Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
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.
Totally agree with this. Here’s how I usually break it down for clients:
- VA appraisal = checks if the property meets Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Think: safety, sanitation, structural soundness. It’s not a deep-dive.
- Home inspection = optional, but way more thorough. This is where you find stuff like that cracked heat exchanger you mentioned, or hidden plumbing issues, roof leaks, etc.
- Skipping the inspection might save a few hundred bucks upfront, but if something major pops up later, it can cost thousands. Not worth the risk in my book.
- VA doesn’t require a full inspection, just the appraisal. But the appraisal isn’t going to crawl through the attic or test every outlet.
Had a client once who almost skipped the inspection because “the VA checks everything, right?”...turns out the inspector found a slow gas leak. That would’ve been a nasty surprise down the line.
Bottom line: the VA appraisal is about loan eligibility, not your peace of mind as a homeowner. Two different things.
the VA appraisal is about loan eligibility, not your peace of mind as a homeowner. Two different things.
That’s exactly it. I get wanting to save money, but skipping a home inspection just feels too risky. I’ve seen friends hit with surprise repairs right after moving in—stuff the VA appraisal didn’t catch. For a few hundred bucks, the inspection’s worth it, even if you’re watching every dollar.
Honestly, I’ve seen way too many folks get burned thinking the VA appraisal is a substitute for a real inspection. It’s not even close. The appraisal is just making sure the house meets minimum property standards and that it’s worth what you’re paying—doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden issues lurking behind the walls or under the floors.
I had a client last year who thought they could skip the inspection because “the VA already checked it out.” Fast forward two months, and they’re dealing with a leaky roof that wasn’t obvious during the walk-through. The appraiser never even went up there. That couple ended up spending way more on repairs than they would’ve on an inspection.
I get wanting to save every penny, especially with how prices are these days, but skipping an inspection is like buying a used car without popping the hood. Sometimes you get lucky... but sometimes you end up stranded on the side of the road.
Had a similar situation myself a few years back—VA appraisal came through, house looked fine on paper, but we still hired our own inspector. Turns out there was some old electrical wiring that needed updating. Wouldn’t have caught it otherwise. Like you said,
I get that inspections cost extra, but compared to what repairs can run, it’s worth every penny. Ever notice how the stuff you skip always comes back to bite you later?“The appraisal is just making sure the house meets minimum property standards and that it’s worth what you’re paying—doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden issues lurking behind the walls or under the floors.”
Yeah, that’s spot on—people mix up the appraisal with an inspection all the time.
VA loans don’t actually require a home inspection, just the VA appraisal, which checks for basic safety and value. But skipping an inspection can be way riskier than folks think. Those hidden repairs add up fast... definitely better to know what you’re getting into upfront.“The appraisal is just making sure the house meets minimum property standards and that it’s worth what you’re paying—doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden issues lurking behind the walls or under the floors.”
