Even experienced homebuyers sometimes make this mistake. They assume that because a home has passed all local codes and ordinances, it must be in good shape. Don't be so sure! Don't assume your builder or the contractors did everything right just because the home passed code. An inspection is a smart defense against discovering defects that could potentially turn your brand new home into a major money pit. 

When you choose an inspector, you're selecting the professional who will give your investment a full physical checkup. You want someone who is licensed, experienced, competent, thorough and trustworthy. Unfortunately, too many buyers go with the cheapest inspection company. The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability and technical savvy. Get several referrals from your real estate agent, contact a  local real estate board  or an organization such as CAHI  and then interview each inspector on your short list to determine who you feel most comfortable with. Always ask about licensing, professional affiliations and credentials and whether the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance.

The report you get from the inspector gives you an idea of the condition of the house, but it's not the same as being there to see it for yourself. Buyers who don't attend the inspection can over emphasize minor problems or worse, not realize how serious a defect is. It is crucial to be present at the inspection, to see for yourself any problem areas as well as ask questions and listen when the inspector gives you his critical review of the house. Remember: when deciding if this will be your family's home for the next several years, virtual reality is NOT the same as reality! Buying a home is one of the biggest investments of your lifetime, so attending the inspection should be at the top of your priority list.

Sometimes, buyers don't follow up on items discovered in the inspection before they close. You may not realize how much it will cost to fix a given defect. Often inspectors will recommend buyers get an issue evaluated further, but the buyers wait to do it until after closing. This can turn out to be more expensive or a bigger deal than anticipated. A buyer should feel comfortable calling the inspector to further discuss identified problem areas and should always get several estimates on repairs before closing. 

No matter how experienced or skilled your home inspector is, he can't see the future. The home inspection is a snapshot of the house on the day it is inspected. For example, a home inspector may report that a heating system is old, but still functioning. Because he doesn't have a crystal ball, he can't specifically predict when it will fail. An optimistic homebuyer may think that the aging furnace still has several good years because there aren't visible signs of malfunction at the time of inspection. That's when you need to follow up with professionals who know more about each specific system, particularly aging or marginal systems, about which you have questions or concerns.