Is a Home Inspection Worth It?

I often hear this question: Why should I invest in a professional home inspection? There are two main arguments I frequently encounter against it:

1. A home inspector is not equipped to identify important issues.

2. If I don't see any problems with the house myself, I don't believe a home inspection is necessary and would prefer to save the money.

Debunking the Myth: Home Inspectors vs. Specialized Contractors

Let's address the first objection: "A home inspector won't find the important issues." This argument often comes from contractors in various trades. For example, an electrician might follow up after a home inspector flags an obscure method or material in the distribution panel as a safety concern. The electrician refers to the National Electric Code to justify why everything checks out, and then claims that the home inspector is ineffective because no problem was found. He suggests it would have been better to hire an electrician for the electrical system inspection.

While I agree that having an electrician inspect the electrical system would be ideal, the same holds true for other trades. It would also be ideal to hire a plumber for the plumbing systems, an HVAC technician for heating, cooling, and ventilation, and a roofer who specializes in the specific roofing material to inspect the roof. Different roofing materials—such as asphalt, metal, and clay tiles—have unique specifications that require specialized knowledge.

Additionally, a structural engineer would need to be engaged to inspect the foundation and structural elements. Depending on the siding material, you might need a carpenter for wood siding, a mason for brick or stone, or a specialist for stucco exteriors.

Even after hiring all these specialists, you'd still need to check doors, windows, interiors, overhead garage door openers, and kitchen appliances yourself. While these trades could provide a more comprehensive review of each system, the cost of hiring multiple specialists often exceeds what most people are willing to spend when evaluating a home. Moreover, coordinating the schedules of various inspectors can be time-consuming.

In contrast, a certified and licensed home inspector has passed standardized testing and demonstrated a general understanding of the functionality and safety requirements for all major systems in modern homes. Therefore, it can be more cost-effective to hire a professional home inspector, who can refer you to specialized tradespeople only if necessary. I firmly believe that a qualified home inspector is well-equipped to fulfill this role.

The Importance of Professional Home Inspections for Long-Term Savings

If you think "I don't see anything wrong with the house; I'd rather save the money," consider whether you've thoroughly inspected all areas of the home. Did you check the attic spaces with a flashlight? Did you look closely in the crawlspace? Have you examined the electrical distribution panel? Did you spend time looking at the HVAC system and water heater in the mechanical closet? Have you checked the plumbing at each fixture? Did you use a ladder to inspect the roof closely? Have you looked at the siding, trim, and flashing? Did you open and close most of the windows, doors, cabinets, and drawers? Did you test the electrical outlets? And, are you confident that you would recognize defects if they were present in each of these areas of the house?

If you haven't visited each of these important areas for a thorough review, it may be wise to hire a professional home inspector. Home inspectors have the tools and training to uncover issues that most home occupants might overlook. Properly maintaining your home is an important investment. Building materials and systems can fail, but addressing problems early and keeping up with preventative maintenance can save you money in the long run. That's why I recommend having regular professional home inspections, rather than just when you buy or rent a new home.

Ensure Your Home's Safety and Protect Your Investment with Apple Property Inspections

If your family could benefit from a thorough, whole house inspection to keep your home safe, healthy and functional, Apple Property Inspections would be honored to assist. Call 901-459-8822 to schedule your next home inspection today!

The attic, one of the important areas of the house checked during a home inspection.