Let’s suppose you visit your family doctor for a routine check-up. Based on your symptoms and blood work, they notice something that might warrant a closer examination and refer you to the best-qualified specialist to diagnose the problem and treat it. Are you able to say, “Nah. I’m fine,” and believe that everything is okay?
Let’s not despair!
The same logic applies when you inspect a house before buying it.
Save now, spend now.
84% of homebuyers today request a home inspection as a part of their purchase agreement.
A home inspector is not a specialist. They might say something like, “I would recommend calling in a specialist” to look at this sign of wood decay or “Let’s have a structural engineer come in here, I’m concerned about the foundation crack.”
Before you purchase, you should also check for common issues in your neighborhood (such as pest problems or Radon). A general inspector will not be able to cover these issues.
Consider that nearly one in five buyers regret buying a home because of hidden maintenance costs or unexpected repairs. Now is not the time for you to spend a few hundred dollars on an additional inspection.
If you find serious structural, mechanical or safety problems in the house, an inspection can allow you to void a contract. You can also negotiate with the seller to fix serious defects or lower your offer to pay for the repair work yourself.
Robert Greenblatt is a 12-year-old real estate investor and agent who is a top-selling agent in Springdale, New Jersey. He explains that testing for high radon levels can increase the risk for lung cancer for those exposed.
In his region, testing for Radon is $150. Buyers can request mitigation from the seller if they find elevated levels. This averages out to $1,200 nationally and costs up to $2,000. Greenblatt states that this is an additional $150 worth of money.
No kidding!
The general inspection is not enough.
Let’s now dive into 15 types of home inspections. These will help you get under the hood before dealing with all the flaws in a property.
A home will not need to pass all the inspections on this list. Radon is a common problem in areas that have basements. This is not the case in areas with a lot more swampland. The age of a home also plays a significant role. It is important to be aware of all options so that you do not leave anything out.
This is a summary of the various types of home inspections that can be performed on your house from top to bottom.
1.Inspection of chimneys
An inspection of the chimney will determine if the fireplace and chimney are properly venting. It also checks for cracks in mortar or deterioration. Also, creosote buildup (a byproduct of burning wood) can cause the chimney to combust. This prevents smoke and odors from getting inside the chimney when cold.
Costs:
On average, the national average is between $360 and $400
Who should you hire?
A CSIA (Certified Chimney Sweep) technician
When should you get it?
Before you use the fireplace, inspect the chimney. Inspect the chimney of any house that has one. This will ensure you aren’t concerned about birds or bats nesting up there. It can also prevent you from carbon monoxide poisoning or risk starting a fire.
If the sellers don’t have documentation to prove they’ve inspected your chimney, you can get it checked before closing.
2. Roof Inspection
Preventive roof maintenance is a cost-saving measure that can save homeowners thousands each year over the roof’s life span. Roofers can inspect a roof and ceilings to find signs of damage or leaks, flag potential problems such as mold growth or rotten wood beneath, and even use an infrared scanner handheld or drone inspection for heat escape spots.
Costs:
On average, the national average is $205
Who should you hire?
Ask your agent to refer you; double-check for the roofer’s insurance and license.
When should you get it?
A roof inspection is recommended for any house with a roof between 20-25 years of age.
Ask for a roof certificate. This document is usually provided by a roofing professional and identifies any roof problems, and estimates the roof’s life expectancy. Roof certifications usually last for between 2 and 5 years from the inspection date.
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Lead-based paint inspection
Although the federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978, older homes and those built after then can still contain it.
According to KidsHealth.org, lead is a toxic metal naturally found in the body. It can cause damage to blood cells, calcium absorption and muscle movements. High levels of lead can also cause brain and kidney damage.
According to the CDC, children are particularly at risk from lead exposure. However, pregnant women and unborn babies can also be exposed to the chemical.
A lead-based paint inspection will include a visual inspection of the house to find peeling or chipped paint. The inspector will then take paint samples from each room and swipe clothes to collect them. These samples are later tested in a laboratory.
Costs:
On average, the cost of removing lead-based paint is $300 in each state. If lead-based paint is found, it can be encapsulated or covered with a liquid compound for $55 to $75 per gallon. The average cost of removing lead paint is $5,000 to $10,000.
Who can you hire:
Depending on where you live:
- The EPA’s lead inspector locator is a certified one
- Locate a professional in lead-based painting activities
How to get it:
Recommend for homes built before 1978
4. Rodent, termite or pest
An inspector inspects your property’s exterior and interior for signs of pest infestations, damage, or other areas that could be attractive to them. An inspector will inspect your property for signs such as moisture readings using a meter, piles of wood, damaged wood, and sounds hollow when tapped.
