As reported by Forbes Advisor in their article “What Fixes Are Mandatory After A Home Inspection?,” after entering into a contract on the purchase of a home, buyers typically have the opportunity to get a home inspection at a cost unless they waived that right during their offer. Following the inspector’s report, the prospective buyer may request repairs from the seller—which often leads to another round of negotiations between the parties.

Common Repairs After a Home Inspection

Although regulations vary by state, home inspection fixes are rarely mandatory for sellers. One of the few exceptions: Some states do require that sellers ensure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home. Beyond that, however, buyers are often more responsible for making repairs in order to get loan approval.

As a non-invasive, visual examination of the house and its systems, an inspector’s primary purpose is to look for “material defects” that would prevent the home from being used as intended. Inspections cover the structural, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and major interior components of a home.

After getting the inspection report, common repairs that buyers may request include addressing foundation problems, roof damage, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems to cosmetic interior fixes.

It’s good for buyers to anticipate that just about every home will have some defects. In most cases, these minor defects won’t rise to the “make it or break it” level—but buyers are still within their rights to ask for the issues to be fixed.

Prioritizing Major Repairs

Joanne McCoy, a real estate agent in Lincoln, Nebraska, tells Forbes Advisor she recommends buyers focus on requesting fixes for major defects revealed by a home inspection. She advises clients to prioritize repairs on items that are safety issues (such as electrical), health issues (such as mold), or major expenses (such as windows or roof repairs). “I do feel it’s really important on some items, such as electrical, plumbing, and possibly foundation, to have those completed by a professional licensed contractor.”

Even then, what buyers are willing to look beyond will depend on other factors. “Each buyer is going to look at the results of an inspection differently based on their background,” McCoy told Forbes Advisor. “Some buyers feel more comfortable if everything is completed before they move in. Other buyers, either themselves or friends or family members, can help with some items after closing.”

To learn more about how Colorado Complete Inspections can assist with your home inspection needs, click here.

Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of forbes..com

As discussed in the article “Discovering Home Defects Post-Sale” by FindLaw, the homebuying process offers multiple opportunities to identify defects, yet some issues may only surface after moving in. Sellers are obligated to disclose any known defects, and buyers can hire licensed home inspectors for an unbiased assessment. However, undisclosed defects may still be discovered post-sale.

Understanding the Homebuying Process

Finding your dream home is an exciting step, but the process doesn’t end with the initial discovery. Homebuying involves several steps, including critical home inspections and final walkthroughs, which help identify potential defects. Sellers must disclose all known defects, whether minor or significant, to the buyer or their real estate agent. This responsibility ensures transparency and aids in making informed decisions.

Common Undisclosed Defects

Home defects can vary widely, from minor issues to significant problems. Some common undisclosed defects include:

• Bad sewer lines or rusted pipes
• Hidden water damage
• Rotted wood or termite infestations
• Cracks in driveways or foundations
• Asbestos presence
• Inadequate ventilation or outdated windows
• Septic system or water heater issues
• Radon leaks
• Outdated wiring
• Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC issues

What Are Material Defects?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors defines a material defect as one that:

1. Involves a fundamental system of the property
2. May adversely impact the property’s value
3. Could pose an unreasonable risk to human life

Home inspectors primarily focus on material defects rather than normal wear and tear, such as an old furnace needing repair. This ensures that critical issues are addressed, safeguarding the buyer’s investment and safety.

Buyer and Seller Responsibilities

In any home sale, both buyers and sellers have specific responsibilities. Sellers must ensure the house is in a saleable condition and disclose all known defects. Buyers should consider a home warranty to cover potential undisclosed defects, though it’s not mandatory. Negotiations for minor repairs often involve either amending the purchase contract or the seller fixing the issues.

Minor Repairs for House Defects

Negotiating the cost of minor home repairs can be a straightforward process. Sellers might deduct the repair costs from the purchase price, or they might choose to handle the repairs themselves before finalizing the sale.

Colorado Complete Inspections provides comprehensive home inspection services to help buyers identify potential defects before finalizing a purchase. Their thorough inspections and detailed reports ensure buyers are well-informed, helping to prevent post-sale surprises and protect their investment.

Click here to learn more about Colorado Complete Inspections' services.

Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of findlaw.com

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