Average Cost of Repairs After Home Inspection

Curious about the average cost of repairs after a home inspection? Explore repair costs and budgeting tips with Truehold to make informed decisions.

Real Estate
September 10, 2022
Average Cost of Repairs After Home Inspection

Inspections, tire-kicking, and taking other precautionary measures might seem like overkill, but they’re all part of being a smart shopper — and are more than necessary when you’re preparing to take out a home loan to finance your purchase. Home inspections are an extremely valuable tool for home buyers to know exactly what their dollar is getting them, but also for sellers to know what their home is (or isn’t worth) and for what reasons. Considering that some of these inspections are only done every time a home is sold, or every decade in the case of the most proactive homeowners, the average cost of repairs after home inspection by a certified home inspector can be through the roof. 

Because these repairs can be so substantial, they make for a powerful bargaining chip for both sellers and buyers. Let’s say a professional inspection uncovers a faulty water heater. A potential buyer may be able to negotiate the asking price down a few thousand dollars, or negotiate a new water heater into the deal. On the other hand, if a thorough inspection reveals that the seller replaced the home’s roof in the last year, the asking price gets that much firmer — assuming there are no red flags elsewhere on the home inspection report.

Whether you’re in the midst of the home buying process, selling your existing home, simply preparing for the future, Truehold has compiled this guide to home inspections and repairs. Keep reading to make sure you know the average cost of repairs after home inspection, as well as the best ways to make the costs of these requested repairs fit your budget.

Home Inspections Defined

Whereas a professional home appraiser’s role is to determine the true market value of a home, certified home inspectors are responsible for determining a property’s safety and overall condition. Generally, a potential buyer will arrange (and pay for) a home inspection, where the home’s electrical, plumbing, sewage, heating, and cooling systems will be tested. A home inspection will also see elements of the home’s foundation and structure be evaluated, in addition to various safety features. If you are wondering, how long do home inspections take, they vary depending on these several factors.

Home inspectors don’t “work” for either party — rather, they’re there to report honestly on any water, fire, or insect damage that may have an impact on the home’s asking price and the home buying process. With today’s unprecedented housing market, many home sellers are giving preference to buyers who are willing to waive the inspection altogether. However, as we’ll explain below, agreeing to these terms could prove to be a costly (and potentially fatal) mistake for both the buyer and the home inspector.

What Fixes Are Mandatory After a Home Inspection? 

So, what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection? The short answer: none of them. With that said, potential hazards revealed in a home inspection should be addressed for the safety of home buyers and the seller’s own peace of mind. These repairs might not be “mandatory” in the eyes of the law, but they are strongly suggested — and include things like mold, water damage, pest infestations, code violations, and trip, chemical, or fire hazards. 

Though the law might not deem these repairs mandatory, it is well within the rights of a mortgage lender or insurance company to deny financing and/or coverage for homes that have not had serious repairs tended to. As a rule of thumb: If an insurer won’t cover the property and a lender won’t provide a loan, the average cost of repairs after home inspection will more often than not be extensive. With that in mind, if one buyer is unable to get coverage based on the condition of a property, there’s a good chance all buyers will encounter this same problem — and the responsibility for the costs of these repairs will fall on the seller. 

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What Are the Most Common Problems Found in Home Inspections? 

The list below is by no means exhaustive, and various homes may encounter their own distinct problems. However, many home inspections commonly uncover these issues. While some repairs may be more urgent and costly than others, it's essential to address all of them before the property changes ownership from one party to another, ensuring a smooth transition for the home buyer.

Water Damage

One of the reasons why water damage is such a common repair request, especially in older homes, is that there are many different places in a home that can experience a potential issue with water damage, and even the smallest leak can cause huge problems. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), nearly 30% of home insurance claims are in regards to water damage. Further, an eye-watering 98% of basements have been impacted by water damage according to the same research.1 

If a leaky faucet or drain is caught early enough, the average cost of repairs after a house inspection shouldn’t exceed $450. However, if the issue impacts pipes or leads to extensive water damage, the repair cost can range from $1,500 to well over $10,000. In fact, the III lists the average insurance claim for water damage at $11,600. Should home buyers forgo a house inspection and water damage go undetected, there’s no telling the impact that even something as small as a leaky faucet can have on a structure.

