There are several reasons as to why you should not attempt to complete a home inspection on your own. The most important being that even the most experienced homeowner will not have the level of expertise that a home inspector has. Without the proper education, there simply is no way to know what to look for when inspecting a home. Should serious problems be overlooked, the cost can be quite high.
The home inspector checklist may include elements of the home that you may not have considered. This checklist will include the heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system, foundation, and much more. As often is the case, it is the little things that make a difference. Spotting these smaller elements that can add up to big problems will not be easy to accomplish by anyone that has not been well trained or have had previous experience in the home inspection field.
DIY home inspections may also prove dangerous. The job of the home inspector does not come without risk. Electrical wiring, as well as structural elements of the home can cause injury to those who do not know what hazards to look out for. While you may wish to assume that these dangers will only be present in older homes, they may also be present in newer homes as well. There simply is no reason to risk your health when a professional inspector is available.
There are also emotions to consider. It may be difficult to remain objective should you desire the home. Noted problems may seem less severe or be overlooked entirely. Strong emotions may cause you to see only what you wish to see, and not what is actually there. Emotions may cause you to go the opposite direction as well. Problems that are easy fixes may be viewed as quite serious, and may prompt you to overreact. A completely unbiased home inspection is needed in order to avoid such problems.
Knowing what home inspectors look for is not enough. The decision to perform your own DIY home inspection will come with too many risks. The cost of a complete inspection may pale in comparison to the cost of overlooked problems. Even if the home is found to be in excellent condition, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that this is a professional opinion. Should you be considering completing this task on your own, take the time to think your decision through.