FM. Disclaimer. Not an inspector. I have just witnessed over the years problems inspectors have missed.
Obtain an inspection no matter if you buying a 5 year old or a 100 year old home.
This is the step most people either don't do when buying a home or they get just anyone to inspect it because down deep in their heart all they can see is the house and all the plans for it.
Being in construction for over 30 years I've seen many money pits that have totally destroy people's lives. It is very sad.
It is so important to get a REAL INSPECTOR!
Ask to see his reports on other homes.
Examine them so you can see is he checking everything out?
How well is he describing the problems?
Ask him if he goes under the crawl space or is he just shining a light down it?
Ask his experience on older homes.
Last question is............ and when you ask this........................ make sure you watch his face and body language................... do you mind if we follow you around while you do the inspection?
I have no problem people watching me work.
It's their money and they deserve to see what they are paying for.
Notice I put we in bold?
That is because two people listening to what he says about the biggest investment of your life is much better then just one.
Two people will catch more.
Video tape the inspection so there is no doubt you understand what he is talking about.
Then, based on the inspection report, if you still want the house, you just got new cards to bring to the sales price negotiation table in your favor to either get problems fixed now, or compensated to repair later.
This step is sooooooooooooooooooooo important yet soooooooooooooooooooooooooo many people don't take the time to do it right because all they have is the lust for the home in their eyes.
We all been there.
Just like buying a used car not taking it to a mechanic big mistake.