Electrical Problems

Much like water damage, electrical system problems are one of the more common requested repairs revealed during a home inspection. Unlike water damage, however, electrical issues don’t take decades to wreak havoc on a structure — they can turn into a serious hazard at any moment. Problems revealed during a thorough inspection can range from simple and inexpensive (like replacing damaged or faulty ground fault circuit interceptor (GFCI) outlets) to complete wiring overhauls which can cost upwards of $10,000. 

Considering how much electrical standards have changed over the last 100 years, many older and larger homes may have wiring that does not meet current codes. If the home you’re having inspected is older, it might be wise to have a professional electrician inspect the property as well. Outdated wiring and control panels may be common, but they’re no less dangerous; these electrical issues can pose a serious fire risk and account for a large portion of at-home fire deaths.2  

Roof Damage

A damaged roof might not pose the same threat to homeowners that faulty wiring or water damage do, but aging roofs have one of the highest average costs of repairs after a home inspection out of any of the issues on our list. Roofs can last anywhere from 20 to 50+ years — longer than some home loans — yet the high repair cost means that many homeowners will fail to replace their roofs on time, potentially missing out on savings from a wind mitigation inspection.

With that said, all roof damage does not warrant a replacement. If a home inspection reveals that the roof flashing is in need of repair or there are a few shingles that will need to be replaced, the average cost of repair after a home inspection should be less than $1,500. However, installing an entirely new roof could cost upwards of $30,000. Even if a roof is structurally and aesthetically in good shape, potential buyers should be sure to find out when the roof was last replaced in order to anticipate upcoming repair costs. If an inspection shows that a roof replacement is imminent, but not urgent, this may create room for some price negotiation.   

Improper Drainage

As we mentioned in our home maintenance checklist, improper drainage can be a major pain in the neck for homeowners. Be it due to the grading of a yard funneling water toward the home or lack of an effective drainage system, improper drainage is one of the most common issues detected on a home inspection report — with nearly 36% of inspected homes being impacted by subpar drainage according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).3 

Improper drainage isn’t just an annoyance, and lingering pools of water in a yard following a rainstorm can be a sign of significant damage to come. When water can’t drain, or drains toward the home’s foundation, it can erode the underlying structure over time. Therefore, this is an issue that should not be ignored if detected during a home inspection. 

The good news is proactive repairs like replacing a sump pump or installing a vapor barrier are relatively inexpensive when compared to the costs affiliated with repairing structural damage, allowing buyers and homeowners to prevent potential damage without breaking the bank. Should a home inspection reveal drainage issues but no damage, the average cost of repairs after home inspection will likely hover around $2,000-$6,000 depending on the severity. Additional services may be required to address these drainage concerns effectively.

Structural and Exterior Damage

The last common problem on our list is one that can be minor, but can also be extremely severe. Whereas exterior damage — like damaged siding, broken or uneven concrete pavers, and eroding caulk — is no major cause for concern, an uneven foundation or large cracks can be detrimental. Typically the latter is found in older homes that have not been properly maintained, leading the home to shift and settle as the years tick on. A structural issue does not occur on its own, and is likely emblematic of other issues on this list; those costs should also be factored in when evaluating the average cost of repairs after a home inspection. 

If a home inspection reveals only exterior damage, costs should not exceed $1,000. However, if the home’s structure has been damaged due to neglect, the repair bill can easily exceed $40-50,000. This may be seen as an opportunity to negotiate the home’s total price to some buyers, but signing on for repairs of this stature can be a major financial misstep. And, as we mentioned earlier, many insurers and lenders won’t go near a home that they feel is structurally unsound. 

While it is unlikely that a home inspection would reveal all of the above problems, even the burden of a single one can have a significant impact on a home buyer’s financial future. 

How Much Are Home Inspections?

