Inspection of Homes: a Case of Boon or Bust

David W. Myers’ article misses the point that a home inspection can be highly advantageous in most home purchases regardless of disclosure requirements.

I could cite extensive examples of situations where home buyers learned of substantial faults through a home inspection which would not be revealed by a seller disclosure. What about features or appliances that have not yet failed but are on the brink of wearing out? Was the home buyer’s money spent unnecessarily when he learns that a roof is shot, even though the seller has truthfully reported no problems?

What about safety concerns that a professional home inspector has kept abreast of but of which the seller has no knowledge, such as asbestos and aluminum wiring?

Is it money misspent to learn of such health threats? In my 13 years experience as a home inspector, I have rarely experienced a home buyer who did not believe that his money in hiring me was well spent. Even on relatively trouble-free houses, the buyer at least has the peace of mind to know rather than to guess or hope that all is well.

ROBERT T. REEDS

Mission Viejo