If you’re buying a home, you’ve probably heard both words — inspection and appraisal.
They sound similar, they both involve your house, and they both happen before closing.
But they serve completely different purposes, and understanding that difference can save you a lot of confusion (and maybe a little stress).
A Home Inspection Protects You, the Buyer
A home inspection is your chance to really learn about the property you’re buying.
Your inspector examines the home’s visible and accessible components — things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, attic, and more.
The goal isn’t to assign a dollar value. It’s to give you an honest, detailed picture of how the home is performing right now and to flag potential safety issues or needed maintenance.
At B.C. Home Inspections, we focus on safety and condition, not on whether the house “passes.”
Every home, even brand-new ones, will have findings. The inspection helps you make informed decisions and, if needed, negotiate repairs or plan future maintenance.
An Appraisal Protects the Lender
An appraisal, on the other hand, is ordered by your lender, not by you.
The appraiser’s job is to determine the market value of the home — basically, to make sure the property is worth what you’re paying (and what the bank is lending).
They’ll look at things like:
- Comparable home sales in the area
- Size, location, and features
- General condition of the property
The appraiser’s focus isn’t on safety details or maintenance items. They’re concerned with the home’s overall value and whether it meets the lender’s requirements.
What Appraisers May Flag (and Why It’s Different)
While inspectors document issues for your knowledge and safety, appraisers may flag certain items that could hold up a loan — especially with FHA, VA, or USDA financing.
These might include:
- Missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
- Lack of water heater strapping
- Broken windows or trip hazards
- Non-functional heating systems
These are loan safety requirements, not inspection “fails.”
If your appraiser finds them, they’ll need to be corrected before closing, but that’s separate from your inspection report.
Why You Need Both
It’s easy to wonder if you can skip one, especially when expenses add up. But here’s the truth:
- The inspection helps you understand what you’re buying.
- The appraisal helps the bank understand what they’re lending on.
Both protect important investments, but in completely different ways.
Skipping your own inspection might save a few dollars now, but it could cost thousands later if hidden issues go unnoticed.
Bottom Line
A home inspection is for your peace of mind, not the lender’s paperwork.
An appraisal is for the lender’s protection, not your home’s safety.
At B.C. Home Inspections, we’re here to make sure you know exactly what you’re walking into — no surprises, no shortcuts, just clear, honest information about your home.
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