So you've found your dream home and are ready to move forward with the buying process. Everything inside and outside the house seems fine, from what you can tell, so you're probably good to go, right? Not so fast. The truth is, there could be some serious structural, electrical or mechanical problems that aren't visible to the untrained eye. It's a good idea to invest in a home inspection before purchasing a house so that you can have peace of mind when making such a huge decision.

Getting a home inspection can help you:

Identify hazards – Mold and radon are common problems found in many homes that can cause potentially serious health issues if people are exposed to them for prolonged periods of time. A home inspection contractor knows exactly what to look for and can help you determine if these fungi or gases are present, and what to do if they are.

Renegotiate the price – Buying a house is expensive, so you want to make sure you're not overpaying for a home that may actually be worth less than the asking price. By getting a home inspection, you'll be made aware of any potential damages to the property. If you still want to purchase the house, you can negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to make repairs before you make an offer.

Understand future needs – The last thing you want to do is purchase a property without knowing exactly what you're getting yourself into. A home inspection can help you identify any maintenance costs or future upkeep you'll need to invest in once you own your new house.