The Tips Tuesday by Caroline Lauzon

If you’re planning to sell your home—or even just want to stay ahead on maintenance—there’s one thing you should know:

👉 Home inspections don’t usually fail because of major issues… they fail because of small, overlooked ones.

The good news?
Most of the items that come up on inspection reports are simple, affordable fixes—if you catch them early.

Let’s walk through the five most common inspection issues and why they matter more than you think.

Why Home Inspection Issues Matter

When a buyer goes under contract, the home inspection is one of the biggest checkpoints in the process.

If issues come up, it can lead to:

• Repair requests
• Price negotiations
• Delays in closing
• Or even deals falling apart

That’s why being proactive as a homeowner is key.

👉 Fixing these items ahead of time puts you in control of the transaction—not reacting to it.

1. Missing GFCI Outlets 🔌

This is one of the most common—and easiest—items inspectors flag.

What Are GFCI Outlets?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are designed to protect against electrical shock, especially in areas where water is present.

Where They’re Required

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Garages
• Outdoor areas

Why It Matters

Without GFCI protection, there’s a higher risk of electrical hazards.

The Fix

Installing GFCI outlets is relatively inexpensive and quick for an electrician to handle.

👉 Small upgrade, big safety improvement.

2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Not Up to Code 🔥

This is a major safety issue—and one inspectors take seriously.

Common Problems

• Missing detectors
• Dead batteries
• Improper placement
• Outdated units

Why It Matters

These devices protect lives. They’re not optional—they’re essential.

The Fix

• Replace batteries regularly
• Install detectors in required areas (bedrooms, hallways, etc.)
• Upgrade old units if needed

👉 This is one of the simplest ways to improve both safety and inspection results.

3. Water Heater Strapping (Especially in Nevada) 🧯

In earthquake-prone or code-regulated areas like Nevada, water heaters are often required to be properly secured.

What Inspectors Look For

• Double strapping (top and bottom)
• Secure, stable installation

Why It Matters

Strapping prevents the water heater from tipping or shifting, which can cause:

• Gas leaks
• Water damage
• Safety hazards

The Fix

Installing proper straps is affordable and typically a quick job for a professional.

4. TPR Valve Issues on Water Heaters 🌡️

This is one of those technical items that gets flagged often.

What Is a TPR Valve?

The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve prevents your water heater from building up dangerous pressure.

Common Issues

• Missing discharge pipe
• Incorrect pipe material
• Pipe not directed to a safe location

Why It Matters

Improper installation can create a serious safety risk.

The Fix

A properly installed discharge pipe that directs water safely away from the unit.

👉 It’s a small detail—but inspectors always check it.

5. Garage Door Not Self-Closing 🚪

This one surprises a lot of homeowners.

What’s the Issue?

Garage doors connected to the home are often required to:

• Self-close
• Seal properly

Why It Matters

This helps prevent:

• Fumes (like carbon monoxide) from entering the home
• Safety hazards from an open garage

The Fix

Adjusting or replacing the closing mechanism is usually quick and inexpensive.

Why These “Small” Issues Can Become Big Problems

Individually, these items might seem minor.

But during a transaction, they can:

• Add up quickly
• Create a longer repair list
• Lead to renegotiations

From a buyer’s perspective, multiple small issues can signal:
👉 “What else hasn’t been maintained?”

That perception matters.

How to Stay Ahead Before Listing Your Home

If you’re thinking about selling, the best move is simple:

Do a Pre-Inspection Checklist

Walk through your home and look for:

• Electrical upgrades needed
• Safety devices
• Water heater compliance
• Garage functionality

Handle Repairs Early

Fixing these issues before listing helps you:

• Avoid surprises
• Market your home confidently
• Reduce buyer objections

The Advantage of Being Proactive

When you take care of these items upfront, you:

• Speed up the escrow process
• Build trust with buyers
• Reduce the chance of deal delays

👉 It puts you in a stronger position from day one.

Home inspections don’t have to be stressful.

In fact, most of the issues that come up are completely manageable—if you prepare for them.

By addressing common problems like GFCI outlets, detectors, water heater safety, and garage functionality, you can make your home safer, more compliant, and more appealing to buyers.

Because in real estate, it’s often the small details that make the biggest difference.