assume that the roof is still in good condition.
An inspector will often get a closer look at the roof. It includes the roofing system, and assess its overall condition. He can also estimate how long the roof can still be used. If he believes that a new roof is needed asap, know that this will cost a lot. Many buyers consider it a deal-breaker because of how expensive a roof replacement is.

He will also check other components installed on the roof, such as chimneys and gutters.
3. Water and Drainage
Inspectors will also check a house for any signs of water damage – from the roof down to the foundations. If present in the basement, there is a chance that structural components may have been affected. Basements will inform any inspector of any water-related issues, such as too much moisture and water seepage. They are often considered a bad sign.
Drainage issues are also common and are not just found in clogged bathrooms and kitchens and may not be as simple as what people think. While it is usually caused by blockages that can be easily removed, slow drainage may also signify problems with the sewage system itself that will require major repairs.
4. Supply Lines, Piping, and Plumbing
Leaking water pipes is a regular occurrence, and it is known as one of the known issues that pros see. Though seemingly harmless, leaks can cause all sorts of problems when left unrepaired. This is one aspect they’ll investigate; they will look for any visible effects of leaks. Also, low water pressure can indicate either plumbing issues or that the entire plumbing system is outdated.
Supply lines and pipes may also exhibit problems, such as those for gas and the sewer system. They are harder to fix, but they can also be dangerous since there are different health effects that gas leaks and sewer leaks can cause. Note that inspectors can only watch out for signs of such leaks but not confirm it since experts in those fields can only do confirmation.
5. Presence Mold and Mildew
The presence of mold is not just an eyesore, but it is also known to trigger different health issues. While they typically see mold in attics and walls, a mold infestation can happen anywhere. Mildew is also often found alongside mold, but it is safer since it poses no health risks.
Their presence indicates that the property has moisture issues, which may be caused by various structure-related factors such as poor ventilation.
6. Pest
Various pests are known to build their nests in different areas of any home; even a seemingly new place may unknowingly house these critters. A house inspection will reveal if any of these pests have infiltrated a property through any visible damage they caused. Termites eat away parts of a home that can compromise structural integrity.

7. Electrical Issues
Faulty electrical wirings can easily become a fire hazard. That is why electrical systems must always be up to code. Some common issues found in an inspection include over-fusing and not grounded wirings. The absence of ground fault interrupters and outlets having reverse polarity are other issues an inspector can encounter. A double-tapped breaker is another issue.
While most electrical issues can be easily fixed, the presence of knot and tube wiring will send a red flag. It’s because it is known to be a fire hazard. This wiring style is present in homes that date back to between 1800 to the mid-1900s, and the only fix is to rewire the home completely.
Here are some signs of electrical issues:
- Buzzing
- Hot outlets
- Sparking
- Funny odors
- Flickering lights
8. Problems with the HVAC
An HVAC system should still be in working order and can efficiently provide heating and cooling throughout the entire home. It includes its components, such as insulations and vents. They will check it by switching on the heating and air conditioning and allowing it to run for a short while.
Here are signs of the HVAC unit having issues:
- Puddles around the unit
- Strong odor near the unit
- The unit runs but doesn’t cool or heat
9. Faulty Doors and Windows
Inspectors often discover doors and windows that are broken or refuse to open or close, especially in old homes. These components easily succumb to wear and tear, and most homeowners learn to live with them instead of getting them fixed. However, buyers and pros will likely see it as a sign of neglect and poor maintenance. They can also take it as a sign of the home’s overall condition.
Malfunctioning doors and windows are not just a cosmetic issue. If left alone for too long, they also lead to different issues. It includes water damage and higher consumption, because the HVAC system works overtime to get the desired comfort level.
10. Security Concerns
People want to feel safe in their own homes. That is why they will also look for any security features present. Locks on the doors and windows must be working properly. There should be carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors present and in good condition.
11. Wood Rot
Although typically considered a cosmetic issue, the presence of rotting wood can also be a safety concern. Rotting wooden stairs or flooring is dangerous because its strength is compromised. Anyone who steps on it may get into an accident. Rotting door frames are also a concern.
12. Presence of Dangerous Substances
Old homes are at risk for various toxic substances. Still, lead and asbestos are at the forefront of those that must be addressed immediately. The scope is limited to visual inspections. Because of this, they assume homes built before the lead and asbestos bans in late 1970 are positive for those substances.

On the other hand, radon is a dangerous substance found in both old and relatively newer places. Unfortunately, radon leaks can happen anywhere since they are naturally occurring substances. However, some zones are more prone to radon leaks than others.
Testing for radon is also beyond the scope of a typical inspector. They will also assume that a home may have a high risk for radon leaks based on its location.
An inspection will only tell you if the house is livable or not and any aspects that need fixing.
Reasons | Cost to fix |
Pests | $100 – $300 |
Wood rot | $500 – $10,000 |
Lead abatement | $10,000 – $30,000 |