Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection (Even on New Homes)

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between the showings, the paperwork, and the closing timeline, it’s easy to feel like you’re on information overload. That’s where a professional home inspection steps in—not as another box to check, but as one of the most important tools a buyer can use to protect their investment.

A Clear Picture of Your Investment

A home inspection provides a comprehensive, unbiased look at the property’s condition. Even when a house appears to be in great shape, inspectors often uncover hidden issues—things you might not notice during a quick walkthrough. In fact:

• According to industry surveys, 86% of home inspections reveal at least one item needing repair.

• A national survey found that 88% of buyers used a home inspector for their most recent purchase.

• Nearly 46% of buyers report using inspection findings to negotiate a lower price.

For buyers, this knowledge is power. You’ll walk into the negotiation and closing process with clarity on what you’re really buying—not just what’s on the surface.

Real-World Savings

It’s not just about peace of mind—there are financial advantages too. Inspection findings frequently become negotiation leverage:

• When inspection reports show defects, buyers often ask for repairs, credits, or a price reduction.

• Some buyers report saving thousands in negotiations, depending on the scope of repairs.

Even if the seller doesn’t agree to make repairs, the inspection helps you budget and prioritize improvements once you own the home.

Even New Homes Benefit

It’s a common misconception that new construction homes don’t need inspections. But the data tells a different story:

• A National Association of Realtors report found that 65% of new-home inspections uncovered issues, and 24% of buyers said their new home didn’t pass the first inspection.

• A survey of new homeowners revealed 89% encountered unexpected repair or maintenance issues after moving in, including plumbing and electrical systems.

• A large-scale study of construction defects across 2,000 projects found an average deficiency rate of ~3% in single-family homes.

• Another study identified 3,209 defects among 327 new-build homes, averaging 9.8 defects per home, with bathrooms and kitchens being the most problematic.

These findings show that even new homes are vulnerable to workmanship, systems, and finishing defects.

Your Contingency Safety Net

In most real estate transactions, the inspection contingency is your best protection. If major defects are discovered, you have the right to request repairs, renegotiate, or walk away—without risking your earnest money.

Skipping an inspection means giving up that safety net.

Beyond the Transaction

A great inspection doesn’t just uncover problems—it often lays out a path forward:

• Inspection reports highlight current conditions and recommended repairs or safety concerns (Investopedia).

• The detailed report becomes a roadmap, helping buyers prioritize maintenance tasks and budget for improvements (Advantage NC).

• For first-time buyers, this information provides an educational foundation on how to properly care for their home.

Final Word

A home inspection is a relatively small investment that delivers big benefits: clarity, confidence, negotiation leverage, and protection. Whether you’re buying a charming fixer-upper, a turn-key property, or a brand-new home, an inspection gives you the information you need to make smart, informed decisions.

Thinking about buying in Onslow, Pender, or New Hanover County? True Tide Inspections delivers clear, detailed reports—usually within 24 hours—so you can negotiate with confidence and plan for the future.