Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.


Below are listed some common findings in home inspections and possible causes.  A home inspection can locate these things and often determine or rule out causes and direct the purchaser or homeowner to what professional service can help repair the issue at hand.


Damp Or Wet Foundations and Crawlspaces  

• Standing water or damp soil 
• Inoperable sump pumps
• Ineffective air venting system
• Cracks in walls and efflorescence (a white powdery mineral residue) 

Defective Plumbing Leaking Fixtures Drains or Traps 

• Leaky faucets and fixtures 
• Water damage at walls, floors and ceilings
• Slow or clogged drains  
• Water pressure that is too low or too high 

    
Air Conditioning/Heat Pump/Furnace in Need of Cleaning Repair or Adjustment

• Dirty air filter
• Incomplete combustion
• Inadequate supply or discharge air volume
• Inadequate temperature differential 
• Dirty evaporator coils and condensors
   

Structural Problems

• Foundation settling
• Cracks in siding, ceilings and walls
• Slabs that have settled, heaved or deteriorated
• Unsafe cracks or tripping hazards
• Broken or damaged framing components

Unsafe Electrical or Wiring Conditions

• Open or damaged wiring
• Improperly sized wiring for circuit breakers
• Poor wiring connections or reversed polarity
• Double tapped circuit breakers
   

Damaged or Leaking Roofs

• Missing damaged or worn shingles
• Water damage at roof sheathing, insulation, walls or ceilings
• Leaks at roof components and flashing

Improper Drainage and Soil Grading

• Poor grade, and or, leaking gutters that channel water against the foundation causes all kinds of trouble, and is very common.
• Water trapped between planters or sidewalks and foundation
• Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts
• Soil in contact with siding or soil improperly sloped toward foundation

  

Energy Efficiency Concerns

• Inadequate, missing or damaged insulation
• Improper attic ventilation

Doors or Windows Leaking Or Not Operating Correctly

• Doors or windows that are difficult to operate
• Damaged window sills, panes or other hardware
• Missing screens and weather stripping
• Inoperable or unsafe locking and latching mechanisms

Wood Rot Damage at Exterior Doors, Windows, Siding or Decks

• Wood to soil contact
• Rotting due to rain splash
• Inadequate paint or stain protecting wood
• Insect Infestations such as termites, carpenter bees and wood boring beetles
         

Environmental Concerns

• Mildew
• Mold
• Asbestos
• Lead-based paint and lead water pipes