Major vs. Minor Deficiencies in Home Inspections | Understanding What Really Matters
- Thomas J.
- Oct 24
- 2 min read
When buying a home, the inspection report can look intimidating—a long list of notes, photos, and technical terms. But not every issue is a dealbreaker. Knowing the difference between major and minor deficiencies in a home inspection helps you make confident, informed decisions.
In this guide, we’ll explain what each category means, give real examples, and show you how to respond like a savvy homebuyer.
What Are Home Inspection Deficiencies?
A home inspection deficiency refers to any problem or defect the inspector identifies, from small cosmetic issues to serious structural or safety concerns.
Inspectors typically label these as major or minor deficiencies to help you prioritize repairs and understand potential costs.
Understanding these categories helps you focus on what’s truly important rather than getting overwhelmed by minor details.
Major Deficiencies: The Big-Impact Issues
A major deficiency is any condition that significantly affects the home’s safety, structure, or functionality. These are the issues that can be costly, dangerous, or urgent.
Examples of Major Deficiencies:
🏠 Foundation or Structural Problems
Large cracks, sloping floors, or bowing walls can signal structural instability.
🛖 Roof Damage or Leaks
Missing shingles, water stains, or soft spots often indicate potential water intrusion.
🔌 Electrical Hazards
Outdated panels, exposed wires, or overloaded circuits pose fire risks.
🚽 Plumbing Failures
Corroded pipes, sewer backups, or constant leaks can lead to water damage and mold.
💨 HVAC System Malfunctions
Old or non-functioning units can affect energy efficiency and safety.
🦠 Mold, Asbestos, or Radon
Environmental hazards that require professional mitigation.
How to Handle Major Deficiencies
Don’t panic. Most issues can be repaired; the key is understanding the cost and urgency.
Request professional quotes to gauge repair expenses.
Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller.
Consult your real estate agent before making final decisions.
Major deficiencies often provide an opportunity for negotiation, not necessarily a reason to walk away.
Minor Deficiencies: The Common Fixes
Minor deficiencies are small maintenance or cosmetic issues that don’t affect the home’s overall safety or structure. These are often inexpensive to repair and normal for most homes, especially older ones.
Examples of Minor Deficiencies:
🚪 Loose doorknobs or cabinet handles
Chipped paint or drywall cracks
🪟 Sticking windows or doors
🔌 Missing outlet covers
🚰 Dripping faucets
🪜 Minor gutter or siding wear
How to Handle Minor Deficiencies
Don’t overreact. Every home has imperfections.
Prioritize by urgency— fix safety-related items first, aesthetics later.
Budget for repairs after closing. Many can be easy DIY fixes.
Minor issues shouldn’t derail a home purchase; they’re part of regular homeownership.
How Inspectors Identify Major vs. Minor Deficiencies
A certified home inspector follows industry standards (like ASHI or InterNACHI) to classify defects.
They consider:
Safety risks
Structural impact
Cost and complexity of repair
Potential for worsening over time
That’s why hiring an experienced, certified inspector is crucial; they know how to distinguish what truly matters.
Every home has flaws. Smart buyers know which ones matter.
Learn from your inspection, lean on your experts, and use what you find to make confident, informed decisions. That’s how you turn a house into a home.
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