10% Off for Veterans — Active duty, retired, and all who served. Claim Your Discount →
MPR ≠Home Inspection
Same-DayReport Turnaround
10%Veteran Discount
TREC #27007Texas Licensed
The Critical Difference

The VA appraisal is not a home inspection.

A VA appraisal verifies Minimum Property Requirements for the lender. A home inspection evaluates condition for you.

The MPR list is short — safe water, working systems, no obvious safety hazards. It does not check whether your HVAC will last another year, whether the panel will pass insurance underwriting, or whether the foundation has issues a structural engineer should see.

What this means: Even if your VA loan closes, a real inspection is what protects you.
HVAC condenser unit inspection with refrigerant pressure gauges
What We Cover That The VA Appraisal Doesn't

Real condition, not just lender minimums.

HVAC Condition

Equipment age, efficiency, life expectancy.

VA appraisal: "Heat works." Our inspection: equipment data plate, refrigerant type, condenser condition, duct sealing, and realistic remaining service life.

Electrical Detail

Panel, branch circuits, modern code.

VA appraisal: "Power works." Our inspection: panel brand and condition, double-tapped breakers, missing GFCI/AFCI, aluminum wiring concerns.

Roof Life

Granule loss, flashing, age estimates.

VA appraisal: "Roof doesn't leak." Our inspection: granule loss patterns, flashing condition, fastening, ventilation, realistic replacement timeline.

Foundation Patterns

Cracks, displacement, drainage.

VA appraisal: "No major defects." Our inspection: crack patterns documented, displacement measured, drainage and grading evaluated against soil type.

Plumbing Lifecycle

Materials, water heater age, fixtures.

VA appraisal: "Water flows." Our inspection: supply line material, water heater age and condition, fixture operation, visible leaks.

Attic & Crawlspace

We actually go in.

VA appraisal: cursory exterior assessment. Our inspection: walked attic, entered crawlspace, insulation evaluated, framing inspected.

Built for PCS Timelines

How a VA inspection works on a military clock.

Step 01

Quick Schedule

Coordinated with your option period. PCS dates honored when feasible.

Step 02

On-Site

2.5–4 hours, every system documented, photos and severity flags.

Step 03

Same-Day Report

Digital report delivered same day. Negotiate with full information.

Step 04

Post-Close

Wingman 120 Warranty included. Phone access weeks after closing.

Welcome home, veteran. Your next mission is protected.

★ For Everyone Who Served

10% off every inspection. No code. No expiration.

Active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired, honorably discharged, spouses, Gold Star families. See the veterans page.

VA FAQ

VA loan inspections — frequently asked.

More on our full FAQ page, or get in touch — Gregg answers his own phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered.

What's the difference between a VA appraisal and a home inspection?

A VA appraisal verifies Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for the lender — it checks that the home meets basic safety, soundness, and sanitary standards. A home inspection evaluates actual condition for you: HVAC life expectancy, electrical panel details, foundation crack patterns, roof age, plumbing material, and much more. The appraisal protects the lender; the inspection protects you.

Do I need a home inspection if I'm using a VA loan?

The VA does not require a home inspection, but we strongly recommend one. The VA appraisal is not a substitute — it checks basic requirements for the lender, not detailed condition for you. Military families buying near Fort Cavazos especially benefit from inspections because many area homes were built in the 1970s–1990s and have age-related system concerns.

Does Legacy Inspections offer a military discount?

Yes — 10% off every inspection for active duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired, and honorably discharged service members. Spouses and Gold Star families are included. No promo code, no expiration, no forms. Just mention your service when you book.

Can you work within PCS timelines?

Absolutely. We understand that PCS orders compress closing windows and option periods don't pause for scheduling delays. We prioritize military families when feasible, deliver same-day reports so your timeline holds, and are familiar with the specific housing markets around Fort Cavazos.

What MPR issues cause VA loan problems?

Common VA Minimum Property Requirement issues include peeling lead-based paint (pre-1978 homes), active roof leaks, non-functional HVAC or plumbing systems, missing handrails on stairs, broken windows, evidence of pest damage, and inadequate crawl space ventilation. These must be corrected before the VA will approve the loan.

Are homes near Fort Cavazos more likely to have inspection issues?

Many homes in the Killeen, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights corridor were built during military housing booms in the 1970s–1990s. Common issues include aluminum wiring (1965–1973 homes), aging HVAC systems, polybutylene plumbing, and foundation movement from the clay soils in this area. A thorough inspection is especially important for these properties.

Welcome to Texas. Let's get you home.