Do You Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House in New Hampshire?

🏡 Do You Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House in New Hampshire?

If you’re planning to buy a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere across Central New Hampshire, you’re probably wondering:

“Do I really need a home inspection?”

The short answer is:

👉 Yes — a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the entire buying process.

Here’s why inspections matter so much in the Central NH housing market.

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Why Home Inspections Are So Important

A home inspection gives buyers a detailed report on the property’s condition, including:

✔ Roof

✔ Foundation

✔ Electrical

✔ Plumbing

✔ Heating systems

✔ Water quality

✔ Septic and well systems

✔ Attic, insulation, and ventilation

✔ Appliances

✔ Structural components

In New Hampshire, many homes are older, on well/septic systems, or built in rural environments — making inspections even more critical.

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Are Home Inspections Required in NH?

No — inspections are not legally required in New Hampshire.

However:

➡️ Most smart buyers still choose to get one

➡️ Most lenders highly recommend them

➡️ Homes in Central NH often require extra evaluation due to weather exposure, drainage, age, and systems like wells and septic

Skipping an inspection can lead to expensive surprises.

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Do Sellers Expect Buyers to Get an Inspection?

Yes.

In the Plymouth-area market, inspections are extremely common.

Even in competitive situations, many buyers still:

✔ Get inspections for informational purposes

✔ Use limited inspection contingencies

✔ Shorten deadlines but still inspect

✔ Request major repairs when appropriate

An inspection shows you what you’re actually buying.

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What Does a Home Inspection Typically Cost in Central NH?

Typical inspection pricing:

💰 General home inspection: $400–$700

💧 Water test: $100–$200

🚽 Septic inspection/pumping: $300–$900

🌲 Radon test: $100–$150

🏡 Additional systems (chimneys, wells, etc.) may vary

The cost is well worth the peace of mind.

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What Happens After the Inspection?

After the inspection, you can:

✔ Request repairs

✔ Renegotiate price or credits

✔ Accept the property “as-is”

✔ Walk away (if you have a contingency)

Your agent will guide you based on the severity of findings.

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Q&A

Q: Can I waive a home inspection to win the offer?

A: You can, but it’s risky — especially in NH where homes may have septic issues, old roofs, or hidden problems.

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

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Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com