The average home inspection cost will vary depending on location and the size of the home, but potential home buyers can expect to spend as much as $400 on an inspection.4 Again, this is an out-of-pocket fee for buyers and is not the responsibility of a seller, but it is a worthwhile investment considering the potential expenses outlined above. Without a thorough home inspection, home buyers may unwittingly sign themselves up for thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of dollars in repairs, so a pre-purchase home inspection is nothing short of essential.  

Budgeting for the Cost of Repairs After Home Inspection 

If you’ve had your dream home inspected and the above problems came up, don’t panic. Sure, the potential price tag on a new roof may seem daunting, but there are a few ways to make this expense fit your budget. 

Expect the Worst

While expecting the unexpected is easier said than done, this tactic can be extremely helpful to those looking for a new home. Once you’ve established your new price ceiling, factor in some of the above expenses to create your total budget. That way, if you find your forever home and it’s got a few flaws that need tending to, you’re not priced out of your dreams.

Create a Repair Checklist 

If you’ve already bought a home that is in need of repair, start by creating a checklist of every issue outlined during the inspection. This list should range from most urgent (water, structural, or electrical damage) to least urgent (cosmetic, a roof that has not exceeded its sell-by date) and should include detailed price breakdowns of each. From there, you can create a plan of attack to check repairs off your list — improving your new home’s value with each one.

Shop Around

Certified home inspectors will give you a detailed report of what needs to be replaced and why, but they will not provide you with price estimates. When budgeting for necessary repairs, be sure to collect estimates from several professionals in your area — ensuring that the quoted prices are fair, reasonable, and standard. Cheaper is rarely better when it comes to repairs to your home, but being a “smart shopper” may prevent you from being overcharged and going over budget.    

When in Doubt, Bargain

By no means do we encourage you to put your personal safety on the line for some savings — and a lower price does not justify buying a home riddled with mold or fire hazards — but there are certain repairs that may play to your advantage if found during an inspection. As we mentioned above, a roof that is not in urgent need of repair but will need to be replaced in a few years can help to knock a few thousand dollars off the home’s price tag, as can a flood-prone lawn that has not yet led to water or structural damage. If this is your strategy, note that you are only prolonging the inevitable; the outlined repairs should remain top-of-mind. 

The Final Word  

Buying a new home is a major investment, and a home inspection is key to protecting your purchase, your sanity, and your safety. Without an inspection, you could be unknowingly signing on to decades of costly repairs — turning your home into less of an asset and more of a liability

A home inspection is vital to safeguard your investment and peace of mind when buying a new home. Without it, you might unknowingly commit to costly repairs. To enhance your homeownership experience, explore Truehold's Sale-Leaseback and use a home equity calculator for informed financial planning. Your home should be a source of security, not stress.

To learn more about budgeting for home repairs, creating your ultimate home maintenance checklist, or eliminating the burden of repairs altogether, schedule a call with one of Truehold’s advisors to learn more about our Sale-Leaseback kit

Sources:

1. Insurance Information Institute. Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance 

2. Great American Insurance Group. Is Your Electric Panel a Fire Risk? https://www.greatamericaninsurancegroup.com/content-hub/news-details/is-your-electric-panel-a-fire-risk 

3. American Society of Home Inspectors. https://www.homeinspector.org/ 

4. Bankrate. How much does a home inspection cost? https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-much-does-home-inspection-cost/ 

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Written by
Lucas Grohn
Senior Manager of Sales at Truehold - A Thought-Leader in Real Estate
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Lucas Grohn brings over a decade of real estate expertise to his role, where he guides a team dedicated to innovative sales strategies. Known for his thought leadership and diverse experience, from managing brokerage operations to training agents at top firms, Lucas covers a broad span of real estate content for Truehold.
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Truehold's blog is committed to delivering timely and pertinent insights in real estate and finance, purely for educational and informational purposes. Crafted by experts, our content is thoroughly reviewed to guarantee its accuracy and dependability. Although designed to enlighten and engage, our articles are not intended as financial advice and should not be the sole basis for financial decisions. Our stringent editorial practices ensure the integrity of our content, empowering our readers with valuable knowledge.

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