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Show stoppers on home inspection?
So, DH and I went under contract on a house. It was a $600K home marketed as "impeccably kept" and "move in ready". On the outside, the home looked beautiful.
On inspection, it was found that all of the mechanicals were at the end of their useful life, major problems with HVAC, plumbing, etc. There were also dead trees in the yard infested with carpenter ants. The roof and cedar siding would need to be replaced in the next year to the tune of ~ $30K. There were also mice in the attic, and an issue with the chimney. The radon test came back positive. A geological survey was recommended as the house is on a hill and the front stoop appeared to be settling and moving away from the home. There was more- the home inspector recommended ~ 7 different experts come in to evaluate things.
During attorney review, the sellers refused to help with any of these problems, only fixing minor things & radon. We then broke the contract under the 5 day inspection clause.
I am now having a bit of remorse. The house (outside of the problems mentioned above) was cosmetically beautiful. A friend suggested that we would find a long list of problems in practically any house. Inventory (in the area we are looking at) is low, and I am PG, so the clock is ticking to make a move.
Would the above be show stoppers for you? If we can't find anything in the next two weeks, can we put in another offer on the home, or is this just not done?
I am kind of embarrassed at this point.
Re: Show stoppers on home inspection?
How did the house's price compare with other comps? If you were truly getting a deal, then perhaps it would be acceptable.
Honestly, I could live with one or two of those things, but that entire list is unacceptable. I think it's ridiculous that the sellers aren't cooperating. If they aren't willing to make the proper changes or lower the price considerably, it's not worth it. Walk away and don't feel any regret.
I would have run away as fast as my two feet would have carried me and not looked back.
The mechanicals being at the end of their useful life wouldn't have bothered me. Many times they'll last longer than their predicted life. Not an issue as long as you had the money.
However, the rest of it would be a deal breaker for me.
That sounds like a lot of issues! My home inspections was 10 pages long but there was only one semi-major thing on it and it cost 2,000 to fix. I think every house comes with a long list from the inspection but it sounds like that one had a lot of major issues! I would have left the contract as well.
Most home inspection reoprts are lengthy. It's the inspector's job to list every.little.possible.detail. even light bulbs burnt out. So, usually reports are long.
Any home will have its mechanicals wear out.
But, foundation issues, ants, mice, chimney, trees - these are all structural problems (even the vermin) and tree cutting/removal is $$$$$$.
I would have run away too!
Cosmetics are just cosmetics. Would you marry a great looking guy with this many structural issues in his personality and character? Hopefully not. Don't marry a house with them either.
You made a good choice.
I agree. Our house inspection was only a few pages long (loose roof shingle here, caulking needed there type issues). I would keep house searching, good luck