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Do I Really Need a Home Inspection? Here’s Why It Matters

Thinking about skipping the home inspection? You might want to think again. Here’s what every smart home buyer needs to know before signing on the dotted line.

When you’re buying a home—especially in a competitive market like San Antonio—it’s tempting to cut corners to close the deal faster. But before you waive that home inspection, consider this: a home may look picture-perfect on the surface, but behind the walls or under the roof, it could be hiding costly problems. A professional home inspection gives you a clearer picture of what you’re actually buying, beyond the fresh paint and staged furniture.

Why a Home Inspection Is Essential

A home inspection is a detailed evaluation of a property’s structure, systems, and components. It can reveal issues like:

  • Roof damage or leaks

  • Foundation cracks or uneven settling

  • Electrical hazards that could pose fire risks

  • Plumbing problems, such as hidden leaks or corrosion

  • HVAC issues or aging equipment

These aren’t small concerns. Left unaddressed, they could cost you thousands—or even make the home unsafe.

Peace of Mind and Negotiation Power

The real value of a home inspection lies in giving you peace of mind. It arms you with the information you need to:

  • Renegotiate the purchase price

  • Request repairs from the seller

  • Walk away from a bad deal before it’s too late

This is especially crucial for first-time buyers, who may not know what to look for on their own.

What If the House Is Brand-New?

Even new homes can have issues. Construction shortcuts, rushed timelines, or overlooked systems can all lead to hidden problems. A third-party home inspector isn’t tied to the builder, so you get an unbiased look at the quality of the work.

Trust the Experts

As a certified home inspector based in San Antonio, I’ve inspected homes of all ages and price ranges. I’ve seen beautiful homes with dangerous electrical panels and brand-new builds with leaky roofs. A home inspection is a smart move—one that protects your investment and your future.

Do I really need a home inspection? Bottom Line: Yes, You Do!

A home inspection might feel like just another line item in your closing costs—but it’s actually one of the most important steps in the home buying process. For a few hundred dollars, you could save yourself from thousands in unexpected repairs.

Author Larry Wedige, owner of LarryInspects Home Inspection Servce, holds a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Real Estate Inspector (license #6060), which he has maintained since 2002. He maintains memberships with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector Association (TPREIA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he serves as a Certified Deck Inspector. He formerly served as an Adjunct Instructor at San Antonio College, where he taught courses in home inspection. Larry is also Infrared Certified and incorporates infrared thermography into all inspections. A native of San Antonio, Larry possesses over five decades of expertise in remodeling, repair, and home construction. His extensive experience is augmented by the completion of the home inspector curriculum at San Antonio College, licensure by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and the fulfillment of numerous hours of continuing education in home inspection. He consistently surpasses the continuing education requirements set by the Real Estate Commission. Larry adheres to the TREC Standards of Practice and the NACHI Code of Conduct, which forbids participation in any conflict of interest activities that could affect his impartiality.