Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Couldn’t agree more about the VA appraisal being pretty basic. People hear “VA inspection” and think it’s some kind of deep-dive home inspection, but it’s really just a minimum property standards check. Roof, heat, water, no obvious hazards—if it passes those, you’re good for the loan. But that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear as a buyer.
I’ve seen folks skip a real home inspection because they thought the VA process covered it all. Fast forward a few months, and they’re dealing with stuff like electrical issues or hidden leaks that never showed up in the appraisal. The cost of a proper inspection is peanuts compared to what you might end up paying down the road if something big gets missed.
Honestly, I’d say treat the VA appraisal as just one step. If you want to sleep at night, get your own inspector—someone who works for you, not the lender or the VA. It’s not required, but it’s just smart.
That’s spot-on about the VA appraisal just being a minimum standards check. I always wonder, why do so many buyers assume it’s a full home inspection?
Couldn’t agree more. Spending a little upfront for a third-party inspection can save a lot of headaches. Ever seen a deal fall through because the buyer skipped that extra step? I’ve seen it a few times, and it’s never pretty.“If you want to sleep at night, get your own inspector—someone who works for you, not the lender or the VA.”
I’ve watched a buddy of mine skip the inspection thinking the VA appraisal would catch everything—ended up with some nasty plumbing issues a few months later. Honestly, that extra couple hundred bucks for your own inspector is just peace of mind. VA’s only looking at the basics, not the nitty gritty.
Had a similar situation a few years back—VA appraisal flagged some chipped paint and a missing handrail, but totally missed the old galvanized pipes. Ended up costing way more than an inspection would’ve. I get why folks want to save money, but skipping that step can really bite you later. Curious if anyone’s ever had an inspector catch something major that the VA missed?
Had a similar thing happen during my refi—VA appraisal was all over the peeling paint and loose steps, but the inspector I hired found a cracked heat exchanger in the furnace. That would've been a nightmare if it went unnoticed. The VA’s minimum property requirements are fine for basics, but they’re not a substitute for a real inspection. I get why folks skip it, but man, it’s a gamble.