Most Americans would admit that buying a house is one of life's most stressful experiences. Surprisingly, however, some home buyers skip the professional home inspection and take their chances.

Here are some great reasons to get a home inspection before you sign your name on the dotted line:

• Your biggest investment: Americans aren't big savers. Instead of piggy banks, Americans own homes. If you buy a lemon of a house, it may cost you your life's savings repairing it.
• Fireplaces: A black film called creosote often builds up inside the fireplace after many years. If it's too thick, then you've got a potential fire hazard on your hands.
• Roof: Nobody thinks about the roof until it fails. Don't spend a fortune on the house and then be forced to pay thousands more when you discover the roof is no good.
• The objectivity factor: Many home buyers get emotional when looking at a house. Home inspectors, fortunately, aren't distracted by visual appearances - they're looking for problems.
• Hot water heater: Taking cold showers is a choice, not something that you should be forced to do. A faulty water heater may not only leave you cold - it can also damage your home and belongings if it starts to leak. Your home inspector will inspect your hot water heater and provide you with facts. 
• HVAC System: Tennessee has temperatures ranging from very cold to extremely hot! Know before hand whether or not your HVAC system is operational and in working order.