12 Home Inspection Red Flags You Can Actually Overlook (For Now)

When buying a home, the home inspection can be one of the most stress-inducing parts of the process. Will the inspection reveal major foundation flaws? What about a termite infestation? While some home inspection red flags should be dealt with before finalizing the sale and some minor fixes will be the responsiblity of the seller, here are 12 common issues you can overlook for now.

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home inspection contractor
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Home buyers, breathe easy

When buying a home, the home inspection can be one of the most stress-inducing parts of the process. Will the inspection reveal major foundation flaws? What about a termite infestation? While some home inspection red flags should be dealt with before finalizing the sale and some minor fixes will be the responsibility of the seller, here are 11 common issues you can overlook for now.

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wet
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Failed Window Seals

There’s a good chance at least one window in a home has a failed seal. While a failed seal will result in fogged glass and condensation, this is a problem that you can fix down the road. Here’s how to avoid and remove window condensation.

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crack
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Basement Floor Cracks

If the basement is unfinished, don’t let a few cracks in the basement floor deter you from buying the house. Cracks in concrete floors are natural and not considered a structural problem.

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Faulty Light Switches

If your inspector flips a light switch to find it doesn’t work, this is a minor electrical issue that you can fix later on. While major electrical problems are cause for concern, one faulty light switch is usually not a big deal. Wire a switch and outlet the safe and easy way with these tips.

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shed
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External Building Flaws

If you live in a competitive buyers’ market, think twice before making a big deal about outdoor shed or garage issues. If the roof on the garage is about to cave in, that’s one thing, but making a big deal about an old shed door is another. Yes, you can build a shed on the cheap!

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leak
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Some Water Damage

If a home inspection turns up evidence of minor water damage, this shouldn’t be considered a major red flag. Major water damage is something sellers should list on their disclosure forms and if water damage is an ongoing issue, then you can bring it up during negotiation. Try these 10 tips for dealing with water damage, mold and mildew.

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Inadequate Insulation

Inadequate insulation isn’t always a red flag. While having proper insulation will help keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, insulation is an issue you can remedy later. These are the 25 things you need to know about insulation.

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hole
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Minor Wall Cracks

When you get your home inspection report and see issues such cracks on a wall, these are usually considered minor problems. While they should be repaired, these issues are rarely a safety hazard requiring immediate attention. These 100 super scary home inspection photos will give you nightmares.

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Leaking Faucets

While major leaks should be addressed before finalizing a home sale, a leaking faucet or a minor crack in a laundry tub isn’t a red flag. These are usually easy DIY fixes you can make later. Here’s the right way to fix a leaky faucet.

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clean gutters
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Some Roof Issues

Roof problems can make or break a sale. While some roof issues should be remedied immediately, there are some minor roof issues that can be overlooked for now. Clogged gutters and a loose shingle or two are jobs you can tackle after the sale. Here are seven roof problems and what to do about them.

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Miscellaneous Plumbing Problems

Many plumbing issues such as a noisy toilet or slow draining tub can be remedied after the home purchase. However, if a home inspection turns up major plumbing issues and system replacement is needed, that is a red flag. Here are the top 10 plumbing fixes you can do yourself.

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An Old Water Heater

Home inspectors report seeing a lot of old water heaters while inspecting homes. This shouldn’t be a red flag as water heaters are relatively inexpensive compared to other major household mechanicals and can often be replaced in just a couple hours. Don’t lose a house you love over an old water heater. Before replacing a hot water heater, check out this inexpensive DIY repair tip.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms, for television and newspapers, and has won several awards for her writing. In 2015, she left her full-time job as a newspaper editor to focus on freelance writing and editing. She has been a Family Handyman contributor since 2017.
In 2019, Rachel lived through a major remodeling project on her home, and she uses that experience to inform her Family Handyman content. She's also an avid gardener (both native plants and vegetables), enjoys keeping up with decor trends and spends a lot of time traveling, cooking and hanging out with her family and their giant dog.