VA Appraisal Isn’t Everything—Sometimes Skipping Inspection Makes Sense
I get where you’re coming from about the peace of mind, but honestly, I didn’t do a separate inspection when I bought with my VA loan last year. I know that’s probably not the popular move, but hear me out. The house was only a couple years old, and the builder’s warranty was still active. The VA appraiser flagged a couple minor things (loose railing, missing GFCI outlet), and the seller fixed them right away. I figured between the warranty and the VA’s minimum property requirements, I was pretty well covered.
I totally get that skipping an inspection can be risky, especially with older homes or if you’re not super handy. But sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to spend extra cash if you’re already tight on funds and the house is basically new. Not saying it’s for everyone, but I don’t think it’s always a must-do either.
I guess my point is, it really depends on your situation. If you’re buying an older place or something with obvious issues, yeah, get the inspection. But if it’s new construction and you’ve got a warranty backing you up, maybe that money is better spent elsewhere—like moving costs or new appliances. Just my two cents... everyone’s risk tolerance is different.
Honestly, I get the appeal of skipping the inspection—moving is expensive enough already, and every dollar counts. But I gotta say, even with a new-ish house and a warranty, stuff can slip through the cracks. My cousin bought a “practically new” place and still found a leaky pipe months later... warranty covered it, but the hassle was real. For me, spending a few hundred on an inspection feels like buying peace of mind (and maybe avoiding surprise plumbing adventures). Guess it just depends on how much risk you’re cool with, but I’d rather skip an extra fancy toaster than gamble on hidden issues.
I get where you’re coming from—those inspection fees sting when you’re already bleeding cash from moving costs. But skipping it? That’s a gamble I wouldn’t take, especially with a VA loan. There’s a lot of confusion out there about what’s actually required. The VA doesn’t *technically* require a full home inspection, but they do mandate a VA appraisal, which is NOT the same thing. The appraisal just checks if the property meets their minimum standards and is worth the price, but it won’t catch half the stuff a real inspector will.
For me, spending a few hundred on an inspection feels like buying peace of mind (and maybe avoiding surprise plumbing adventures).
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen buyers get burned thinking the VA appraisal had them covered, only to find out later about things like faulty wiring or hidden water damage. Sure, warranties help, but dealing with repairs after you move in is a headache no one needs. If you ask me, that “peace of mind” is worth way more than a toaster or even a couple of nice dinners out.
Honestly, I think you nailed it with this:
For me, spending a few hundred on an inspection feels like buying peace of mind (and maybe avoiding surprise plumbing adventures).
I refinanced last year and even though I wasn’t required to do a new inspection, I still hired someone to take a look. It’s wild what can hide behind fresh paint or under a carpet. My neighbor skipped theirs and ended up with a mold problem that cost way more than the inspection would have.
The VA appraisal is just not enough. It’s more about the lender’s interests than yours as the buyer. I get that every dollar counts when you’re moving, but in the grand scheme, those few hundred bucks are cheap insurance against way bigger headaches down the road. Sure, some folks roll the dice and get lucky... but I’d rather not gamble with something as big as a house.
You’re definitely making the smarter call by leaning toward an inspection—even if it stings a bit upfront.
Had a client last year who thought the VA appraisal was all they needed—until we found a leaky roof during their own inspection. The VA’s “minimum property requirements” just don’t catch everything. Spending a bit upfront saved them thousands and a ton of stress.
