I cannot emphasize enough the value and necessity of a professional extensive home inspection. Many home buyers, either in the desire to save the $300 +/- that a good inspection costs, or due to simple ignorance, have spent enormous sums of money repairing items that any good home inspector would have pointed out. Any offer to purchase you make should be subject to a whole house inspection with a satisfactory report. Not only will you sleep much sounder after you have moved into the house, a professional inspection can give you an escape hatch from a contract on a defective house. If the contract is written contingent on an acceptable inspection, any major defects in the home should be either repaired or monetarily compensated for. If you are not satisfied, you have the option to cancel the contract.

Inspections are designed to disclose defects in the property that could materially affect its safety, liveability, or resale value. They are not designed to disclose cosmetic deficiencies, for example, an interior wall that needs a paint touch up. As you view the home with your Realtor, you will determine those more minor items that may require your attention.