You do need a Home Inspector.
And not one recommened by the RE Agent. And probably one that has to drive at least a few towns away.
You can't get Holmes from Canada. Holmes on TV is a entertainment show. Holmes actually has a full crew of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Holmes himself is NOT as good as the TV shows. No one person is that good.
Do check the credentials of any Home Inspector. There is schooling certificates and a national organization that all should belong to. And do check what these guys/gals did before becoming a home inspector.
Anyone can become a home inspector in NH. So you have to dig deeper and read their resume. Somewhere there should be construction or home building. And this alone does not make a home inspector but does help.
No one person can be an expert in plumbing, electrical, framing, building, etc. So you do have to settle on the best you can find. No one person will find all faults. It is not like the TV show Holmes. No one is that good nor is Holmes himself that good. It is a TV show with a full cast of experts.
Check to see what insurance the home inspector carries.
Make sure the home inspector climbs on the roof and if crawl space - climbs in there. In other words from top of roof to bottom of basement. And all in between.
You as the consumer have to do your homework before hiring a home inspector. Make sure that every electrical outlet is checked. Every light switch checked. Every faucet is checked. Every drain is checked. And if issues become apparent - be prepared to hire an electrician or plumber or home builder to come and double check.
No house new or used is perfect. So don't expect perfection. But do weigh any costs for repairs against purchase price. And as I have stated before. If you find structural water leaks - buy a different house. Move on.
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