There’s no such thing as a flawless home. Even newly built houses have certain issues or elements that could’ve been constructed using better materials or workmanship. And don’t even get us started about old houses; they’re always going to need some repairs, there’s just no way around it.
Trusted San Marcos home inspectors can provide you with an in-depth home inspection report that lists any issues they found during their inspection. These issues can range from simple stuff such as old faucets and cracked windows, to major problems such as advanced mold infestations and faulty heating systems.
So which of these problems should the seller repair, which can be ignored when buying the home, and which ones need to be fixed before the property can be lawfully sold? What are legitimate buyer requests and which repair requests should buyers avoid making in the first place? Read on to learn more.
What are major issues in a home inspection?
When inspecting a piece of real estate, buyers are advised not to sweat the small problems that can be easily (and affordably) fixed in the future. What a buyer should really be focusing on are serious issues that can be extremely expensive (or even impossible) to repair. 
These issues include:
- Damaged foundation. Every home “settles” over time, which means that its own weight causes it to sink into the ground a little. Hairline cracks in the basement are a normal sign of setting, and should be ignored. However, bowed walls, uneven blocks, and large cracks, are all signs of a badly damaged foundation.
- Water damage should never be ignored. Even a small water stain on the ceiling can be a sign of a much bigger issue. Because water flows down, a stain in the basement or the living room can indicate roof leaks or internal flooding in the walls.
- Faulty wiring. Older homes are famous for their wiring problems. Even if the wiring works fine, it’s often a good idea to replace them anyway for safety reasons.
- Pest infestations. Not only are mice and cockroaches repulsive, they can also introduce harmful microbes and parasites into a home. Termites and carpenter ants are even worse, as they can literally destroy the wood that keeps a place standing.
- Mold infestation can appear anywhere where there is a lot of moisture (kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, etc.), and cause serious respiratory problems and bacterial infections.
What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?
Depending on the state the property is located in, sellers may or may not be under a legal obligation to repair certain problems before selling the property. Furthermore, even if a seller isn’t required to fix anything, they may still be legally obliged to provide a list of disclosures to prospective buyers.
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you should study your local real estate transaction laws before offering your property for sale or proceeding with a purchasing deal. If you don’t have the time to do so, or you can’t interpret the legalese in these documents, don’t hesitate to ask your home inspector for help.
Where can I find top-of-the-line San Marcos home inspectors?
Just because there’s a property near the Woodland Park Pool that looks great on the outside doesn’t mean that it can be sold at a high price or that buying it in its current state is a good idea. Inspectors Company is here to help you solve this problem.
We specialize in providing property buyers or sellers in San Marcos with first-rate home inspections that will ensure you never make a bad selling or purchasing deal. Our inspectors are fully licensed and equipped with cutting-edge home inspection equipment that enables them to examine a property with unmatched thoroughness. Call us today.
