What a home inspection is (and isn't)
Minnesota doesn't license home inspectors (ASHI). Most follow a national standard: InterNACHI calls an inspection a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas, covering the roof, exterior, foundation, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, attic and interior. Inspectors aren't required to judge code compliance or predict how long things will last (InterNACHI).
The most common findings, and who fixes them
InterNACHI's list of the most common house problems starts with poor grading and drainage, improper electrical wiring and roof damage, followed by heating, poor maintenance, structure, plumbing, exteriors and ventilation (InterNACHI). In a Porch survey, 86% of buyers said the inspector found at least one problem; roofs, electrical and windows were the most common (Porch).
| Finding | What the standard is | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Grading slopes toward the house; short downspouts | Code: grade falls at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet. UMN: downspouts discharge at least 4 feet out. | Handyman or landscaper |
| Missing or old smoke alarms | Required in every dwelling (Minn. Stat. 299F.362); replace every 10 years. | Handyman for battery alarms; electrician for hard-wired |
| No CO alarm near bedrooms | Required within 10 feet of each bedroom (Minn. Stat. 299F.51). | Handyman for plug-in or battery; electrician for hard-wired |
| No GFCI protection | Required in bathrooms, kitchens near sinks, garages, basements, laundry areas and outdoors in current code. | Licensed electrician |
| Missing or loose handrail; low guard | Handrails 34–38 in high; guards at least 36 in where the drop is over 30 in. | Handyman / carpenter |
| Roof wear, flashing, ice dam damage | See our roofing guides. | Roofing contractor |
| Failed caulk, peeling paint, rot | Moisture causes most early paint failure and leads to rot. | Handyman / painter |
| Leaks, old supply lines, slow drains | Plumbing work needs a licensed plumber (or the owner on their own home). | Licensed plumber |
| Furnace, water heater venting | Annual professional check recommended. | HVAC contractor |
Sources: 2020 MN Residential Code summary (Duluth), UMN Extension, Minn. Stat. 299F.362, 299F.51, MN State Fire Marshal, St. Paul DSI electrical bulletin, Purdue Extension, 326B.46, USFA. Code requirements apply to new work; an inspector may still flag older conditions as safety items.
Minnesota rules sellers should know
- Disclosure. Sellers must disclose material facts they're aware of that could significantly affect the use and enjoyment of the property, before the buyer signs (Minn. Stat. 513.55).
- Radon. Sellers must disclose known radon test results and mitigation and give the buyer MDH's radon warning and publication (Minn. Stat. 144.496).
- Wells. In Dakota County, private wells must be tested within a year before a sale (Dakota County).
- St. Paul Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing. St. Paul requires a city-licensed evaluator's report to be available to buyers within 3 days of listing; the only required repair in a single-family home is a working hard-wired smoke alarm (St. Paul DSI).
Fix it before or after?
Fixing obvious items before you list means fewer surprises in the inspection. See pre-listing repairs worth doing. If you're already under contract, see repair requests after a home inspection, or send us the report on our inspection repair page.