Major vs. Minor Findings – What Really Matters in a Home Inspection?
One of the most common questions we get at Carolina Quality Inspections LLC is:
“Is this a big deal?”
When you receive your home inspection report—filled with photos, notes, and recommendations—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But not every issue is cause for panic. Some findings are routine and easily addressed, while others require immediate attention or negotiation.
Let’s break down the difference between major and minor inspection findings, and what each one means for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
🔍 What Counts as a Major Issue?
A major finding typically refers to a defect or concern that affects:
Safety (e.g., faulty wiring, missing smoke detectors, loose railings)
Structural integrity (e.g., foundation cracks, sagging rooflines, severe water damage)
Active or future system failure (e.g., HVAC not functioning, significant plumbing leaks, roof nearing end of life)
Building code violations that present risk
These items may impact your ability to live in the home comfortably and safely—or significantly affect the home’s value or functionality.
🧰 What’s Considered a Minor Finding?
Minor issues are usually cosmetic or maintenance-related. These findings don’t pose an immediate threat but should be monitored or scheduled for future repair.
Examples include:
Peeling paint or small drywall cracks
Loose door handles
Minor gutter debris
Dirty air filters
Worn weatherstripping
Missing outlet covers
These are the kinds of things you’ll find in almost every home, even newer ones. The key is knowing they exist—so you can address them over time.
🧠 Why It’s Important to Know the Difference
Knowing which issues are major vs. minor helps you:
Stay calm during the inspection process
Prioritize repairs and maintenance
Avoid overreacting to routine wear and tear
Make smart decisions when buying or selling a home
At Carolina Quality Inspections, we highlight these distinctions in our reports to help you clearly understand what’s urgent, what’s optional, and what’s cosmetic.
💬 What Should You Do With This Info?
🏠 If You’re a Buyer:
Use the inspection report to:
Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller
Plan for future upgrades
Make an informed final decision
We’ll walk you through your report and help you understand what needs attention now and what can wait.
🏷️ If You’re a Seller:
A pre-listing inspection allows you to:
Fix major items before listing
Price your home accurately
Avoid delays during the closing process
Being proactive helps buyers feel more confident—and makes your home stand out.
🧰 If You’re a Homeowner Staying Put:
Annual maintenance inspections can:
Help you stay ahead of developing issues
Give you a clear picture of your home’s condition
Help you budget and plan repairs responsibly
🪖 Why Work With Carolina Quality Inspections?
We’re not just checking boxes—we’re helping you understand your home.
Led by 20-year U.S. Army veteran Joshua Snodgrass, our inspections are rooted in discipline, detail, and honesty.
✅ Veteran-owned and family-operated
✅ Clear, photo-based reports within 24 hours
✅ Friendly follow-up and straightforward answers
✅ Trusted by homeowners, agents, and buyers throughout North Carolina
📞 Ready to Schedule?
Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining—we’ll help you separate real concerns from routine maintenance.
📞 Call Carolina Quality Inspections: (910) 574-3221
🌐 Visit: www.carolinaqualityinspectionllc.com