Title: VA Loan Inspection Requirements—Worth Getting Your Own?
That’s a good point about the difference between an appraisal and a full inspection. The VA’s “minimum property requirements” are really just a baseline—they’re making sure the place is safe, structurally sound, and basically livable. But that doesn’t mean they’re catching every little thing that could turn into a headache down the road.
I’ve seen folks skip the independent inspection because they think the VA process covers everything, and then get blindsided by stuff like old wiring or a leaky roof. The appraisal might note obvious issues, but it’s not digging into the crawl space or checking every outlet. I mean, nobody wants to move in and find out their “dream home” has plumbing from the Eisenhower era.
It’s funny—sometimes people get sticker shock at the idea of paying for an inspection on top of everything else. But compared to what you might pay if you miss something big? It’s kind of like buying insurance you hope you never need. I had a client once who almost skipped it, then found out during inspection that half the outlets weren’t grounded properly. Not exactly something you want to discover after closing.
I do wonder if there’s ever been a push to make inspections mandatory with VA loans, just to protect buyers who might not know the difference between an appraisal and an inspection. Seems like it would save some headaches, but maybe that’s just me overthinking it.
Anyway, I’d say if you’re already investing this much in a home, spending a little extra for peace of mind is worth it—even if the VA doesn’t require it. Better to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line...
- Here’s the thing—I get why folks push for a separate inspection, but not everyone needs it every single time.
- If you’re buying a newer home or something that’s been renovated top to bottom, sometimes the VA appraisal catches enough to give peace of mind.
- I’ve gone through two VA loans. First time, inspection found a few minor things; second time, I skipped it, and nothing major came up years later. Luck? Maybe. But not every house is a money pit in disguise.
- Inspections are great if you’re risk-averse or the house is older, but I wouldn’t say they should be mandatory for everyone. Sometimes it just adds more stress and costs when you’re already stretched thin.
- Just my two cents... sometimes it’s worth trusting your gut and doing a little homework on the house’s history before paying for another report.
Honestly, I skipped the inspection once too and just crossed my fingers. Ended up with a squeaky floor and a leaky faucet—nothing my YouTube DIY skills couldn’t handle. But if you’re the type who loses sleep over “what ifs,” that extra inspection might be worth it. Sometimes peace of mind is cheaper than fixing a surprise plumbing disaster... trust me, my credit card still remembers.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—sometimes you just want to roll the dice and hope for the best. But with VA loans, there’s a bit of a twist. The VA doesn’t technically require a “home inspection,” but they do require a VA appraisal, which checks for minimum property requirements. That’s not the same as a full inspection, though. I’ve seen buyers skip the inspection thinking the appraisal covers everything... then get hit with stuff like hidden mold or faulty wiring later. Personally, I’d rather pay a few hundred bucks upfront than gamble with major repairs down the line. Peace of mind isn’t overrated, especially when it comes to your home.
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
When I refinanced with a VA loan last year, I ran into this exact confusion. The lender kept talking about the VA appraisal, and at first, I thought that meant the place was getting a full checkup. Turns out, nope—the appraisal is mostly about making sure the house meets the VA’s minimum standards and is worth what you’re paying. It’s not going to catch stuff like a leaky roof or old plumbing.
I almost skipped the home inspection to save a few bucks, but my cousin (who’s been through this before) convinced me otherwise. The inspector found some sketchy electrical work in the attic that the appraiser totally missed. Fixing it before closing saved me a headache and probably a lot more money down the road.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say it’s worth the extra step. The appraisal is important, but it’s not a substitute for a real inspection. Better to know what you’re getting into before you sign anything, even if it feels like overkill at the time.
