The structural inspector has just handed you a twentyfive page report! Your “perfect” house isn’t really perfect after all.

The “Old World” charm extends to the heating and plumbing systems and the roof leaks when it rains. What should you do–back out of the deal or try to re-negotiate your purchase agreement with the sellers?

Your strategy should depend on several things.

Did you know about the problems when you made your offer?

Did you make an offer at the top of the market?

Did the sellers build some room into the asking price with the understanding that their house was a handyman’s dream?

Most structural inspections turn up at least a few items that need attention, but they occasionally reveal major defects.

The inspection clause in your contract has a time limit. If you really like the house, you should consider re-negotiating with the sellers before backing out of the agreement. The next “perfect” house could have the same, or similar, issues.