VA Home Inspection Issues: What Buyers Need to Know

DISCLAIMER: This blog post should not be construed as legal advice.

When a buyer is purchasing a home with VA financing, the home inspection process becomes especially important. A home may appear acceptable at first glance, but the inspection can reveal issues that create serious financial risk for the buyer and may also affect whether the property can satisfy VA loan requirements.

Why Some Inspection Issues Matter More Than Others

Not every item in an inspection report should be treated the same. Some findings are routine maintenance issues, while others can involve hidden damage, significant repair costs, or future liability for the buyer.

Concerns involving the foundation, structural movement, roof drainage, termite damage, or active leaks often deserve closer attention because they can worsen over time and become much more expensive after closing. In many cases, these are the types of issues that justify repair requests, credits, or further professional evaluation before the transaction proceeds.

VA Loans Add Another Layer to the Transaction

For buyers using VA financing, there is an additional layer beyond the home inspection: the VA appraisal. Unlike a standard appraisal, the VA appraisal also evaluates whether the property meets certain Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). That means issues affecting safety, structural integrity, water intrusion, pest damage, roofing, or habitability may need to be corrected before the loan can close. Conditions such as loose railings, missing windows, roof leaks, electrical safety issues, termite activity, or structural concerns can become part of the financing conversation even if they were first identified in the home inspection.

Termite and Structural Concerns Should Never Be Minimized

Two of the most important issues that can arise in a VA transaction are termite activity and structural concerns. Termite damage is often concealed within framing and may not be fully known until repairs begin. Likewise, foundation cracking or signs of settlement may indicate more significant structural movement than what is visible during a general inspection. Because VA loans typically require a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection, termite issues often need to be addressed directly. Structural concerns may also require evaluation by a qualified contractor or engineer before a buyer can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Roof, Water, and Drainage Problems Can Lead to Bigger Issues

Problems involving the roof, flashing, gutters, downspouts, or drainage near the foundation should also be taken seriously. Water intrusion is one of the most common causes of hidden damage in residential properties. An active leak, moisture staining, or poor drainage around the home can lead to mold, rot, damaged finishes, and concealed structural deterioration. These issues may also overlap with the kinds of conditions that can be raised again during the VA appraisal process.

Repairs Should Be Done Properly

When repairs are requested as part of a real estate transaction, the focus should not only be on whether the seller agrees to make them, but also on how the repairs are completed.

For significant inspection issues, buyers should strongly consider requiring that repairs be performed by licensed or qualified professionals and that the seller provide documentation of completion, including invoices, receipts, contractor reports, and photographs where appropriate. This helps protect the buyer from incomplete or cosmetic-only repairs before closing.

Legal Guidance Can Help Protect Buyers Before Closing

A home inspection is not just a checklist. It is often one of the most important opportunities a buyer has to identify risk before taking ownership of the property.

When significant inspection issues arise in a VA-financed purchase, buyers should approach those findings strategically and with legal guidance. The goal is not to create unnecessary conflict, but to make sure the buyer is not assuming avoidable repair costs, hidden damage, or financing delays that could have been addressed before closing.

If you are purchasing a home and have questions about inspection issues, repair requests, attorney modifications, or VA loan-related concerns, our office can help you evaluate your options and protect your interests before closing.

If you have questions, please reach out to Curington Law, LLC today. We’re here to help you make informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals.