Do I need a Home Inspection?
YES! Even the Federal Government agrees with us! Don't roll the dice! 
The first time buyer is usually surprised when the inspection process is explained. They usually think they can test the dishwasher themselves and can make sure all the outlets and faucets work. Why would you pay someone else $500 to do those simple things? Trust me, inspectors do so much more.
A home inspection not only could save you thouisands of dollars in repairs but could be your only "out" of a contract if the sellers have not disclosed items that will be very costly. It is your right as a buyer, after an inspection to negotiate wihat the seller will repair and what you will repair or accept as a buyer. If you cannot come to an agreement, the contract can be voided.
No one likes to get bad news or pay $500.00 for someone to tell you everything is fine. However, buying a house without an inspection, even if a home warranty is included is just plain irresponsible. Radon is now a must before any bank will approve a mortgage. We have a great radon mitigation company.
That being said, it's true that the purpose of a home inspection is to inspect the safety and durability of aspects of the house that are visible, which means that an inspector does not take apart walls or dismantle anything. While this may sound like something anyone could do, here are some examples of things a home inspector will look for and detect that the average homeowner would miss:
- Faulty wiring
- A roof that needs to be replaced.
- Windows that are not sealed.
- Cracks in bricks that may cause leaks.
- An unsafe fireplace.
- Water damage that has been covered upDo you know how to tell if the dryer vents properly?
- A water heater that is at the end of it's life or not properly strapped in an earthquake area.
- If you live in an area subject to earthquakes, do you know how to make sure your water heater is properly strapped?
- Do you know how to tell if the vent above the kitchen range hood is a fire hazard?
These are just a few of the literally hundreds of things a certified inspector will see and point out to you.
When it comes down to it, don't let the cost of a home inspection bother you. While a home inspection will cost several hundred dollars, if you can negotiate with the seller to perform some of the more costly repairs, it will pay for itself many times over.
Also, don't expect the inspection to be flawless, even brand new homes have issues. The goals are to make sure your potential home doesn't have any costly defects, that you know about the defects up front and that you are paying a fair price based on any defects that are found.
