You find a home you love, and your agent tells you there may be competing offers. Should you remove the home inspection contingency to make your offer more attractive?
It is a decision buyers are still facing. In its report available in September 2026, the National Association of REALTORS reported that 20% of buyers waived their inspection contingency, compared with 18% one year earlier. These are national figures, but they highlight a question relevant to buyers in Rome, NY: what information could you be giving up?
Before making that decision, understand what a home inspection can tell you—and how its timing affects your options.
Waiving a contingency and skipping an inspection are different decisions
An inspection contingency is a provision in a purchase agreement. Depending on its wording, it may provide options when inspection findings reveal concerns.
A home inspection is the actual evaluation of the property.
Removing a contingency does not necessarily mean an inspection cannot happen. However, your ability to arrange one, request repairs, or withdraw depends on your agreement. Discuss those details with your real estate agent and attorney before submitting an offer.
Why appearances are not enough
Fresh paint, new flooring, and an updated kitchen can make a property feel ready for move-in. They do not establish the condition of its roof, electrical system, plumbing, or heating equipment.
A professional inspection helps identify visible concerns and areas that may need further evaluation.
For buyers considering a home inspection in Rome, NY, the useful question is: What do I need to understand before taking responsibility for this property?
What can a home inspection help you evaluate?
A standard inspection addresses readily accessible, visible components within its agreed scope. Important areas include:
- Roofing and exterior conditions.
- Visible foundation and structural components.
- Electrical and plumbing systems.
- Heating and cooling equipment.
- Accessible attic insulation and ventilation.
An inspection has limits. It cannot reveal every concealed defect or predict future equipment failure. New York’s standards specifically recognize these limitations.
If the report recommends a specialist, arrange that evaluation promptly rather than assuming the concern is minor.
Which additional tests should buyers discuss?
Some property questions require services beyond a general inspection.
Radon testing: EPA recommends testing a home for radon when buying or selling. Ask about the testing schedule early so it fits your transaction timeline.
Water quality testing: For a property with a private well, ask what contaminants the proposed testing panel evaluates.
Well flow testing: Water availability is a separate question from water quality. Discuss what the test measures and its limitations.
Septic dye testing: A dye test can provide useful information, but it does not establish the condition of the entire septic system. Durant recommends a more thorough evaluation coordinated with a qualified septic professional. duranthomeinspections.com
Confirm which tests are included in your appointment and which are separate services.
What if you already purchased without an inspection?
A post-closing inspection can still help you understand visible conditions and organize maintenance priorities.
It cannot restore contractual options that ended at closing. However, it can provide a starting point for deciding which concerns need professional attention and which projects to budget for.
Durant offers post-closing inspections, alongside its other home inspection services.
Questions to ask before making your offer
Before deciding whether to waive an inspection contingency, ask:
- What inspection access would the agreement allow?
- What options would I have if a significant concern is found?
- Can additional tests fit within the available timeline?
- Do I have funds available for unexpected repairs?
- Which property records should we request from the seller?
The answers can help you evaluate the offer with clearer expectations.
Schedule a home inspection in Rome, NY
A competitive offer deserves careful preparation. Understanding the property’s condition can help you make a more informed purchase and plan for ownership.
Contact Durant Home Inspections or call (315) 263-3693 to discuss an inspection and appropriate additional testing.