VA appraisal and inspection get mixed up a lot. The VA appraisal is required—they want to make sure the place meets their minimum standards (no exposed wires, working heat, no major leaks, etc). But it’s not a full inspection. That’s optional, but honestly, I’ve seen folks skip it and end up with some “fun” surprises later. If you’re handy or just like living dangerously, maybe you’ll be fine... but most people sleep better knowing what they’re getting into.
Yeah, this gets mixed up a ton. The VA appraisal is just making sure the house isn’t falling apart and meets those minimum property standards. I’ve bought with a VA loan, and the inspector caught stuff the appraiser totally missed—like a plumbing issue in the crawlspace. The inspection isn’t required, but skipping it can really bite you later. Even if it feels like an extra cost, it’s usually worth it for the peace of mind.
Honestly, I wish more folks realized the VA appraisal isn’t a true inspection. It’s more like a “does this place basically function and not have obvious hazards?” kind of check. I’ve seen buyers skip the inspection to save a few bucks, then get hit with stuff like old wiring or hidden leaks. Is it fun to pay for both? Nope. But is it cheaper than surprise repairs down the road? Usually, yeah. Curious—did anyone else ever get blindsided by something after skipping an inspection?
Title: Does a VA loan require an inspection? What are the VA loan inspection requirements for buyers and spouses?
Yeah, I learned that the hard way during my last refi. The VA appraisal just flagged chipped paint and a missing handrail, but didn’t touch the ancient plumbing hiding behind the walls. Ended up with a slow leak that cost way more than an inspection would’ve. I get wanting to save cash, but skipping the inspection can be risky. Has anyone ever had an inspector catch something major that the VA appraiser totally missed?
Had a similar situation with a duplex I was flipping. VA appraiser flagged some peeling siding but completely missed the rotten subfloor in the bathroom. Inspection caught it before closing—saved me thousands and a massive headache later. Honestly, appraisals just aren’t enough for peace of mind.
