7 Reasons Not to Skip a Home Inspection

Posted February 28, 2025 in Advice

I’ve created several posts about tools needed for home owners, renovations you can do to help up the value of your home, when to DIY it or hire a professional, and how to sell your house quickly. Today I want to talk about when you are looking for that perfect dream home and you think you found it. Whatever you do, do NOT skip the home inspection. A fresh coat of paint and carpet can sometimes cover up a multitude of issues you might not find out about until after you have purchased the home, if you don’t have a thorough inspection. If you’re in the market for a new home, don’t forget to include an inspection contingency in your contract. A professional home inspection can save you a ton of aggravation and thousands of dollars in the long run. The inspector will carefully examine the entire house, checking its systems, structure and equipment for functionality and potential problems.

Here are 7 reasons to not skip a home inspection:

1. Find deal-breakers

A house may look fantastic, yet have major issues with wiring, roofing, HVAC, plumbing and more. A quality home inspection will give you the inside scoop. If the inspection reveals any large problems that may take heavy work or expensive repairs, you might want to back out of the deal.

2. Safety concerns

An inspection can reveal the presence of harmful substances like radon, carbon monoxide and mold. Look for these hazards before it’s officially yours. You don’t want to find any unpleasant surprises after you’ve signed the contract.

3. Anticipate future costly repairs

A home’s systems and equipment may appear to be working fine when they’re actually on their last legs. A professional inspector can determine the age and condition of the systems and equipment, and forecast when they’ll need to be repaired or replaced. This can help you budget for a major repair several years down the line.

4. Reveal illegal additions

The awesome rec room you love in your potential new home might have been illegally built. An inspection will check for rooms, garages and basements that were added or finished without following legal codes or obtaining the proper permits. Having an illegal addition in your home means owning property that does not officially exist. This can get you into big trouble with home insurance and property taxes.

If a home inspection reveals any illegal additions, you can ask the seller to obtain the proper permits now, use this information as a bargaining chip, or choose to back out of the deal.

5. Obtain insurance easily

Many home insurance companies will not insure a home if it has not undergone a certified inspection.

6. Learn how to protect your investment

The inspector can be an invaluable source of information, providing tips and knowledge on how best to maintain your home. Knowing how to properly care for your home can save you thousands of dollars over the years.

7. Negotiate

Most home inspections will reveal problems. If they are minor enough to keep you interested in buying the house in its present condition, use them as bargaining tools and renegotiate the purchase price of the home.

Are you in the market for a new home? Call, click or stop by Abilene Teachers FCU today to ask about our fantastic home loan options!

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