I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually skipped inspections on a couple of VA deals—mainly when the property was newer or I had a solid walk-through with my contractor buddy. Not saying it’s for everyone, but sometimes the numbers just don’t work if you’re stacking fees. Of course, it’s a gamble, but if you know what to look for (and have a little cushion for surprises), it can make sense. Curious if anyone else has weighed the risk vs. reward on this?
VA loans are a bit unique—there’s no official “home inspection” required, but the VA does mandate an appraisal, which checks for minimum property standards (MPRs). That’s not the same as a full inspection, though. I get wanting to save on fees, but I’ve seen buyers regret skipping a proper inspection, even on newer builds. A contractor buddy is great, but they’re not always looking for the same things an inspector would. Personally, I’d rather spend a few hundred up front than risk a five-figure surprise down the line... just my two cents.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Yeah, I’ve seen this come up a lot with VA loans. The appraisal is really just to make sure the place meets those minimum property standards, but it’s not going to catch everything. I remember a few years back, I was working on a house that looked perfect on paper—passed the VA appraisal, no problem. But the buyer decided to bring in an inspector anyway, and thank goodness they did. Turned out there was some old plumbing tucked behind a wall that was leaking just enough to cause mold, but not enough to show up during a quick walkthrough.
The thing is, appraisers are mostly focused on value and basic habitability, not the nitty-gritty stuff that can cost you big later. I get wanting to save cash, especially with all the other fees flying around, but skipping an inspection can be a gamble. Even new builds can have surprises... trust me, builders miss things sometimes too. I’d rather know what I’m getting into before signing anything.
- VA loan only *requires* the appraisal, not a full inspection—totally agree there.
- Appraisal checks for basics: roof condition, no exposed wiring, safe utilities, etc. Not the deep stuff.
- Optional inspection is where you find the “hidden” issues—plumbing, foundation, HVAC quirks... things that can get expensive fast.
- Skipping an inspection feels risky to me, too. Even if it’s not required, it’s peace of mind.
Curious if anyone here actually skipped the inspection and regretted it? I always wonder how often people roll those dice and come out okay.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Appraisal checks for basics: roof condition, no exposed wiring, safe utilities, etc. Not the deep stuff.
That’s spot on. The VA appraisal is really just a minimum property standards check, not a deep dive into the home’s guts. It’s easy to assume the appraisal is “good enough,” but I’ve seen too many surprises pop up after closing when folks skip the full inspection.
I’ll admit, I once considered skipping the inspection on a newer home—figured it was built recently, what could go wrong? Ended up doing it anyway, and the inspector found a small but active leak in the crawlspace. Would’ve cost me a few grand down the line if I hadn’t caught it early. That experience pretty much cemented my belief that inspections are worth every penny, even if they’re technically optional.
I get why some people roll the dice, especially if they’re in a hot market or trying to save cash upfront. But like you mentioned, “plumbing, foundation, HVAC quirks... things that can get expensive fast.” Those are exactly the issues that can turn a dream home into a money pit. The peace of mind alone is huge.
One thing I’d add—sometimes sellers will push back on inspection requests or repairs, especially with VA loans because of the extra scrutiny. But that’s all the more reason to know what you’re getting into before you sign anything. Even if you don’t ask for repairs, just having that info lets you budget and plan.
I haven’t personally met anyone who skipped the inspection and didn’t regret it at least a little. Maybe there are lucky folks out there, but in my experience, it’s usually better to know what you’re dealing with upfront—even if it means walking away from a place you thought you loved.
