Should I order a home inspection?

I recommend getting one done.

A home inspection is typically ordered by the buyer. It will include a thorough examination of the major systems and components of the home, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and more. The inspector will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, which can help you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with the purchase of the property.

While a home inspection may come at an additional cost, it can ultimately save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run by identifying any major issues before you buy the house

You should always order a home inspection unless You're absolutely set on a particular home and the only way for Your offer to be accepted is to waive it.. If You're financing, this may not even be an option. It is always better to seek inspectors Yourself rather than be referred by Agents, also ask them what areas they cover and how long they take. I have been to inspections that take 30 minutes and others that took 3 hours and would comfortably say that the 3 hour one was much better and more thorough. I would also check whether the home was a "flip". Feel free to reach out if You have any questions!

Hi! inspection is a buyer's expense and normally takes place during the attorney review/due diligence period. Even though it is not mandatory, and we're seeing a lot of buyers waiving home inspection in this market, in my opinion it is EXTREMELY important to have a full understanding of the property youre planning on purchasing. The inspector will do a through inspection of the exterior, interior, roofing, appliances, plumbing, electric, etc. Based on the inspection, a buyer will decide if its a good idea to proceed with the sale, back out or request repair credits from the sellers. It's a good idea to have the report on you so you know what items to repair or focus on after the sale takes place. Hope this helps! if you have any other questions, I can be reached at 773-516-1111. I run a 25 broker team selling well over $150 million annually and do over 400+ transactions so extremely savvy when it comes to different scenarios. Good luck with your journey!

Yes, you are making one of the largest purchases of your life. Hire a professional to come in and take a look at it. If there is a big problem, you should be able to back out. If it is a small problem you should be able to either overlook it or get the seller to fix it. Once you are out of your inspection period you are obligated to complete the transaction.

https://www.nsmn.com/why-get-a-home-inspection/

Yes indeed you should have the house inspected for the sole purpose of having identified that you are not aware behind the walls, under the house or on the roof for example. The naked eye does not always see the problems when you are not trained

Unless you are an experienced contractor you should

A buyer should always have a home inspection conducted. As an agent I can assist with setting the inspections up.

I would recommend a home inspection although if it is a certain specific areas (HVAC, Roof, Structure etc) I would also hire a contractor with that expertise. Some inspectors suggest that in their reports , whereas some inspectors are certified in those areas . Do your homework as to who you hire and what the specialize in. Also like a lot of things in life “cheapest” isn’t always the route to go . Just my 2 cents .

Mike, yes, a home inspection is the best protection for you as a buyer so you know what you are purchasing. Even if you don't have the seller fix anything, you at a minimum know what the issues are in the house. Or you can use the home inspection for leverage with the seller.

A home inspection is a must. If you are a seller it is even more important. When you get the inspection up front it allows you to correct any helath and safety issues, and it allows you to give the interested buyers a heads up on any itmes on the report so they can make an infomred decision to offer.

Yes. A home inspection protects you from unexpected problems and costly repairs. It helps you make an informed decision and gives you leverage in negotiations. Even if the home looks good, hidden issues can exist.

It’s almost always wise to hire a professional home inspector. An inspector will thoroughly check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical and other major systems and give you a written report. This helps you understand the true condition of the property and negotiate repairs or credits with the seller.

In a hot market some buyers waive inspections to make their offer more attractive, but doing so exposes you to unexpected and expensive problems. The few hundred dollars spent on an inspection is minimal compared to your overall investment and can save you thousands down the road. Work with your agent to schedule a qualified inspector and attend the inspection so you can ask questions and learn more about the home.

In New York City, many buyers purchase co-op apartments, and in most cases, a traditional home inspection is not necessary.

Why inspections are often skipped for co-ops:
1. You’re not buying the building structure, you’re buying shares in a corporation.
2. Major systems—roof, boiler, exterior walls, plumbing stacks are maintained by the co-op

When I do recommend a home inspection for a co-op:

1. Ground-floor units to check for water intrusion, drainage issues, or foundation-related concerns

2. Top-floor units to assess potential roof leaks or ceiling water damage

When inspections are essential:

Single-family homes
Townhouses
Multi-family properties
Condos where you’re responsible for more than just the interior

In those cases, skipping an inspection can be costly, especially with older properties common in New York City.

Short answer: yes, you should order a home inspection. Skipping it is almost never worth the risk—especially here in Colorado Springs.

I work in this market every day with the Behr & Behr Team, and I can tell you that homes in Colorado Springs often come with things you won’t catch during a walkthrough. Our climate, soil conditions, snow load, hail, and big temperature swings are tough on roofs, foundations, HVAC systems, and drainage. Even houses that look great on the surface can hide expensive issues.

A home inspection isn’t about killing the deal or nitpicking cosmetic stuff. It’s about understanding what you’re buying before you own it. Roof life, sewer lines, electrical panels, furnaces, grading, moisture issues—those are things buyers routinely miss without a professional inspection.

Yes, you can skip it. People do. When it works out, it’s usually because the buyer has construction experience, the home is brand new with strong warranties, or they’re financially prepared to handle surprise repairs. Most buyers aren’t in that position, and in Colorado Springs those surprises can get expensive fast.

It’s also a misconception that an inspection means you’re asking the seller to fix everything. Most of the time it’s simply about awareness, planning future maintenance, or negotiating a reasonable credit if something major comes up.

I’ve seen buyers skip inspections to be more competitive and later discover issues that cost $10,000, $20,000, or more after closing. That’s not uncommon here, especially with older homes or properties with deferred maintenance.

If you’re buying in Colorado Springs, a home inspection is one of the smartest parts of the process. It’s a small upfront cost that protects you from much bigger problems down the road.

