'Buyer Beware' also applies to the first time home buyers seeking affordable housing. For many of these folks money is tight, and if an 'as is' property 'looks okay' it pays to remember that looks can be deceiving.

One recent couple almost skipped opting for a home inspection in hopes of saving the $300 cost. The early 1980's built townhome received a good cleaning, fresh paint and carpet. It also had a roof replaced two years prior. We explained that the home inspection would likely pay for itself with discovery of repairs needed which may not be readily apparent to the naked eye. Luckily they agreed given some example scenarios.

Now, their experience have been added to our list of example scenarios. Inspection of the attic revealed that the roof was constructed with the first generation of FRT plywood (Fire Retardant Treated). This first generation treatment was recalled when it was found to cause rapid deterioration of the wood strength integrity. Some of this had been replaced but not all. Several sheets were near the consistency of wet cardboard. The untrained eye couldn't readily see this. But the inspector caught it instantly.

So you do the math. Tearing of the entire shingles down to the plywood, replacing said wood and reshingling.

Worth $300?