How important is that additional inspection when you’re purchasing a home?

The importance of a home inspection is vital to the home buying process. Without that inspection, it’s hard to know all the details and workings of your property. A home inspector will know a little bit about everything and maybe keen on one or two workings of the home but will usually not be an expert in any one particular area. If the home inspector feels that an additional inspection is needed, I highly recommend looking into this further. A home inspector may request a roof inspection or certification, termite and pest inspection if it’s not already included with the original inspection, sewer or septic system inspection, or additional electricity and plumbing inspection.

More: Issues that May Require a Specialized Inspection

If they are unsure as to the integrity of a particular part of the home, they will recommend an additional inspection that could cost anywhere from $300-$1000. But this may cost more in the future if you don’t have the inspection now.

For instance: I recently sold a home to a couple that were in love with the property and planned on buying it regardless of the inspection outcome. The home was 30 years old and had a septic system on-site. The home inspector suggested an additional septic system inspection to verify the validity and integrity of the system. The additional inspection would’ve cost $800 and they felt they just didn’t have that many liquid funds to produce. They ended up buying the home anyway on the good faith of the seller’s disclosure stating that the septic had recently been pumped in the last couple of years.

Three months after closing on the home, the septic system leaked and needed to be replaced completely at a cost of $12,000. Had the homebuyers had the initial additional inspection performed, they could’ve saved themselves this money and had the sellers replace the septic at that time or prepared themselves for the future, or simply not have purchased the home.

These additional inspections, although pricey, can save you thousands in the future. With my extensive experience, I have connections with dozens of inspectors and additional inspectors when needed. You’re free to choose whomever you want for your inspection but know that I have reputable resources at my disposal.

Our goal is to get you the best house for the right price. If it means better peace of mind with an additional inspection, it just makes wise financial sense.