I’ve seen way too many folks confuse the VA appraisal with a real inspection. They’re not even close. I had a client skip the inspection because “the VA already checked it”—then two months later, mold in the attic. Appraisers just aren’t looking for that stuff. It’s tempting to save money upfront, but honestly, skipping an inspection is almost always more expensive in the long run. Even on new builds, corners get cut—sometimes especially on new builds, actually.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
I run into this confusion all the time, especially with first-time VA buyers. The appraisal is really just about making sure the property meets the VA’s minimum property requirements (MPRs) and that it’s worth what you’re paying. It’s not a deep dive into the home’s systems or potential hidden issues.
Had a couple last year—super excited, first house, using a VA loan. They thought the appraisal was enough and didn’t want to “waste” money on an inspection. Fast forward, they moved in and found out their water heater was on its last legs...and there was a slow leak under the kitchen sink that had been going for who knows how long. Neither of those things showed up in the appraisal report.
Honestly, I get wanting to save cash upfront, but skipping an inspection can be a gamble. Even on new builds—yeah, builders miss stuff too. The VA doesn’t require a full inspection, but I always recommend it just for peace of mind. It’s one of those things where spending a little now can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll play devil’s advocate here. I’ve bought a handful of properties with VA loans, and while I agree an inspection is smart, sometimes it’s not a dealbreaker to skip it—especially if you’re working with a tight budget or the house is newer and you’ve got some DIY skills. Here’s how I usually weigh it:
1. Check the VA appraisal report closely. It’s not an inspection, but it does flag big-ticket safety issues.
2. Walk the property yourself (or with someone handy). Look for obvious stuff—water stains, weird smells, signs of leaks, etc.
3. If you’re buying a place that’s been recently renovated or is under warranty, sometimes you can get away with skipping the inspection and just budgeting for minor fixes.
4. Always ask the seller for a disclosure statement. Not perfect, but it’s another layer.
I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but sometimes you gotta balance risk and cost. I’ve rolled the dice a couple times and it worked out, but yeah, I’ve also had to replace a furnace sooner than I’d hoped... That’s just part of the game.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been in that “do I really need an inspection?” boat, especially when my wallet was already crying from closing costs. Sometimes you just gotta trust your gut and your own two eyes. Had a buddy skip the inspection on a newer place—he ended up with a leaky faucet and a broken garage door, but nothing catastrophic. It’s a gamble, but sometimes it pays off (and sometimes you just learn how to fix a furnace the hard way).
Funny you mention that—VA loans actually don’t *require* a traditional home inspection, but they do need a VA appraisal. That’s more about making sure the place meets certain standards, not catching every leaky faucet. Ever had an appraisal miss something big?