Yeah, I get the logic behind paying for inspections, but man, every extra fee hurts when you’re scraping together a down payment. I wish the VA loan covered more of it. Still, totally agree—finding out about a leaky roof after you move in is way worse than just biting the bullet upfront. I guess it’s one of those “pay now or pay (way more) later” situations...
Honestly, I used to grumble about inspection costs too—until my neighbor skipped his and ended up with a basement that turned into an indoor pool. The VA’s “minimum property requirements” are decent, but they’re not a deep dive. I always figured, if I’m about to drop six figures, what’s another few hundred for peace of mind? Curious if anyone here ever found something major during an inspection that changed their mind about a place?
VA loans don’t technically require a full home inspection—just the VA appraisal, which checks for those minimum property requirements you mentioned. But honestly, that’s not enough. I’ve seen deals fall apart after a real inspection turned up foundation cracks or old wiring hiding behind fresh drywall. If you’re buying, always get your own inspector. That few hundred bucks can save you tens of thousands down the line. The VA’s checklist is just a starting point, not a guarantee.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
- The VA appraisal is really just a surface-level check. It’s not a substitute for a full inspection, and I’ve seen way too many buyers get burned thinking it was enough.
- Had a client last year who skipped the independent inspection because the VA appraiser “didn’t see any issues.” Fast forward two months, and they’re dealing with a leaking roof and electrical that needed a full rewiring. That cost them about $12k out of pocket. Not fun.
- The VA’s minimum property requirements are just that—minimum. They’re looking for safety and habitability, not whether the plumbing is about to go or if there’s termite damage hiding in the crawlspace.
- Spending $400–$600 on an independent inspector is cheap insurance, honestly. That’s less than 0.2% of most home prices these days, but it can save you from a nightmare down the road.
- Even if you’re handy or think you know what to look for, inspectors catch stuff most people miss. I’ve seen everything from hidden mold to DIY “fixes” that barely pass code.
- If you’re buying with a spouse, it’s even more important—two people relying on that house being safe and solid.
I get why folks want to save money upfront, but skipping the inspection is like buying a used car without popping the hood. The VA appraisal is just the first filter. Do yourself a favor and get the full picture before signing anything.
Honestly, I wish the VA appraisal was as thorough as people think. It’s more like a “does this house have a roof and running water” check than a deep dive. Had a couple once who thought they could spot issues themselves—next thing you know, they’re calling me about mushrooms growing in the basement. If you’re already spending hundreds of thousands, what’s another few hundred for peace of mind? Unless you like surprises... and not the good kind.
