Acquiring a home without having it inspected by a building professional it's like buying a used car without taking it for a test drive, and a great way to attract future problems. Getting a home inspection before you buy a home can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention all the headaches!

A pre-purchase home inspection gives you a chance to determine the true value and condition of the house. This includes structural soundness, the condition of mechanical systems, and more. Any problems the house has will be brought to the attention of everyone involved before closing on a sale.
 
The typical inspection lasts two to three hours, and you should be present for the inspection to get a firsthand explanation of the inspector's findings and, if necessary, ask questions. Also, any problems the inspector uncovers will make more sense if you see them in person instead of relying solely on the snapshot photos in the report.