Costs:
For an additional $75-$125, some home inspection companies offer a pest inspection as part of their service. A pest inspection by a licensed pest inspector costs $100. However, it may cost more depending on which company you choose.
Who should you hire?
Local pest control expert or licensed pest inspector
When should you get it?
Ask your agent which pest inspections are required in the area. In the Midwest, you may want to inspect the crawl space for signs that mice might be present; in Arizona, it is the scorpions who roam. A termite inspection is required for some financing options, such as VA and FHA loans.
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Radon inspection
According to the EPA, nearly one in fifteen American homes has elevated radon levels. This can lead to lung cancer. According to scientists, radiation exposure is responsible for between 15,000 and 22,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States. If your home’s radon levels reach 4 pCi/L, you should be concerned. This is the equivalent of four picocuries per liter.
You can measure the radon level in your house by conducting two short-term tests lasting between 2 and 3 days or a longer-term test lasting 90 days. Because interior radon levels are subject to change due to ground shifting and other factors, the test should be kept running for at least 90 days. The test must be valid within the last two years. This is especially important if your home has been modified or renovated since the previous test.
Your home inspection may also include methamphetamine testing, depending on where you live. Methamphetamine is a substance that can penetrate the surfaces of homes and properties when it is produced. A home used to make methamphetamine must be disclosed by sellers in at least half of the US states.
Costs:
Radon can be added to the standard home inspection cost for an additional $90-250. Radon testing can be purchased separately from the home inspection. Radon tests cost an average of $450 nationally.
Who can you hire:
Although sellers can test for Radon themselves at home by buying a kit from a local hardware store or National Radon Program Services (NRPS), buyers often want an independent company to conduct the test. There are several ways they can find qualified companies.
- AARST – National Radon Proficiency Program (AARST-NRPP)
- National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
- Your state radon office or public health official
When should you get it?
Radon levels are most likely to rise in lower levels of a house. If the basement or crawlspace is present, you should test it for Radon so that you can ask for remediation.
6. Electric inspection
Protecting your family’s safety is essential. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, electrical distribution and lighting equipment are still the leading cause of home fires. An electrical inspection includes checking for exposed wiring, ungrounded outlets, spliced wires and improperly modified electrical panels.
Costs:
A national average electrical inspection costs $75 to $125. However, some companies offer basic checks for residential clients at no cost.
Who should you hire?
An electrician licensed or an electrical contractor
How to get it:
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), Rosslyn, Virginia, is the leading non-profit authority that promotes electrical safety at work and home. They recommend an inspection of the electrical system for any home purchase.
If a home has been renovated or received major appliances in the past 10 years, the ESFI recommends inspection.
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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
An HVAC inspection is a great way for homeowners to determine how well their central heating and cooling systems are maintained and in what condition they are in. An HVAC system that is not maintained properly can lead to major system failures. A professional HVAC inspector will inspect the system’s thermostat calibration and heat pumps, electrical connections, safety controls, quality of installation, and many other components.
Costs:
On average, $321 in the United States
Who can you hire:
Reputable heating and air conditioning companies in your area. Ask your inspector or agent for recommendations.
How to get it:
An HVAC specialist can diagnose if a home inspector detects a temperature problem with your furnace or air conditioner and determine if the unit should be repaired or replaced.
8. Asbestos Inspection
Many roofing materials, including tiles and paints, were made from asbestos before 1980. Researchers discovered that asbestos could cause pain in the chest, shortness of abdominal discomfort, and other health issues. Asbestos is only a threat to your health if it’s disturbed or the fibers are released into the air. This could be due to a home renovation or other home improvement projects.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, if a general home inspector suspects that a house may contain asbestos, he or she will typically only label it “asbestos like material”. Asbestos can only be positively identified with a microscope. Asbestos testing can be dangerous and could result in the release of harmful fibers. Professionals who use special tools to cut through any material are better suited for this purpose.
Costs:
A team of experts can do on-site sampling for $250 to $750, while air monitoring after the removal can be $300-$1,200.
Who can you hire:
Asbestos abatement company
How to get it:
If they are aware of asbestos, sellers must disclose it to buyers. Ask your agent to determine if the asbestos in the house you consider buying was present before 1980. You may negotiate for credit or request that the asbestos is removed. However, the seller is not required to do this.
