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Things That Fail A Home Inspection

10 Things That Fail A Home Inspection In Virginia

Written by Advanced Home Inspections on . Posted in Home Inspections.

Getting ready for a home inspection in Virginia? 

Inspections are serious business. They can make or break a sale. And honestly, they sometimes reveal stuff you’d never expect. 

So, if you’re planning to buy or sell a home, it’s a good idea to know what could raise a red flag ahead of time.

In this post, we’ll go over 10 things that can cause a home to fail inspection in Virginia.

#1 Foundation And Structural Issues

This one’s huge. A home’s foundation is, quite literally, what everything else sits on. So, if there are cracks, shifts, or signs the structure isn’t holding up like it should, it’s a red flag. 

Inspectors look for uneven floors, sticking doors, big wall cracks, or gaps around windows.

Sometimes the issues are minor, like normal settling. But other times? It’s a sign of something serious going on underground. 

Plus, foundation repairs aren’t cheap, and they can definitely spook buyers. 

So if your home has any of these issues, it’s better to know early.

Also Read: How much does a foundation inspection cost?

#2 Roof Problems

Roofs in Virginia take a beating—sun, snow, storms, you name it. Over time, shingles wear out, flashing gets loose, and leaks start showing up. 

During an inspection, if the roof is clearly aging or damaged, that’s going to be flagged.

Missing shingles, sagging spots, or signs of water inside the attic are all things that get attention fast. And if the inspector finds active leaks or signs of previous water damage, that’s going in the report too.

Roofs aren’t cheap to fix, either, so this one tends to be a deal-breaker if it’s in bad shape.

Roof Problems

#3 Electrical Hazards

Now, we’re not talking about needing a new light fixture. We’re talking about old or unsafe wiring. Maybe the panel is outdated. Or maybe someone got creative and made their own electrical “upgrades.” 

Spoiler alert: DIY wiring is never a good idea.

Inspectors check for overloaded circuits, exposed wires, improper grounding, and outlets that don’t work. 

Homes with aluminum wiring or fuse boxes instead of breakers usually raise eyebrows too. 

Safety is the concern here, plain and simple. Nobody wants a fire hazard behind their walls.

#4 Plumbing Defects

Water can do some serious damage if things go sideways. Inspectors test the water pressure, look for leaks, and check out all visible pipes. 

Leaky faucets are one thing—but corroded pipes or water stains in the ceiling are a red flag.

Older homes in Virginia sometimes still have galvanized pipes, which can rust and clog. 

Low water pressure, slow drains, or signs of water damage are all things that make inspectors take a closer look. Plumbing issues can range from minor annoyances to full-blown pipe replacements.

Also Read: Sewer Line Camera Inspection Costs In Virginia

#5 Drainage And Grading Issues

Draining problems are another thing that will fail a home inspection.

When water doesn’t drain away from the house, it’s a problem. And Virginia gets plenty of rain, so this one matters. 

Poor grading means the yard slopes toward the house instead of away from it. That can lead to water pooling near the foundation—or worse, seeping into the basement.

Inspectors keep an eye out for soggy yards, standing water, and signs that runoff isn’t being handled properly. Even clogged gutters or downspouts can be part of this. Over time, bad drainage can mess with the foundation or invite pests and mold. 

Definitely not something you want to ignore.

#6 HVAC Problems

Heating and cooling system issues can also fail a home inspection in Virginia.

In an inspection, the HVAC system gets tested to make sure it runs well, heats and cools properly, and isn’t making any weird noises. They’ll also check the filters, ductwork, and the age of the unit.

Older units that haven’t been maintained can be flagged for inefficiency or potential failure. 

HVAC Problems

And if the inspector finds carbon monoxide leaks or poor ventilation,that’s going to be a hard no until it’s fixed.

#7 Pest Infestations

Nobody wants to hear the word “termites” during a home inspection. But it happens. And in Virginia, termites and other wood-destroying insects are definitely a concern.

Inspectors look for damaged wood, sawdust trails, droppings, nests, and even live bugs. 

It’s not just about creepy crawlies—it’s about what they’re doing to the house. Left unchecked, pests can cause serious structural damage.

And it’s not just termites. Rodents, ants, bees, and even bats can be a problem. 

Any sign of infestation is going to be noted and fail a home inspection.

#8 Signs Of Mold

Mold is one of those things that can turn people off instantly. 

It smells bad, looks worse, and causes health issues. It’s especially a concern in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and around HVAC systems.

Even a small patch of mold on a wall or ceiling can cause trouble in an inspection. 

What really matters is what’s causing it—usually moisture. That could mean a leak, poor ventilation, or humidity issues. 

Inspectors don’t always test for mold specifically, but if they see it or suspect it, they’ll mention it.

#9 Toxic Materials

Some homes in Virginia, especially older ones, still have things like lead paint or asbestos hiding in walls or insulation. 

That stuff wasn’t a big deal back in the day—but now, it’s a huge concern.

If a home was built before the late ’70s, inspectors will keep an eye out for potential lead paint. Same with asbestos in old insulation, ceiling tiles, or ductwork. 

It doesn’t always need to be removed immediately, but it does need to be disclosed. And buyers have a right to know what they’re walking into.

Also Read: How much does lead testing cost in Virginia?

#10 Code And Safety Violations

This one’s kind of a catch-all, but it’s important. If a previous owner did DIY renovations without permits or didn’t follow code, that’s a red flag. 

Stuff like missing handrails, no GFCI outlets in bathrooms or kitchens, or lack of smoke detectors can all come up.

Inspectors aren’t necessarily looking to enforce local building codes, but they do flag things that aren’t safe or up to modern standards. Even little things like a stair railing that’s too low or a missing escape window in the basement can count.

