This is a question that is often asked by prospective home owners, particularly new home owners.  These days, when money is so tight, buyers are checking all of those little areas where they can save a few bucks.  Usually, that is an excellent strategy, always review to make sure that you are not paying more than you should.  But I always tell my home buyers, please get an inspection.  It is not my decision, but it is my duty to protect my clients and to make sure that they have all of the facts in front of them and that they understand the consequences of their decisions. Even with new construction, an inspection is a good idea.  If I was buying a home today, I would definitely hire an inspector and then I would be by his side every step of the way.  I would ask him a million questions.  There is a lot that you can learn about the operation of your new home from your inspector.  Do not overrate the inspection though, it is only a snapshot in time of how things are currently working and if they are up to code. An inspector can usually tell you also the approximate age of some of your home components. And with the age, you can approximate the life left in that component.  Like any other service that you hire, make sure that you research your inspector and ask for references.  In our area, the average cost would be from $300 to $450 for an inspection. The inspection comes with no guarantees. Even with that being said, your home purchase is one of the largest purchases that you will probably ever make, so I reiterate, get an inspection.  It is definitely money well spent.