COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Whether it's a new build or decades old, a proper inspection is crucial when buying a home. April is National Home Inspection Awareness Month, shining a light on the importance of home inspections. "Never waive the home inspection," said Jim Troth, owner and founder of Habitation Investigation. "Always get it inspected." Skipping an inspection could put the homebuyer at risk, but so could hiring the wrong inspector. "A couple of years ago, people were waiving inspections, trying just to get their offer accepted," Troth said. "And they've heard all the horror stories, and now, people are a lot more cautious." After a viewer reached out to Better Call 4 with his own cautionary tale, NBC4's Jennifer Bullock spoke with an expert. The homeowner purchased a home in December 2023. "Moved in middle of January and have had multiple issues with my basement," he said. "This wasn't in the home inspection, nor was it disclosed to me." The basement issues include cracks in the walls and flooding when it rains. "I'm a first-time homebuyer and was relying on the expertise of the home inspector and the truthfulness of the seller," he said. "I wasn't given an option of more than one inspector. Just the one who the real estate agent sent to the house." Troth said the agent is supposed to recommend at least three names, if they're recommending any at all. "Everybody needs to be licensed to do home inspections," he said. "That started in 2019." That's when Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 255 into law, creating the home inspector program, overseen by the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Ohio law prohibits real estate agents from providing the name of just one licensed home inspector to a buyer or seller. As Troth said, agents must provide the names of at least three inspectors. But don't blindly take their recommendations. Always do research, verify their training and experience, and ask for proof of licensing, if they belong to any legitimate organizations -- like the American Society of Home Inspectors. Troth took Better Call 4 through some newly built homes in the Columbus area to show what people should be looking for, so it doesn't end up costing them money. He said to check pan flashing on the windows, which prevents water from coming in. He also said to check drywall, plumbing, wiring, excessive debris in the vents, and the frame. "No matter how old it is, we're going to look at all the exact same things," Troth said. "We're going to check the foundation, the siding, the countertops, appliances, making sure they're doing what they should." That includes the furnace, checking for rust, corrosion or leaks. Whether buying new or something a bit older, Troth recommends getting an inspection. "We do see issues," he said. "Most of the time, it's not a major structural issue. It's something little, like the nail plate, the missing flashing -- things that will prevent a much bigger issue down the road." ...read more read less