Published April 18, 2023

Do I Really Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House?

Written by The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway

Do I Really Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House? header image.

One of the most important decisions a homebuyer faces is whether or not to get a home inspection. While a home inspection is not required by law in Maryland, it can provide valuable information about the property's condition and any potential issues that need to be addressed. Remember the movie “Money Pit”? No one wants to get into a new home only to find out the costs to repair it are astronomical.

What are some common types of home inspections? These are many of the common inspections asked for and is not exhaustive.

Structural and Mechanical (aka Home Inspection):
this type of inspector is looking at the overall condition of the home inside and out, evaluating the home systems like HVAC, electric and plumbing and looking for code violations that could be potentially dangerous.
Radon Gas Testing:
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that exists all across the US. In some areas, the levels of Radon can be higher than others. The danger of Radon is it can accumulate in basements and is considered to cause or contribute to cancer. Remediation is easy and testing can often be included with the home inspection for structural and mechanical systems.
Termite/Wood Destroying Insect Inspections:
These inspectors are specifically trained to look for evidence of wood destroying insects like termites, wood beetles, carpenter bees, just to name a few. They can also suggest costs for treating active colonies as well as preventative measures. While treating an active colony can be inexpensive, existing damage to a home due to wood destroying insects can range in the thousands.
Well Inspections:
Homes that have wells should consider having an inspection to look for the following: well potability (how drinkable the water is) and a water yield test. The water yield test is measuring how long it takes the well to fill up when several gallons of water have been removed during normal household activities. Wells that have been established for a long time or unused often test high for bacteria and treatment can be relatively inexpensive. Wells with that refill slowly (as determined by the yield test) are not fixed easily. A new well may need to be dug and that does not guarantee that the yield will be any better.
Septic Tank Inspections:
If the house has a septic tank on site, its important to have a septic inspector look at the flow (how well the tank is dispersing its contents) and a camera inspection to look at the pipes and overall condition of the tank. Septic tanks are expensive to replace and since they are typically buried it can be easy to overlook issues when buying a house.
Lead, Mold, Environmental Hazards:
These tests are less common but available for buyers to request when ordering inspections. Typically these inspections are done by experts who only work with Lead, Mold or other hazardous materials.

Pros of a Home Inspection:

Uncovers Hidden Issues:
A home inspection can uncover issues with the property, such as structural problems, electrical issues, or plumbing leaks, that may not be visible to the naked eye. Home inspectors look at houses all day long, and they have a trained eye to look for things that just aren’t right. The home inspector hired should be licensed. Good inspectors will create reports filled with pictures and descriptions of every issue found. Many label them as red, yellow and green with red being the most concerning.

Negotiating Power:
Knowing the full condition of the property can give you negotiating power during the buying process. You can use the information from the inspection to negotiate repairs or a seller credit for those repairs, or even back out of the deal if the issues are too severe. This is something to talk with your real estate agent before the inspection to understand your options. If the home is being purchased “As-Is” then repair requests are not expected and the inspection is solely to determine if you want to move forward with the purchase.

Peace of Mind:
A home inspection can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're aware of any potential issues with the property before making a final decision to purchase. Having documentation about the age and condition of the appliances, HVAC, roof and other systems in the house can be extremely helpful down the road when repairs are needed.

Cons of a Home Inspection:

Cost:
Home inspections can be expensive, ranging from several hundred to a thousand dollars or more, depending on the size of the property. While that may seem like a lot of money, the cost of buying a home that you are not prepared to sink money into is much more.

Time:
A home inspection can take several hours, or days if multiple inspections are needed. You'll want to be present for the home inspection to ask questions and understand the results. It’s required to be there but its a great way to learn more about the house. The other inspections typically are not attended but because it may take a few days to get all the results, its imperative that you order your inspections with your agent as soon as possible.

Limited Scope:
While a home inspection is comprehensive, it's not a guarantee that every issue with the property will be uncovered. Some issues may only become apparent after you've moved in, or they may be concealed by walls or other obstacles.

Whether or not to get a home inspection when buying a house is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and priorities. While there are pros and cons to consider, a home inspection can provide valuable information to review and consider when moving ahead with the purchase.

If you're thinking about buying and would like a no-obligation consult to see how we can serve you, contact The Norman Home Team at 443.489.5225! Visit our website for information on all the services we provide We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your goals.