Considering that a home purchase is one of your most costly, it protects you and your finances to have a house inspected before you buy. Spending money on a home inspection now helps prevent costly home repairs once the home is yours. Consider these reasons for calling a home inspector prior to buying.

1. Ensures Safety
A quality home inspection can detect potential safety issues lurking in your new home, such as radon. This odorless and invisible radioactive gas is, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Other conditions a home inspector will check for include carbon monoxide and mold. The high humidity in the Atlanta area can result in mold overgrowth in homes that compromises indoor air-quality. According to the Centers for Disease Control, mold can cause asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

2. Presence of Termites
Testing is essential during any real estate transaction. Because of the potential for termites to threaten the integrity of the home you are planning to buy, it's critical that you have a thorough inspection that pinpoints any infestation. 

3. Offers Bargaining Power
A home inspector may discover problems with the home you are considering buying that can be especially expensive to fix. This may give you some bargaining power when it comes to the price of the house. Owners who are motivated to sell may lower the price of the home to compensate for the expenses you'll be incurring for repairs or offer a credit. The seller may also agree to make the repairs before selling, which will save you money in the long run.

4. Forecast Future Expenses
A home inspector can point out any major elements of the home that will need attention in order to get the home functioning safely and efficiently. For instance, if the inspector discovers that the residence requires a new heating and air-conditioning system, these potential costs can be revealed in the report. A high-quality inspection will also determine the current condition of the structure itself and its contents, such as the state of the roof and exterior paint, as well as appliances like water heaters, plumbing and electrical. These estimates of potential future improvements offer you the opportunity to determine if your budget will allow for these expenses.

5. Provides a Final Opportunity to Opt Out
A home inspector can detect problems in your potential home that may result in you changing your mind about the purchase. If trouble is discovered that you hadn't bargained for--such as the fact that the home needs a new roof--the inspection may offer you one last opportunity to back out before you buy.