There are some situations where you simply don't have a choice, such as pre-purchase inspections. In these situations, you as the homebuyer are often given a 7-10 day window prior to finalizing the sale, where you must have any inspections of the home done. Most mortgage companies won't gurantee a loan to the homebuyer unless a home inspection is performed, so in these instances there is little choice.

However, there are situations a home inspection isn't required- it may just be a good idea. For instance, maintenance inspections and pre-listing inspections. For the homeowner who is often too busy to properly maintain a home; a thorough inspection every few years may help in identifying problems before they become catastrophic. Leaks in the attic, for instance, don't simply go from dry to huge puddles on your living room floor. They take time to develop- the training eye of a home inspector can help identify the signs of concerns in most problem areas, before they turn into completely damaged hardwood floors or ruined furnaces, for instance.

Another preventative measure that isn't a neccessity, but may be one of the best ideas for the homeowner, is the pre-listing inspection. If you are attempting to sell your home, it is inevitable that whoever intends to purchase your house is going to have it inspected by a professional. Every defect that inspector discovers, is going to be a bargaining point, for knocking valuable dollars off your desired sale price- you must deny the buyer that advantage! By having an inspector examine your house BEFORE the buyers', you as the home-seller have the Ace up your sleeve. Problems can be fixed, thereby maintaining your desired selling price.

If for no other reason- why wait? It is far better to discover problems earlier, rather than later. Just as you would routinely see a doctor / general practitioner, to ensure your health before problems arise, you should seek a home inspection to keep your house healthy and strong.