VETERAN-TO-VETERAN • FOX VALLEY, IL
A Veteran Inspecting Homes for Fellow Veterans
As a Marine Corps veteran, I understand the VA loan process from the inside — and I know that a VA appraisal is not the same as a full home inspection. Many buyers assume the appraisal covers everything, but its job is to confirm the property meets the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and supports the loan amount — not to give you a full picture of the home’s condition. This holds true whether you’re buying in Aurora, Naperville, St. Charles, Oswego, or anywhere across Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties.
Veteran-Owned | Licensed IL Home Inspector #450.012533 | Serving Kane, DuPage, Kendall & Will Counties
20+ Years
Trades Experience
Marine Veteran
Veteran-Owned
Licensed
IL #450.012533
4 Counties
Fox Valley Coverage
VA APPRAISAL VS. HOME INSPECTION
Why This Matters for VA Buyers
The VA doesn’t require a private home inspection to close your loan — but it strongly recommends one, and so do most lenders and real estate agents. A VA appraisal checks basic safety, soundness, and sanitation standards; a home inspection goes deeper into mechanical systems, structure, and maintenance issues that could cost you thousands down the road.
VA Appraisal
Required by VA?
Yes
Who orders it
Lender
Typical cost
Included in loan costs
What it checks
Market value + Minimum Property Requirements
Depth
Surface-level walkthrough
Yes
Who orders it
Lender
Typical cost
Included in loan costs
What it checks
Market value + Minimum Property Requirements
Depth
Surface-level walkthrough
Independent Home Inspection
Required by VA?
No — but highly recommended
Who orders it
You, the buyer
Typical cost
$350–$600
What it checks
Full mechanical, structural, and safety evaluation
Depth
Top-to-bottom, room-by-room inspection
No — but highly recommended
Who orders it
You, the buyer
Typical cost
$350–$600
What it checks
Full mechanical, structural, and safety evaluation
Depth
Top-to-bottom, room-by-room inspection
VA MINIMUM PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS
What the VA Actually Requires (MPRs)
VA appraisers check for specific Minimum Property Requirements before a loan can close. As of 2026, the VA updated several of these standards, including removing the full radon gas testing requirement and revising rules for homes built before 1978. Current MPRs generally include:
- Safe, functional electrical, heating, and plumbing systems
- Adequate roofing with no active leaks and sufficient remaining life
- Clean water supply and safe sewage disposal
- Accessible, properly vented attics and crawl spaces
- Freedom from wood-destroying insects, fungus, and dry rot — required in Illinois specifically
- Safe year-round access via a public or private all-weather road
Illinois note: Illinois is one of the states where the VA specifically requires a wood-destroying insect inspection, so this is a step buyers throughout the Fox Valley shouldn’t skip.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Why Get an Independent Inspection Anyway
It Protects You
The appraisal protects the lender and the VA — a private inspection protects you.
Deeper Testing
Inspectors physically test outlets, systems, and accessible components instead of doing a lighter walkthrough.
Negotiating Leverage
An inspection can uncover issues before closing and give you useful negotiating information.
Veteran Perspective
Steve understands VA timelines and flags issues that could affect MPR approval or your closing date.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What's Included in a VA Buyer Inspection
Build the inspection around the property and your peace-of-mind needs. Start with a full home inspection and add specialized testing where it makes sense.
Standard Home Inspection
Full system check beyond what the appraisal covers.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Catches costly line issues appraisals don’t assess.
Radon Testing
No longer required by the VA in most cases, but still worth confirming for your family’s health.
Air Quality Testing
Extra peace of mind for move-in-ready confidence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VA Buyer Inspection FAQs
No. The VA requires an appraisal to confirm the home meets Minimum Property Requirements and supports the loan value — a private inspection is optional but strongly recommended.
The appraisal confirms value and basic livability standards for the lender; the inspection is a deeper, buyer-paid evaluation of the home’s actual condition.
The seller typically must repair the issue before the loan can close.
Yes. In 2026 the VA removed the blanket radon gas testing requirement and revised standards for homes built before 1978.
Yes — Illinois is one of the states where the VA specifically requires this inspection as part of the MPR process.
Yes. Good Bones serves VA buyers throughout Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties, including Aurora, Naperville, Batavia, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.
Book Your VA Buyer Inspection
Get the independent, thorough inspection your appraisal won’t give you — from a veteran who understands what’s at stake, wherever you’re buying across the Fox Valley.
Veteran-Owned • Licensed IL #450.012533 • Kane, DuPage, Kendall & Will Counties