08/03/2026
A buyer in Dickson once skipped the home inspection to speed up closing. Three months later, the HVAC system failed. A $9,000 repair a licensed inspector would have flagged in the first 20 minutes.
Here's something a lot of first-time buyers don't realize: Tennessee doesn't require a home inspection by law. It's optional. Which makes it one of the most important decisions you'll make before you ever sign closing papers.
Four things experienced buyers already know:
1. What inspectors actually evaluate. Roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, major systems. The bones of the house.
2. What they're not required to test. Things like sewer lines, mold, radon, and pools often fall outside a standard inspection. Good to know before you assume it's all covered.
3. How to use the report in negotiation. The report isn't just a list of problems. It's a tool. Repairs, credits, or price adjustments can all come from what's in those pages.
4. When to ask for a specialist. If the inspector flags something serious in the HVAC, foundation, or roof, bringing in a specialist is worth every penny.
If you're getting ready to buy your first home anywhere from Hendersonville to Dickson to Nashville, I'd rather you go in feeling like a seasoned buyer than a surprised one. Questions? My inbox is always open. π‘