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

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

Honestly, I had the same misconception at first—thought the VA appraisal would be like a full inspection. It’s really just a check to make sure the place meets some minimum standards, not a deep dive into every little thing that could go wrong. Getting your own inspector is a pain in the moment, but it’s way better than finding out about busted plumbing or faulty wiring after you move in. I’d rather know what I’m dealing with up front, even if it means extra paperwork and a few more headaches.

You nailed it—people mix up the VA appraisal with a home inspection all the time. The VA appraisal is really just about making sure the property meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). They want to see that the place is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. That means things like no exposed wiring, working heat, no major roof leaks, and so on. But they’re not going to crawl through the attic or check every outlet.

A lot of buyers get tripped up thinking if the VA appraiser signs off, everything must be fine. Not quite. The appraisal is more like a “does this house meet basic standards and is it worth what you’re paying?” kind of thing. It’s not going to tell you if there’s a slow leak under the sink or if the water heater’s on its last legs.

I’ve seen folks skip a separate inspection because they thought the VA process covered it all... then end up with some expensive surprises after closing. Trust me, paying for your own inspection might feel like another hoop to jump through, but it can save you a ton of headaches (and money) down the road.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re buying in certain areas—like termite-prone states—the VA does require a pest inspection. That’s one exception where they actually mandate something beyond their usual appraisal.

Bottom line: The VA doesn’t require a full-blown home inspection for buyers or spouses, but getting one is just smart. Think of it as insurance against nasty surprises hiding behind fresh paint or new carpet. And yeah, it’s another appointment and another report to read... but better now than after you’ve moved in and found out your “dream home” comes with a side of plumbing nightmares.

Here’s where I’ll play devil’s advocate a bit. I get the “better safe than sorry” angle, but sometimes a separate inspection can feel like overkill—especially if you’re buying a newer place or a property that’s just been renovated top to bottom. I’ve seen buyers drop $500+ on an inspection only to get a report that basically says, “Yep, it’s new.”

Not saying skip it every time, but if you’re handy and know what to look for, you might be able to spot obvious issues yourself. That said,

“Think of it as insurance against nasty surprises hiding behind fresh paint or new carpet.”

VA loan inspections are a weird beast, honestly. Here’s how I break it down, having refinanced a couple times and watched friends go through the process:

1. **VA Appraisal vs. Inspection**: The VA *requires* an appraisal, not a full-blown home inspection. The appraiser checks if the place meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)—think: is the roof caving in, is there heat, is the place basically livable? But they’re not crawling under the house with a flashlight or poking at outlets. That’s what a home inspector does.

2. **Is an Inspection Required?**: Technically, nope. The VA doesn’t force you to get a separate inspection. But here’s where I get a little twitchy—just because the VA appraiser says the house isn’t falling over doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden headaches. I’ve seen “new” places with fresh paint hiding water damage, or a flipped house where the electrical was a total DIY job. The appraiser isn’t going to catch that stuff.

3. **When to Skip?**: I get the temptation, especially if you’re handy or the house is basically sparkling. I skipped an inspection once on a condo that was barely five years old. Regretted it when I found out the builder used the cheapest water heaters known to man. Could I have spotted that? Maybe, but I didn’t even think to check.

4. **Cost vs. Peace of Mind**: Yeah, $500+ for a “yep, it’s new” report stings. But if you’re not super confident, it’s like buying a little peace of mind. If you’re the type who loses sleep over “what ifs,” it’s probably worth it. If you’re the type who’d rather roll the dice and fix stuff as it comes up, maybe not.

5. **Spouses & VA Loans**: Doesn’t matter if it’s just you or you and your spouse—VA doesn’t require an inspection either way. The rules don’t change based on who’s on the loan.

Long story short: VA says you need an appraisal, not an inspection. Whether you shell out for the extra inspection is up to your risk tolerance and how much you trust your own skills (or luck). I’m a little too paranoid to skip it these days, but I get why some folks do. Just don’t assume “new” means “problem-free”—sometimes it’s just “new paint, old problems.”

Long story short: VA says you need an appraisal, not an inspection. Whether you shell out for the extra inspection is up to your risk tolerance and how much you trust your own skills (or luck).

That’s spot on. The VA appraisal is really just a minimum standard check, not a deep dive. I’ve seen folks skip the inspection to save cash, but then get hit with surprise repairs that cost way more than the inspection would’ve. Personally, I’d rather pay upfront for peace of mind—especially since hidden issues can tank your budget and credit if you’re not prepared. Even if it feels redundant, that extra layer of info can save you a lot of stress down the road.