The Full VA Inspection Checklist — Palm Beach County

1. VA Appraisal (Mandatory)

The VA appraisal is not a home inspection, but it is the first step where issues get flagged. The VA appraiser evaluates the property against Minimum Property Requirements and will look for:

• Roof condition and signs of leaks
• Ceiling or wall staining
• Plumbing or electrical hazards
• Standing water in the yard (possible septic failure indication)
• Water discoloration or odors (possible well issues)
• Safety problems: missing handrails, broken steps, exposed wiring

If anything concerns the appraiser, they add conditions that must be addressed before the loan can close.

2. Well Water Test (Mandatory for Homes with Wells)

For homes on private wells, a certified lab water test is required. A visual check of the well is not sufficient for a VA loan. Typical VA water testing includes:

• Coliform bacteria
• E. coli
• Nitrates and nitrites
• Lead or other contaminants depending on local standards

The result must show the water is safe to drink. If the test fails, the well may need to be shocked/sanitized, equipment serviced or replaced, and a retest completed until the water passes.

3. Septic System Inspection (Often Required)

Most homes in The Acreage, Loxahatchee, and Jupiter Farms are on septic. For VA loans, a simple visual inspection is usually not enough, especially with older systems. In this area, most VA underwriters want:

• Septic pump-out
• Inspection of the tank interior (walls, baffles, structural integrity)
• Flow testing to confirm the drain field is functioning
• Written certification from a licensed septic contractor stating the system is functioning properly

If the appraiser noted slow drains, soft spots in the yard, strong odors, or standing water, this step typically becomes mandatory.

4. Termite / WDO Inspection (Mandatory in Florida)

Florida is a required WDO inspection state for VA loans. The WDO inspection evaluates:

• Termites (subterranean and drywood)
• Wood-destroying beetles
• Dry rot and wood-decaying fungi
• Past or active infestation evidence

If activity or damage is found, treatment — and sometimes structural repairs — are required before the loan can close.

5. Water Treatment System Check (If Present)

In The Acreage and Loxahatchee, most homes have water softeners, iron filters, carbon filters, aeration or chlorination systems, or reverse osmosis systems. The VA doesn’t always require a separate water treatment inspection, but the water test must pass. If it fails due to equipment issues, the system typically must be repaired or serviced and the water retested. Buyers should verify the equipment is operational and understand the ongoing maintenance requirement.

6. Roof Life Verification (Conditional)

If the VA appraiser can’t confidently confirm the roof’s remaining life or sees signs of wear, they may call for a roof inspection by a licensed roofer or a certification stating there are at least 3–5 years of useful life remaining with no active leaks. In Palm Beach County, older roofs already create insurance challenges — this step often ties directly into what the insurance carrier is willing to write.

7. 4-Point Inspection & Wind Mitigation (Insurance-Driven but Practically Required)

These inspections are technically for insurance, not the VA directly, but since insurance is required to close, they become part of the practical VA process in Florida:

• 4-Point Inspection — roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC; required by most Florida insurance carriers for older homes
• Wind Mitigation Report — documents features (roof shape, roof-to-wall connections, impact protection, underlayment) that may qualify the home for insurance discounts

Without acceptable insurance in place, the loan cannot close.

Recommended VA Inspection Timeline

Order everything in the first 3 days after contract acceptance to avoid delays:

What Sellers Should Know

If you’re selling a well-and-septic property and you’re open to VA buyers, proactive steps prevent last-minute surprises:

• Consider pre-inspecting the septic system and pumping the tank before listing
• Have your water treatment system serviced before the home goes on market
• Be ready for a well water test and potentially a retest if the first sample fails
• Ensure the property is clean, safe, and well-maintained before the VA appraiser arrives

Sellers who take these steps upfront typically move through the VA closing process faster and with fewer renegotiations.