The condition of a house can change over even a short period of time, so it's best to have it examined again. And here's three other reasons to have your inspector look at it a second time:
1) You have the advantage of being shown the defects first-hand by the inspector at the home and having him or her available for follow-up consultation.
2) All inspectors have a clause in their contract that limits their liability to only the client named in the report.
3) Having the same inspector go over the house again means you get a double-checked house. As one long-time inspector we know likes to say, “I just do another inspection and find the stuff I missed the first time.”

   Also, if you decide to rely on the inspector's previous report that might be available from the realtor or seller, don’t expect the inspector to discuss it with you. Each inspection report is contractually confidential to the person who originally ordered it. And inspectors have to make a living. From our experience, “let me just ask you a quick question about that report” usually leads to twenty minutes of unpaid time and additional liability for the inspector.

    To learn more, we suggest reading our articles The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? and How do I find out what was on a previous home inspection report? and Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement? and How thorough is a home inspector required to be when inspecting a house? 

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  To learn more strategies for getting the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• Is a seller responsible to disclose defects found in a previous home inspection to a new buyer?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

 • If we already looked at the house very carefully, do we still need a home inspection?

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosure? 

• What should I look for when buying a former rental house?  

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

• What should I look for when buying a house that is being "flipped" by an investor seller? 

• What do I need to know about a condo inspection?

• What are the "Aging In Place" features to look for when buying a retirement home?

   Visit our HOME INSPECTION page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.