When it comes to buying and selling a home, inspections of your home can be a major turning point. It helps buyers understand what they are walking and warn sellers of issues that could delay or derail the transaction.
A licensed inspector will assess the condition of the home from top to bottom, looking for structural issues, incorrect systems, or other issues that require caution before closing. Not all fixes found during home inspections are mandatory, but certain issues can result in the sale being stopped, raising a red flag at the lender, or pulling the buyer away completely.
Good news? Many issues can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller. So, which corrections do you actually need to be made after the house inspection? Who will pay for these repairs? And when should you leave the sale?
We will analyze which revisions are most important and if the report reveals more than you negotiated, what to do next.
What kind of corrections are required after the home inspection?
Most traditional home sales do not have legal requirements to fix home issues. However, mandatory repairs are often made when a lender or insurance provider is involved, or when safety is at risk.
For example, funding with an FHA, VA, or USDA loan could face the lender’s requirements for certain repairs prior to approval. Even traditional sales can threaten the structure and livability of the home if not addressed prior to purchase.
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, here are some things you should be aware of:
Structural issues
Structural issues are one of the most serious (and expensive) issues that have been flagged during home inspections.
Large flood damage on the roof where large or serious foundation cracks can droop or leak
For buyers: Before finalizing your contract, ask the real estate agent if you need to take your structural engineer to a second opinion.
For Sellers: Consider pre-empting these issues. This should ensure that you are not caught off guard during negotiations after the examination.
Health and Safety Concerns
Conditions that pose health risks may need to be addressed, especially when local disclosure laws and potential residents are at risk.
Calding Radon Carbon Monoxide Lead Paint Old House Asbestos Lead Paint
For buyers: Check out your local testing services and get a cleanup cost estimate. You may be able to negotiate a credit or ask the seller to cover the repair.
For Sellers: If your home was built before 1978, or if you suspect environmental concerns, you will have time to test it early and resolve the issue before the list.
Active leakage or electrical hazards
Drip pipes or exposed wiring are not just an inconvenience, but can be a serious liability. Most buyers (and their lenders) expect these to be resolved before sales proceed.
Pipe Leak Exposed Wires Obsolete Electrical Components Overload Circuit Breakers
For buyers: prioritize safety concerns regarding cosmetic modifications during negotiations. These are the issues that are most likely to affect closures.
For Sellers: Small leaks and outdated wiring may look minor, but they can be snowballed. Treating these proactively will help protect your asking price.
Code violation
Homes that do not meet current building standards can cause necessary repairs after inspection, particularly for government-supported loans and home insurance providers.
Outdated wiring like work knobs and tubes that do not lack smoke detectors
For buyers: If you are using government-supported loans, ask your lender for a list of general red flags so they can be monitored during the inspection.
For Sellers: Before listing, check your local code requirements before making sure everything is clear, especially if you have made a recent upgrade.
Five amazing repairs that could delay closure
Even if they are not always labelled “essential”, these repairs often trip over the funding, valuation, or buyers’ confidence.
1. Broken HVAC system
Most lenders require heating and cooling to be functional, especially in extreme climates, before approving a loan.
2. Termites or pests invasion
VA loans and other government-supported loans often require termite testing, and if aggressive damage is found, they usually require treatment before closing.
3. Sewer or major plumbing issues
Evidence of flagged sewer coverage or backup can delay funding and lead buyers to renegotiate or leave.
4. No smoke, no carbon monoxide detector
Life safety devices are small modifications, but can have great results. These are necessary in most municipalities and are often lender conditions for closing.
5. Cracked or broken windows
Beyond curb appeal, broken windows can raise safety and energy efficiency concerns.
Who is in charge of repairs after the house inspection?
In most cases, sellers are not legally required to correct what appears on inspection reports.
However, buyers can request repairs, credits, or price reductions as part of the post-inspection process. The final agreement depends on what is outlined in the purchase agreement, how each party closes, and whether the buyer’s lender or local method requires modifications.
“In many cases, it is the buyer’s responsibility to make repairs on a home inspection report once under contract,” said Joe Rath, director of the real estate business at Redfin.
But a professional tip for sellers: actively hire a home inspector.
“Go ahead and start knocking out the list of things you can do when the buyer brings in the house inspector, and you already expect it to appear in that report,” Russ recommends, “The reality is that the buyer will ask for some of these things to be repaired.”
