Can A House Fail a Home Inspection?

January 27, 2021 April Driver

Both sellers and buyers wonder if a house can fail a home inspection. After all, you’ve already put in a lot of time and effort by the time you get to the inspection process.

The good news is you can’t fail a home inspection. The home inspector isn’t there to issue a grade. Instead, the job of the home inspector is to assess the current condition of the property. Once inspected, they create a report to address their findings.

What Is A Professional Home Inspection?

A home inspection examines a property with the intent of providing an objective assessment. The goal is to inform the client regarding the current condition of a house. The home inspector only shares the information with the client. Either the property owner or a buyer can schedule a home inspection.

Do You Need a Home Inspection?

Both buyers and sellers benefit from home inspections. While the buying process does not require a home inspection, it is highly recommended.

A pre-inspection gives the seller an opportunity to identify and repair issues before listing a home. It doesn’t help to sell a home when buyers walk away later in the process. Also, with a pre-inspection the seller knows what issues the buyer’s home inspection will find.

For buyers, a home inspection is vital to protect your investment. The sales contract allows for a home inspection. Then, the buyer may ask for repairs based on the inspection report. If the seller refuses to make repairs, the buyer has the option to exit the contract.

Do I Receive a Pass or Fail?

No. A home inspector doesn’t pass or fail a property. They are simply inspecting the property to determine the physical condition and identify areas of the home that may need repair or replacement.

Also, a home inspection is different from an appraisal. An appraisal determines the home's market value. It also does not confirm local code compliance. That is the job of local government inspections during construction, repairs or renovations.

During code inspections and appraisals, a property can fail. If an appraisal shows the property value to be less than the loan amount, the bank may not approve the loan. If a code inspection determines the project isn’t up to code, the property doesn’t pass the inspection.

How to Get the Best Results from a Home Inspection

For the seller, preparation is the best way to achieve positive results from a home inspection. Take the buyer’s inspection seriously. Before the inspection, clean, do routine maintain, clear clutter and leave open access to all areas of the home.

For the buyer, the best way to ensure a good home inspection is to work with a trusted, local company. Experience matters! You want a home inspector willing to answer your questions, provide a detailed report and offer a thorough inspection. Ask for references and check online reviews.

Trusted Southeast Florida Home Inspections

At Kenco Home Inspections, we serve both residential and commercial clients in Southeast Florida. For over 15 years, we’ve provided top-quality inspections. As a local business, we understand the value of building strong community relationships based on trust.