The short answer: don't panic.
Most homes —even well-maintained ones— have issues that appear during a home inspection.
Common outcomes include:
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The seller agrees to complete repairs
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The buyer accepts the issues as-is
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The purchase price is renegotiated
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Credits are offered for future repairs
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In rare cases, the buyer walks away from the deal
The key is understanding the difference between normal maintenance concerns and major defects.
Are Home Inspection Problems Normal?
Absolutely.
According to the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI), the purpose of a home inspection is to identify visible defects and maintenance concerns before the purchase is finalized.
Even newer homes often have inspection findings.
In our experience helping buyers and sellers throughout Nanaimo, it's unusual to see an inspection report come back completely clean.
Most reports contain a mix of:
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Minor maintenance recommendations
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Deferred maintenance items
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Safety upgrades
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Repair suggestions
Many are relatively easy to address.
What Are the Most Common Home Inspection Issues?
Roofing Problems
Inspectors frequently identify:
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Missing shingles
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Aging roofing materials
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Damaged flashing
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Signs of leaks
A roof nearing the end of its lifespan may become a negotiation point.
Electrical Concerns
Common electrical issues include:
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Outdated panels
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Improper wiring
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Missing GFCI protection
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DIY electrical work
Safety-related electrical findings often receive immediate attention from buyers.
Plumbing Deficiencies
Inspectors may find:
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Leaking fixtures
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Water pressure issues
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Corroded pipes
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Drainage concerns
Most plumbing issues are repairable, but extensive pipe replacement can affect negotiations.
Foundation and Structural Issues
Structural concerns typically attract the most attention.
Potential issues include:
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Foundation cracks
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Uneven settling
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Structural movement
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Moisture intrusion
When significant structural concerns are identified, buyers often seek additional expert opinions.
Moisture and Water Damage
In coastal regions like Vancouver Island, moisture management is particularly important.
Inspectors commonly check for:
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Water intrusion
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Poor drainage
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Ventilation issues
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Mould risks
Which Home Inspection Problems Are Considered Deal Breakers?
Not all issues carry the same weight.
Potential deal breakers may include:
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Significant structural damage
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Major foundation movement
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Extensive mould contamination
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Serious water intrusion
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Unsafe electrical systems
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Failing septic systems
These findings don't automatically end a transaction, but they often require further investigation.
Can Buyers Negotiate After a Home Inspection?
Yes.
One of the primary purposes of a home inspection condition is to allow buyers to evaluate the property's condition before removing subjects.
Common negotiation strategies include:
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Requesting repairs
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Negotiating a price reduction
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Asking for repair credits
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Obtaining specialist inspections
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Accepting the property as-is
The best solution depends on the severity of the issue and current market conditions.
What Should Sellers Do If Problems Are Found?
For sellers:
Stay Calm
Inspection reports often sound alarming because inspectors document every concern they observe.
Focus on Significant Issues
Buyers generally pay closer attention to:
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Safety concerns
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Structural issues
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Water damage
Rather than cosmetic imperfections.
Work With Your REALTOR®
An experienced REALTOR® can help determine:
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Which requests are reasonable
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Which repairs should be completed
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How to keep negotiations moving forward
What Should Buyers Do After Receiving an Inspection Report?
Avoid focusing solely on the number of findings.
Instead, ask:
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Is this issue expensive to repair?
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Does it affect safety?
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Is it common for a home of this age?
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Should a specialist evaluate it?
A report with 50 minor recommendations may be less concerning than a report with one major structural defect.
Home inspection problems are a normal part of many real estate transactions.
The goal of an inspection is not to find a perfect home, it's to help buyers understand the property's condition before making a final commitment.
Most issues can be addressed through repairs, negotiations, or future planning.
We help buyers and sellers navigate inspection results every day, ensuring that concerns are evaluated objectively and that transactions move forward with confidence whenever possible.