Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?

Had a similar experience on a flip a few years back. The VA appraiser came through, checked the basics, and was out in under half an hour. Didn’t even peek in the crawlspace. Later, my own inspector found a slow leak under the house that had been going for who knows how long—mold, wood rot, the works. Would’ve been a nightmare if I’d missed it.

I get why folks think the VA appraisal is enough, but honestly, it’s just not designed to catch those deeper issues. Like you said:

“the VA doesn’t require a full inspection, just their appraisal, but that’s not the same thing.”

It’s tempting to cut corners when you’re already stretched thin with closing costs and everything else, but man... those hidden problems don’t care about your budget. If anything, they seem to show up right after you move in.

Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?

Yeah, I hear you on the temptation to skip the inspection—my wallet was already crying by closing time. But honestly, the VA appraisal is like checking if your car has tires and calling it a day. I almost skipped the full inspection on my last place, but then I remembered my luck with “surprise” repairs... not great. That $400 felt steep at the time, but compared to what a busted sewer line would’ve cost me? No contest. Sometimes you just gotta pay now or pay way more later.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen folks get a little too paranoid about inspections, too. The VA appraisal isn’t a full inspection, sure, but it does catch some big stuff—like safety or code issues. I skipped the home inspection once on a newer build and honestly, it worked out fine for me. Not saying it’s for everyone, but sometimes if you know what you’re looking at and the place is in good shape, that $400 might be better spent elsewhere. Just depends how much risk you’re willing to take on.

I get why some folks are comfortable skipping the inspection, especially on a newer build, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe it’s because I’ve had my share of “surprises” with houses that looked perfect on the surface. One place I bought years ago—looked spotless, smelled like fresh paint, all that. But after moving in, I found out the previous owner had done some DIY electrical work that was... let’s just say, creative. Ended up costing me way more than a basic inspection would’ve.

I know the VA appraisal is supposed to catch the big stuff—like if there’s a busted heater or a leaky roof—but it’s not really digging into the nitty gritty. It’s more about making sure the house meets minimum property requirements for safety and habitability, not whether your water heater is on its last legs or if there’s mold hiding behind the drywall. That’s where an actual home inspection comes in handy.

I get that $400 isn’t pocket change, especially when you’re already bleeding money for closing costs and moving expenses. But for me, peace of mind is worth it. I’d rather know what I’m getting into upfront than have to scramble for cash later when something goes sideways. Maybe I’m just a little too cautious after getting burned once, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

That said, if you’re handy or you’ve got a good eye for problems, maybe you can get away with skipping it on a newer place. Just don’t underestimate how much stuff can hide behind fresh paint and new carpet. Sometimes what you don’t see is what bites you later...

VA loans can be a bit confusing on this front. The VA doesn’t actually require a full home inspection—just the VA appraisal, which, like you said, is mainly about making sure the property meets their minimum property requirements (MPRs). That means the appraiser checks for things like working heat, no major roof leaks, and basic safety stuff. They’re not going to crawl around in the attic or test every outlet.

A lot of buyers assume the VA appraisal is as thorough as an inspection, but it’s really not. I’ve seen folks get caught off guard by hidden issues that only came up after closing—stuff like old plumbing or hidden water damage. The extra cost of an independent inspection can sting, especially with all the other expenses piling up, but it’s usually a drop in the bucket compared to what you might face if something big goes wrong later.

If you’re even a little unsure about what might be lurking behind those freshly painted walls, it’s worth considering. Even on newer builds, mistakes happen or things get missed. Peace of mind isn’t always cheap, but neither are surprise repairs...