The value of a Home Inspection! Okay, we home inspectors get it, competitive bids, multiple offers. Is that any reason to buy an unsafe home or a money pit? Only about $500.00 for a home inspection, Real Estate commission $$$ No inspection, just walk away! At least if you have a Home Inspection you have options, a reduction in price, sellers do the repairs, or just walk away. This is where your Realtor can really help you, but if you don't get the Home Inspection Caveat Emptor applies! = (buyer beware!) I am going to try to blog some recent inspections and give some pointers. This one is about old homes and electrical issues, picture one has wires crossing the main buss bar (fire hazard). 5 double lugged circuits (2 wires in one breaker) again potential overload that could lead to fire hazard. Top left, one aluminum wire circuit. (an issue with insurance companies). (creeping) The second picture shows many taped up electrical connections which is incorrect as the connections need to be terminated correctly and enclosed in a box (metal or plastic). Fire hazard! This was observed in about 5 minutes in a 3 sq. ft. area. This was a century home and the main floor and upstairs had knob and tube wiring that had circuits added to it. Insurance issue. All of this info was available to the buyers only after they bought the home! No inspection.