A significant part of the home buying or selling process is a home inspection. Home inspections will help sellers and buyers identify the things that need repairs, and most of the time, there are things that need to be fixed after the inspection. Inspections will also impact the buyer’s buying decision, so you want to ensure that all issues are addressed before you put the property up for sale.
So what are these issues? Here are five of the most common ones.
Plumbing Issues
A lot of things could go wrong with the plumbing, which is why home inspectors always check for water leaks and any broken or corroded pipes. They also check for water damage while looking for mold and mildew. However, a home inspector will not test the water. So, if you want, you can have a water test done separately.
Electrical Issues or Hazards
Sure, a home inspector can inspect the property’s electrical system; however, that may not be enough. With that, you may need to hire an electrician to ensure electrical safety. Some of the most common repairs that need to be done following a home inspection involve:
Wires
Three-prong outlets
Circuit breakers
Electrical panels
GFCI outlets
Fire Hazards
Usually, fire hazards come from electrical issues like a gas leak or a sparking outlet. With these, home inspections also include the detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. Home inspectors will also check if you have the right fire extinguishers in place and if the certification is up-to-date.
Most of the time, the most common repairs involved here are the doors and windows, which don’t open and close easily, or the locking mechanisms no longer work. Not only are these things a fire hazard, but they’re a safety hazard as well.
Lead and Asbestos
You’ll be surprised to know that there are still a lot of homes that contain lead and asbestos, and you might not be aware that your home is one of them. Often, these are the common repairs that follow a home inspection.
HVAC System
The heating and air conditioning system is also inspected to ensure it’s working properly. Often, an HVAC system has faulty components that need to be repaired. Moreover, this may also include the inspection of fireplaces and sprinkler systems in the home.
Who Handles the Repairs?
Usually, it is the homeowner who needs to have these things fixed. However, there are instances where buyers are willing to shoulder the minor repairs or pay a lower price for the home to cover the major repairs. If you’re not comfortable adjusting the price of your home, the best course of action is to address these repairs on your end. However, if you just want to let go of the property and are willing to negotiate the price with the buyer, that’s also your call.
With that, who handles and pays for the repairs are between the buyer and the seller. You need to keep in mind that all repairs are negotiable, which also means that you are not obligated to pay for anything. However, you need to disclose all known issues and work with your buyer during the home inspection process.
Conclusion
Never try to skip a home inspection because this will let you see any existing issues in the house before you sell it. Preparing for the common repairs is important so you know how to set your budget right and adjust the price of the home as needed.
Let’s Do It Home Inspections is known for quality home inspections in Birmingham, AL. No matter the size of your home, you can trust our professionals to be thorough and detailed with the home inspection. Contact us today.
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