Do You Need to Correct Code Violations?

Houston Real Estate Podcast with Dale Ross

If you’re selling a home, a home inspection might turn up some code violations. I’m here to tell you how to handle that situation.

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When a buyer gets a home inspection done, is a seller required to fix code violations? Recently, a buyer did an inspection on one of the homes that we sold, and my seller asked me that question. The answer is no.

A code violation is basically a safety update regarding your plumbing, electrical work, installation of appliances, etc. that have been updated since the home was built or since the last code update.

You don’t have to automatically correct code violations unless you have agreed to do so for the purchaser. Some code violations are more important than others, but most buyers will want electrical issues taken care of especially.

Some code violations are more important than others.

If an inspection is done and that report is presented to you, if the sale falls through, for the next four years you are required to provide any potential buyers with a copy of that report. That’s why it’s best to always disclose everything you know about the property, as it will show up in the inspection report.

If you decide to correct the code violations, but for some reason the transaction doesn’t go through, keep your receipts and make notes on the inspection report to show what you have corrected.

If you have any further questions about inspections or repair issues, please feel free to reach out to me with a phone call or by shooting me an email. As always, please keep sending me your questions. If I use your question for my video blog, I will send you a $50 gift card!