Last Updated on September 6, 2022
We inspect everything we buy, from food to cars and more, before purchasing them, so why are some homebuyers skipping inspections on one of the largest investments of their lives?
DIY home inspections
One of the biggest reasons homebuyers are even considering skipping home inspections is because it’s become a way to sweeten the deal. For home sellers, it is a sweet deal.
Say you find a home that’s everything you want. It’s a hot real estate market out there, and anything you can do to stand out gets you closer to closing. Waiving a home inspection saves a little money and is great for the seller, who doesn’t have to fix anything on the house, and closing happens faster.
Many home buyers are even using DIY home inspection lists to ensure potential problems don’t become realities if they decide to pass on a certified home inspection.
If you decide to go it alone, the result may be far from what you need or expected. The horror stories from homebuyers who waived a professional home inspection are all over the Internet.
While all of this may sound like doing your own home inspection can save you time and money, there are many reasons you need to get your home professionally inspected.
A home inspection protects you
Professional home inspectors bring their experience and expertise with city or county codes and knowledge in four key areas:
- Structural
- Electrical
- Roof and Attic
- Pests
A professional home inspection helps in other ways:
- You can back out of the contract if there is significant damage and costly repairs to be made to the property.
- The safety of you and your family are of the utmost importance. A professional home inspector can tell you about any illegal additions or renovations that go against code.
- An inspector can also forecast costly repairs based on the age and condition of the home’s HVAC, appliances, plumbing concerns, how long the roof will last and more.
- A home inspector can provide you with bargaining information. Depending on the condition of the property you want to buy, the home inspection report is a valuable tool in getting the home’s price dropped and/or requesting repairs be made by the seller.
- Home inspectors can even advise you on home maintenance.
It’s also important to note that many lenders and insurance companies may not work with you and approve financing or home insurance because you waived the home inspection.
Waiving your home inspection is not recommended
We recommend homebuyers get a professional home inspection on the property they want to buy. The risks outweigh the time and money saved from waiving the home inspection.
Why worry about the possible issues with the home you’re buying? A home inspection can also help you budget for repairs the home seller will not fix.
In the end, the wisest choice is to opt for the home inspection. That way, when you finally move into your new home, you know what you’re walking into.
Keep reading: 4 home inspection myths you need to know
