Should I have a Home Inspection?

January 31, 2008 by Mandie Spudich.

Question From A Reader: 

Do you have to have a house inspection when you buy a new house or can I do it myself and save the money? 

Answer:

While it is not required that you have a home inspection, it is always a good idea.  Even if you are handy, it is still a very good idea to have a qualified professional go through the property for many reasons:

• It is difficult if not impossible for the average person to spot all of the warning signs and issues that an inspector will point out for you. 

•  As a buyer, you may have become quite attached emotionally to the home that you are purchasing and that can greatly effect your ability to look at the home in an objective light.

• Also without a professional inspectors report you have no grounds on which to renegotiate if there is an issue with the home, which means that not only can you not get compensated for the repairs, but also that even if there are major problems such as a crumbling foundation, you will have no grounds on which to void your contract!  In other words you buy the property AS IS for better or for worse.

AND FOR THE #1 REASON TO HAVE A HOME INSPECTION

• In the grand scheme of things while you are spending thousands of dollars on a home, the relatively small fee of usually $400-500 can give you peace of mind and often even save you thousands and thousands of dollars on unexpected expenses!

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