You and your realtor have spent months looking for the perfect home. So, it can be a little surprising when your new dream home doesn’t pass its buyers inspection from Valley Building Inspections. However, it’s not uncommon for homes to not pass their first inspection, especially if they are older. So, before you panic about not being able to move into your new home, you should familiarize yourself with the most common ways a home fails inspection.

3 Ways Homes Fail Inspection

1. Roofing

Next to the foundation, the roof of your potential home is the most critical part of the structure. Not only does the roof protect the home, but it also takes a beating from the elements. A high-quality home inspector understands this and is not afraid to get up close and personal with the roof. They’ll look at the materials, note the condition, look for weak spots, and even inspect the flashing around a chimney for water and mold damage. This means that the roof of the home could have some fixable weather damage, but until repaired, it prohibits your inspector from passing the home. 

2. Radon

Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas found naturally in soil, rocks, and rivers. It’s also the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers, so testing for radon is important. A good home inspector will ensure that this test is performed before you buy, checking for unacceptable radon levels in the basement and crawlspace. If there are high levels of radon in the home, you can expect a failed home inspection. It would be best if you asked that the current homeowners install an active remediation system. 

3. HVAC Issues

It’s not uncommon for the HVAC systems in homes to be a little dated. Depending on the home’s age, you can expect this to be a possibility for a fail, especially if the system hasn’t been replaced. Still, a skilled home inspector will ensure the heating and cooling portions work properly and that the wiring has been installed correctly. Your inspector will also ensure that the gas fireplaces have adequate ventilation and lack any leaks. 

Professional Home Inspection Services

When you buy a new home, you want to know that it’s safe for your family to move in. At Valley Building Inspections, you’ll be getting the best in high-quality inspections for any home throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, areas. We also provide residents and buyers with pre-listing inspections and commercial inspections. We make sure your home or business is ready for you to take ownership. Request your quote online, or give us a call at (480) 860-1100.