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Ivy Realty

Home Service Vendors

Trusted inspectors, contractors, and service providers across Maricopa County. Find the right professional for every step of your home journey.

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BUYER RESOURCE

Should I Get a Home Inspection?

A practical guide for Arizona homebuyers

If you're buying a home in Arizona, you've likely been told to get a home inspection — and in many cases, it's excellent advice. A licensed home inspector provides a comprehensive evaluation of a property's structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, roof condition, and more. The typical cost runs $350–$550 depending on square footage, and the inspection report becomes a powerful negotiation tool during the BINSR (Buyer Inspection Notice and Seller Response) period.

When You Need a Home Inspector

A general home inspection is strongly recommended for resale homes, especially properties over 15 years old. Inspectors identify issues you can't see — roof damage hidden under tiles, aging water heaters, improper electrical wiring, foundation settlement, and potential safety hazards. If your lender requires an inspection (common with FHA and VA loans), you'll need a licensed inspector to satisfy the loan conditions.

The Contractor Alternative: Free Inspections, Real Bids

Here's what many first-time buyers don't realize: when a lender doesn't require a formal inspection, some buyers choose to call specialized contractors instead. Why? Because contractors who specialize in specific trades often provide more actionable information — and frequently at no cost.

How Specialized Inspections Work

Roofing Contractors — Most roofers will inspect your roof for free, then provide a detailed bid if repairs are needed. A general inspector might say “roof has damage”; a roofer tells you exactly what's wrong and what it costs to fix. That bid becomes your negotiation leverage.
HVAC Inspections — HVAC companies typically charge around $85 for a full system diagnostic. Given that replacing an AC unit in Arizona can run $6,000–$12,000, that $85 is money well spent. They'll check refrigerant levels, compressor health, ductwork condition, and remaining lifespan.
Pool Inspections — Pool companies routinely offer free inspections. They'll assess equipment condition, check for leaks, evaluate the surface, and provide a bid on any necessary maintenance or repairs. In a state where pools are everywhere, this saves hundreds.
General Contractors — A licensed GC can walk a property and spot structural, cosmetic, and mechanical issues because they build and repair homes daily. Unlike a general inspector who documents problems, a GC tells you what it actually costs to resolve them. Many provide free walk-throughs to bid the work.

The Best Approach: Both

For most buyers, the smartest strategy is a combination: start with a licensed general home inspection to get the full picture, then bring in specialized contractors for areas of concern. The inspector identifies issues; the specialists tell you exactly what the fix costs. This gives you the strongest negotiation position during your BINSR period.

What About New Construction?

Even with new builds, an inspection is worthwhile. Builders are human, and construction defects happen. Consider a pre-drywall inspection and a final walkthrough inspection. Many of the inspectors listed above specialize in new construction evaluations.

Pro Tip: All the inspectors, contractors, and vendors listed on this page serve Maricopa County and have solid online reviews. Use the interactive map above to find professionals near your property. Your Ivy Realty agent can also recommend vendors they've personally worked with.

Vendor listings are provided as a resource and do not constitute an endorsement. Always verify licensing, insurance, and references before hiring.

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