Quality Home Inspections Philadelphia PA

Top Things That Fail A Home Inspection and Prevention Tips

Ok. First of all, before we get too far, it’s essential to know that top quality home inspections in Philadelphia aren’t pass or fail. If you’re selling your home, your house probably isn’t at risk for “failing” a potential buyer’s inspection. The inspector’s job isn’t to give your home a grade; it provides the buyer with a comprehensive report detailing the house’s condition and alerting them to any potential red flags. The truth is, if you’ve lived in your home for a while, there’s going to be some stuff that needs attention. Homes are complicated and require a lot of maintenance. Your goal when going into a home inspection is not to present the inspector and the buyer with a perfect home, it’s to present a home that, even though it has some flaws, will not cause the deal to unravel.

Since it’s the big stuff that might pose a safety problem or that costs big money to repair that can cause a hiccup in the transaction, let’s look at 5 of the most common issues found during quality residential inspections and what you can do about them. Paying attention to these areas will go a long way to keeping negotiations in your favor:

The Roof

Roof repairs are expensive, and they can’t really be put off. No buyer wants to deal with the financial burden of a roof repair or replacement soon after buying a home, so if your roof shows wear, many buyers will walk away. Before the inspection, replace broken shingles, recaulk where needed, and repair worn flashing. Also, clean your gutters and make sure they are working to direct water away from your home.

Drainage

Inspectors look closely for any signs that water might be draining towards the foundation of your home. The landscaping around the home needs to slope away from the house, and gutters and downspouts need to direct water away as well.

Foundation

If your home has significant foundation issues, selling is going to be a challenge. You’re going to need to make the repairs yourself; even price concessions won’t help as new homebuyers don’t want the hassle of foundation repairs. Filling cracks and repairing sticky doors will help with any minor foundation problems.

Plumbing

If you have old polybutylene pipes, the inspector will note this on the report and recommend replacements. Making this upgrade ahead of time is a good idea. Beyond this, take the time to make sure your drains move smoothly, that your fixtures are free from drips, and your toilets don’t run. If you have an old water heater, be prepared to offer a concession.

Pests

Homebuyers run from pests. Have your home treated by a professional pest control company before the sale.

The Bottom Line

Whole-home inspections in Philadelphia are stressful for sellers, but with a bit of preparation, you really can’t fail. Help your home put its best foot forward with fresh caulk, thorough pressure washing, and excellent cleaning. Tackle the cosmetic issues and anticipate the concerns buyers might have about significant systems in the home. Disclose freely and be prepared to negotiate. Then trust the process. Everything will work out fine.