Yes, you should get a professional home inspection. It helps uncover issues with the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC before you are fully committed. When buyers call me or message me through www.homesforsaleinirvine.com asking if they should save a few hundred dollars by skipping the inspection, I strongly recommend that they do not. Even in competitive Irvine and Orange County markets, waiving an inspection increases your risk and can lead to some expensive surprises later.

Technically: You can skip it.
Practically: You usually shouldn’t.

Why inspections matter:
Reveals hidden issues (roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing)

Helps you:
Renegotiate price
Ask for repairs

Walk away if it’s a major problem
Inspections often cost $350–$500
One repair found can save you thousands

When buyers sometimes skip inspections:
New construction (even then, many still inspect)
Competitive multiple-offer situations
Investor purchases (still a calculated risk)

Smarter alternatives if competition is tight:
Informational-only inspection
Short inspection window
Limit repair requests
Pre-offer inspection (when possible)

Skipping an inspection means:
You’re accepting the home as-is, even if problems show up later.

Most regret stories in real estate start with:
“We skipped the inspection because we didn’t think we needed one.”

A home inspection is strongly recommended and not something to skip. Even in a hot market, it protects you from expensive surprises

You can skip a home inspection… but you’re basically choosing to buy a house the way you’d buy a used car in the dark, during a thunderstorm, from a guy named “Trust Me.” 😄

Here’s the real talk.

What a home inspection actually does (and doesn’t do)

A general home inspection is a professional, top-to-bottom “condition check” of the home’s major systems—roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, foundation/crawlspace, attic, appliances, moisture issues, drainage, etc.

It’s not a guarantee and it’s not an engineering report. But it is your best shot at spotting expensive surprises before you own them.

When skipping an inspection is a bad idea

Most of the time, skipping is a gamble—especially if:

* The home is 10+ years old (systems start aging out)
* It’s on a crawlspace (moisture + wood rot + termites love crawlspaces)
* You’re buying **as-is** (you still want to know what “as-is” means)
* You’re using a VA loan (you’ll still want eyes on condition items, even though VA has its own appraisal standards)
* You don’t have a big “oops fund” for repairs after closing

When it might make sense to skip (rare, but possible)

Skipping can be reasonable if:

* It’s new construction and you’re doing at least a builder punch + 11-month warranty inspection (honestly, new homes still have issues—just different ones)
* You’re buying the property mainly for lot value and you’re prepared to renovate heavily or rebuild
* You’re competing in a multiple-offer situation and have a high risk tolerance and a solid backup plan financially

Even then, a smarter move is often: don’t waive it—modify it.

The “smart compromise” options (my favorite)

If you’re worried about being competitive or “nickel-and-diming” the seller, you can:

* Do an inspection for information only (you keep the right to walk if it’s scary, but you’re not asking for repairs)
* Limit repairs to major items only (roof, structural, HVAC, electrical safety, plumbing leaks, moisture/termite damage)
* Shorten the due diligence/inspection window (shows seriousness without going blind)

This keeps you protected without turning the deal into a repair rodeo.

Bottom line

If you’re buying a home you plan to live in, a home inspection is usually one of the highest ROI moves you can make. It’s a relatively small cost to potentially avoid:

* A $10K HVAC surprise
* Hidden moisture/wood rot
* Roof failure
* Electrical hazards
* Foundation/crawlspace nightmares

Skipping it is possible. It’s just not “free.” You’re simply choosing to pay later… with interest.

If you’re in North Carolina, especially in our crawlspace-heavy market, I’d strongly lean toward getting the inspection and negotiating smart—not emotional.

If you are a buyer, I highly recommend getting a home inspection, even for new construction. City inspectors are not home inspectors and are not as thorough as an actual home inspector. Like any profession, there are good inspectors and bad ones. Be sure to interview the inspector, or ask your agent to provide three of their top picks.

This will depend on what is outlined in the purchase contract. I highly recommend ordering a home inspection. This is your chance to perform your due diligence and uncover any issues. Your agent will tell you the types of inspections that you can order.

Why Every Buyer Should Get a Home Inspection

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself when buying a home. Even if a property looks great on the surface, there can be hidden issues that only a trained inspector will catch.

✅ 1. Identify Hidden Problems Early

Homes can have issues that aren’t visible during a showing:

Roof damage

Foundation cracks

Electrical or plumbing defects

Mold or moisture problems

HVAC system failures

Catching these early can save you thousands and prevent major surprises after closing.

✅ 2. Strengthen Your Negotiation Power

If the inspector finds problems, you can:

Request repairs

Ask for a price reduction

Ask for seller credits toward closing costs

Walk away if the issues are too big

A good inspection gives you leverage.

✅ 3. Protect Your Financial Investment

A home is likely your biggest purchase.
A $400–$700 inspection can prevent:

Unexpected repair bills

Safety risks

Long-term structural problems

It’s a small cost for major financial protection.

✅ 4. Plan Future Repairs Intelligently

Even if the home is in good condition, an inspection helps you understand:

Remaining life of roof, furnace, water heater, etc.

Upcoming maintenance costs

How to budget for improvements

It sets realistic expectations for the years ahead.

✅ 5. Safety First

Inspectors check for:

Electrical hazards

Gas leaks

Carbon monoxide issues

Fire risks

Structural weaknesses

This ensures your new home is safe for you and your family.

✅ 6. Peace of Mind

Buying a home is stressful.
A thorough inspection provides confidence that you’re making a smart, informed decision.

⭐ Bottom Line

A home inspection isn’t just recommended—it’s a critical safeguard that protects your finances, your safety, and your peace of mind. Even in competitive markets, skipping an inspection can expose you to significant risks.

Yes, A home inspection protects you from hidden issues, such as roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gives you leverage for repairs or credits towards your closing.