When it comes to buying or selling a home, the home inspection can be a major turning point. It helps buyers understand what they’re walking into and alerts sellers to problems that could delay or derail the deal.
A licensed inspector will assess the home’s condition from top to bottom, looking for structural issues, faulty systems, or other problems that need attention before closing. While not every fix found in the home inspection is mandatory, certain issues can stall a sale, raise red flags with lenders, or turn buyers away altogether.
The good news? Many issues can be negotiated between a buyer and seller. So which fixes are actually required after a home inspection? Who pays for these repairs? And when should you just walk away from the sale?
We’ll break down which fixes matter most—and what to do next if the report reveals more than you bargained for.
What fixes are mandatory after the home inspection?
In most traditional home sales, there’s no legal requirement to fix problems with the home. However, mandatory repairs often come into play when a lender or insurance provider is involved or safety is at risk.
Buyers financing with an FHA, VA, or USDA loan, for example, may face lender requirements for specific repairs before approval. Even in conventional sales, issues that compromise a home’s structure or livability can threaten the deal if not addressed prior to purchase.
Here’s what you should look out for, whether you’re the buyer or the seller.
Structural issues
Structural problems are among the most serious (and costly) issues flagged during a home inspection.
- Large or significant foundation cracks
- Sagging or leaking roof
- Major water damage
For buyers: Ask your real estate agent if a structural engineer should be brought in for a second opinion before finalizing the deal.
For sellers: Consider getting ahead of these issues with a pre-listing inspection so you’re not…