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Mold inspection
Mold can spread quickly and cause many health problems. Mold can cause allergic reactions such as hay fever-like symptoms and rashes. It can also cause upper respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, sneezing and wheezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Mold inspections include visual assessments, surface sampling, air sampling, moisture levels and intrusion testing. To find damp spots or cold spots behind walls and assess the damage caused by the spread of mold, some mold inspectors may also use thermal imaging to determine how to best remove it.
Costs:
On average, a comprehensive mold inspection costs $651
Who should you hire?
An IICRC-certified mold remediation specialist also holds environmental insurance coverage that covers any contamination during remediation.
How to get it:
A general inspector can identify a mold problem in a home if it is visible on walls, ceilings, or furniture. Standing water around HVAC units and earthy or musky odors are all indicators that warrant further investigation. An inspection should be done if there is any visible mold or water damage.
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Inspection of water and plumbing systems
A professional plumber inspection may include a visual check and a diagnostic camera. A plumber will inspect all connections and shut offs under the sinks, verify that all appliances and fixtures are code-compliant, check the water pressure, and ensure everything drains properly.
Costs:
The cost of a plumber running a camera through pipes to check their condition will be around $200 to $150.
Who can you hire:
A professional plumber can only do this type of inspection
When should you get it?
If you have any concerns about the plumbing in your home, especially if it was built before 1990, when builders used materials that are not used today, or if there are signs of water pressure problems or slow drains, a plumbing inspection can be a good idea.
11. Sewer and septic system inspection
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a septic system inspection will determine whether the tank is the appropriate size for the house.
Costs:
A septic system inspection can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. Additional $50-250 will be charged depending on the tank’s depth.
Who can you hire:
These systems are usually inspected by a qualified wastewater professional, but some health departments may also inspect them for a fee. A plumber may combine a sewer system inspection and a plumbing inspection.
When should you get it?
The home inspector in high river ab may request a sewer or system inspection if a home has backflow in the drains or slow-flowing toilets.
12. Foundation inspection
Structural engineers look for foundational problems, such as a steep slope to the house, cracks above the doors, or doors that are not aligned. Sagging roofs, uneven floors or cracks can all be signs of structural problems. This could make your home more vulnerable to pests as well as water damage.
Costs:
A structural home inspection costs on average $600. Compare that to the national average cost for a structural home inspection, between $5,000 and $6,000.
Who should you hire?
Structural engineer
When should you get it?
If the foundation or frame of your home is suspect, contact us immediately.
13. Soil analysis/landscaping
A soil analysis can help you determine the drainage, grading and other maintenance suggestions for your home. It also helps determine if your foundation is adequate to counteract shifting and settling.
Costs:
The cost of professional soil testing is between $700 to $1,500
Who can you hire:
Landscaper or soil engineer
How to get it:
A soil analysis might be recommended if you consider a hillside property that can suffer from erosion, mudflows and gullies, and other weather-related problems.
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Pool and Spa
Safety checks such as checking whether latches or fencing are functioning properly and whether any electrical wires or devices away from the pool can be included in this inspection. This inspection includes a review of the plaster and vinyl, any functional or decorative tiling, and the heater, filter, pump, and heater.
Costs:
An inspection of a pool or spa costs $250 to $600, depending on its size, surroundings, and where you live.
Who can you hire:
You can either look for a pool and spa inspector certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or ask your local American Society of Home Inspectors chapter to refer a swimming pool inspector.
When should you get it?
A pool owner should inspect the heater, pump and filters. The general inspection will not cover these issues.
15. Underground oil storage inspection
The soil testing can help locate underground oil tanks. These were heating homes in the 1960s and 1970s before natural gas was common. According to Look Smart Home Inspections of Rockaway (New Jersey), some of these tanks had been properly decommissioned. However, any tank older than 20-25 years has a high risk of rusting and leakage.
Greenblatt stated that if a home has an underground tank, it could lead to seven-figure insurance claims.
Costs:
The cost of screening soil for environmental toxins starts at $30 and can go up to $100. This is a small amount compared to the average cleaning of these oil tanks. According to ATS Environmental, this can range from $8,000 to more than $100,000.
Who should you hire?
Some home inspectors offer this specialized inspection. You can also search for oil tank testing and removal companies in your local area. (Environmental organization ATS Environmental serves New Jersey and New York.
When should you get it?
If your house was built in 1945-1975, you could identify fill and vent pipes that indicate the house was heated with fuel oil.
Home inspections that are specific for homebuyers who have high standards
Experts emphasize that although getting all your inspections can increase stress when home buying, it is better to be safe than sorry. If in doubt, talk to your agent or general home inspector about additional inspections and who they recommend for the job.
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