All this could fail a home inspection too.

Bottom Line

There you go – 10 things that can fail an inspection.

If you’re selling, fixing small issues ahead of time can save you a headache. If you’re buying, knowing what’s hiding behind the drywall gives you peace of mind. 

Either way, don’t stress. Most things on this list can be handled—it’s just better to deal with them before they turn into bigger problems.

At the end of the day, home inspections are all about catching problems early.

How Much Does Lead Testing Cost In Virginia?

Written by Advanced Home Inspections on . Posted in Home Inspections.

If you’re worried about lead in your Virginia home, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners and buyers find themselves asking the same question: How much does lead testing actually cost?  It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re dealing with an older property or planning renovations.

The truth is, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on your situation.

In this post, we’ll break down how much lead testing costs, and the factors that affect the final bill. We’ll also give you a quick rundown of our lead testing prices.

Our Lead Paint Testing Prices

Our lead paint testing costs $225. We always offer simple, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Here’s what’s included:

  • On-site inspection to check for lead-based paint
  • Accurate testing using industry-approved methods
  • Detailed report with clear results on any lead presence
  • Expert advice on next steps if lead is found

Contact us to schedule a test!

Check Out Our: Richmond Lead Paint Testing Services

How Much Does A Lead Paint Inspection Cost?

The cost for a lead paint inspection usually falls between $200 and $600 in Virginia.

If you’re just looking to test one or two rooms, the price may be lower, but if the inspector needs to check multiple rooms or the whole house, expect the cost to go up.

Professional inspectors usually charge either by the hour (about $100-$150) or offer flat rates based on your home’s square footage. Some companies even throw in discounts if you bundle lead testing with other home inspection services.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Lead Testing

Now that we have a ballpark idea of the cost of lead paint testing, let’s take a look at the factors that determine the final price tag:

#1 Property Size

This one’s pretty straightforward. Bigger house = more areas to test = higher cost. 

Most inspection companies base their pricing on square footage brackets.

A small apartment might cost $200 to test, while a 3,000+ square foot home could easily hit $500 or more.

More space means more potential surfaces with lead paint, more corners to check, and simply more time spent by the inspector walking around your property.

Also Read: How Much Does A Radon Test Cost In Virginia?

#2 Scope Of The Inspection

Do you just want to check the paint? Or do you need a full inspection that looks at the air, dust, water, and any other potential lead hazards? 

The more thorough the inspection, the more expensive it’ll be. 

If you’re only worried about lead paint, the price will be lower than if you’re getting a full environmental inspection, which could also include testing for lead in drinking water or in the soil around your property.

Some inspections might even include a risk assessment, which is a report on where the lead hazards are, how serious they are, and what steps to take to fix them. 

If you’re doing that extra legwork, it’ll bump up the price a little more.

#3 Testing Method

There’s more than one way to test for lead, and each method comes with its own cost. 

One common method is a visual inspection, where an expert looks for obvious signs of lead paint, like chipping or peeling. 

This is often the most affordable method but doesn’t necessarily catch everything.

More advanced methods use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine or laboratory analysis of dust or paint samples. These are more precise but also pricier because they require more equipment and time. 

If you need to get the most accurate results possible, especially for something like a pre-1978 home, using an XRF machine will cost more.

#4 Property Age

Got an older home? Expect to pay more for lead testing. 

Homes built before 1978 (when lead paint was banned) need more thorough testing. And if your home dates back to the 1940s or earlier, almost everything might need checking.

Older homes tend to be a bit trickier to inspect too, especially if they’ve had some renovation work over the years. 

Inspectors spend more time in older homes because lead paint might be hidden under layers of newer paint. They’ll check more surfaces and potentially take more samples.

If your home is more recent, you might not need such an intense inspection, which means you could pay less.

#5 Location

Where you’re located in Virginia matters too. 

If you’re in a big city like Richmond or Northern Virginia, prices could be on the higher end. 

This is because inspectors in more urban areas have more demand and higher operating costs. On the other hand, rural areas might have lower costs, mainly because there are fewer inspectors available, which means less competition. 

But even then, you’ll still find that some areas charge more based on how far the inspector has to travel.

Also Read: How Accurate Are Air Mold Tests?

#6 Number Of Locations To Inspect

Another thing that affects the cost is how many different spots you want tested. 

If you’re just concerned about one room, the price will be lower. But if you’re testing multiple rooms, surfaces, and even outside areas, the price adds up. 

Lead can be found in all sorts of places (including windowsills, doors, and floors) so if you’re doing a thorough inspection, be prepared for the cost to go up.

Inspectors will charge you for the amount of time it takes to test these spots, so it makes sense that the more locations, the higher the cost.

#7 Additional Services

Sometimes you’ll need extra services that can push up the cost of lead testing, like:

If, for example, you also need a risk assessment (which tells you how dangerous the lead is in your home and how to remove it), that’s an extra cost. Or, if you need the inspector to do some additional research on your property or take samples to a lab for testing, that will increase the price as well.

Some inspection companies also offers things like:

  • Detailed remediation plans: $100-$200 extra
  • Rush processing: Usually a 25-50% premium
  • Documentation for legal purposes: $50-$100 additional

Be sure to check with the inspector about what’s included in their pricing. Some services might be optional, and you can decide if you want them.

Bottom Line

Lead testing costs around $200 – $600 in Virginia. 

It isn’t cheap, but it’s way cheaper than dealing with lead poisoning or remediation problems down the road. 

Our advice is to not cut corners here. If you’re buying an older home or have kids, spring for professional testing rather than just grabbing a DIY kit. The peace of mind is totally worth it.

So, take the time to research and find a good inspector!