That said, it is often the case that key safety issues and home repairs that lenders need often fall off to sellers, especially when they want to move forward with sales. Due to less concerns, buyers and sellers may split costs or negotiate repair credits. Negotiations require a balance of priorities, timing and leverage. So having a skilled real estate agent on both sides of the transaction makes a huge difference.
Finally, if the entire property is listed under “AS-IS” and is for sale, the seller will not perform repairs or provide credits for potential fixes.
Unnecessary home inspection and repair
Not all flagged items during a home inspection need to be corrected before closing them. These issues are often seen as beauty, routine, or optional, especially in highly competitive markets. Buyers can request repairs for these at any time, but the sellers are not obligated to make them.
That’s why it’s important to distinguish between “good” updates and transaction violation issues. Often, buyers choose to accept these minor flaws or negotiate credits to renew the home on their terms after moving.
1. Cosmetic wear and tear
Frayed walls, chipped paint, worn floors – normal signs of use will not affect sales.
2. Mist window (broken sticker)
It’s common in older homes. It’s unsightly, but it usually doesn’t affect functionality and is rarely necessary.
3. Obsolete appliances that are still working
Unless it works perfectly, most contracts consider older appliances to be “AS-IS.”
4. Minor landscaping problems
Most buyers handle these postmaubes, as overgrown shrubs and patchy grasses do not affect funding or safety.
5. Loose fixtures or hardware
The lack of wobbling doorknobs, creaking hinges, or cabinet pulls is little worth delaying the transaction.
Pro Tip: Focus your energy (and negotiation power) on safety, structure, and what lenders and home insurance providers might flag.
When should we negotiate, ask for price cuts, or leave?
A home inspection can instantly change the tone of your real estate transaction. Once the report is in, both the buyer and seller choose to negotiate repairs, request price reductions or credits, or leave altogether. The right move depends on the severity of the issue, the terms of the contract, and the flexibility that the parties need to keep their sales on track.
Here’s how you can think through post-test options:
Negotiate repairs if the problem is fixed but is important
If an inspection reveals serious and resolvable issues such as leaky roofs, basement mold, or outdated wiring, it is common for buyers to ask the seller to handle the repairs before closing.
Sellers may agree to fix the issue directly or to provide credit to offset costs. This route is ideal when both parties want to remain in the transaction but need to level the arena.
“Don’t go through the smallest things. But if it’s above the normal wear and tear of the property, you can ask the seller to take care of those items for you,” advises Rath.
“Or the seller could close to some of those repairs and pay an agent or perhaps run the furniture.”
Buyers: Pick up a contractor’s quote and support your request.
For Sellers: First, prioritize safety and lender-related modifications to keep the process smooth.
Buyers can request a price reduction or credit to handle repairs
In some cases, buyers may prefer to handle repairs themselves, especially if they want to choose a contractor or update their own methods. That’s where price cuts or seller credits come in. Instead of asking the seller to do the job, they negotiate financial concessions and manage the revisions after closing.
Why it works: This option streamlines closures and avoids delays due to repair schedules.
Heads Up: Make sure your lender is aware of changes to purchase price or closing costs.
When the problem is awkward, the buyer can walk away
Sometimes, the test reveals issues that go beyond what you are willing to take. Some homes may need more TLC than expected. Key fundamental problems, hidden floods, or signs of negligence can make the clever (and safest) choice.
Most real estate contracts include inspection contingencies. This provides buyers with the legal right to back out without losing serious money.
Buyer Tip: Don’t ignore your gut. If the list feels overwhelming, it won’t be easy after closing.
Tips for Sellers: If the buyer is walking, it is probably worth reassessing the condition of the property before relisting. Any issues found during home inspections should be disclosed to the next buyer.
FAQ: What are the required corrections after a home inspection?
Who will pay for repairs after an inspection at home?
Buyers and sellers usually negotiate who will pay for repairs after inspection of their home. Sellers do not need to fix everything, but they may agree to cover major issues or provide credit. In a competitive market, buyers can cover repair costs depending on the terms of the purchase agreement.
What if no mandatory modifications are made?
If mandatory repairs are not completed, home sales could be delayed or completely reduced. The lender may refuse to approve the loan if the safety, structure, or code issue is not approved. Buyers may also leave if the repair is part of the purchase agreement or is requested by contingency.
When should I leave my home buying after the test?
Buying a home is a long and expensive process, but it may be wise to move away from the trade. If the seller doesn’t cover large or expensive repairs, the home will need more work than the buyer willingly undertakes. Alternatively, if the transaction does not feel fair, the urgency of the inspection allows buyers to back out after inspection of the house.