Home Inspections

Whether buying or selling your home, inspections are essential. Inspections can identify issues with a property that may affect its value or safety, protecting the interests of buyers and sellers when it comes to negotiating price or repairs.

Types of Inspections

Depending on the property and local regulations, real estate professionals may recommend or require different types of inspections, including but not limited to:

Standard home inspection
Radon testing
Asbestos survey
Lead-based paint inspection
Termite inspection
Composite siding inspection
Stucco siding inspection
On-site waste system (SeptiChek™) evaluation
Private well flow and potability inspection
Underground storage tank (UST) inspection
Pool/hot tub inspection

Scroll down to read more, or click the links above to jump to the desired section.

Getting proper inspections on a future property is one of the best ways to make a wise purchase decision and protect your investment. The below is not an exhaustive list of all inspections that either exist or are necessary, but is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types.

Standard Home Inspection

In a standard home inspection, an inspector may assess a variety of areas on the property, such as the lot and grounds, general structure, exterior surfaces, roof, garage/carport, attic, basement, crawl space, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating/air conditioning systems, fireplace/wood burning devices, and even the appliances that are staying with the house. Keep in mind that the Purchase and Sale Agreement you sign when making an offer will most likely outline your inspection rights, and these rights may differ from region to region. If you intend to purchase a home being sold "as is," it's still essential to have an inspection, so you know about all issues and defects, including ones that may not be obvious or noticeable.

Radon Testing

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer and results in 15,000 to 22,000 deaths yearly. Because high radon levels can be found in every state and concentrate more in indoor spaces, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes undergo radon testing. If the radon level inside a house is 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, then the EPA suggests hiring a professional to mitigate it by adding radon-resistant features. Visit https://www.epa.gov/radon for more information.

Asbestos Survey

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs naturally in rocks and soil. In the past (mainly between the 1930s and 1970s), asbestos was widely used in construction material due to its heat insulation and fire resistance abilities. However, it was later discovered that asbestos-containing materials release microscopic fibers when damaged, disturbed, or deteriorated. These fibers are extremely easy to inhale and can cause serious health problems. If a survey detects asbestos on a property, buyers should seek professional assistance to determine whether it's necessary to seal off or remove the asbestos entirely.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection

If you're considering buying a home built before 1978, be aware that it might have been painted with lead-based paint. Lead exposure through breathing in lead-based paint dust or eating lead-based paint chips can be extremely harmful, especially for infants and young children. Lead has been shown to damage the brain and nervous system, causing learning disabilities, behavioral problems, slowed growth, hearing loss, and more. Most sellers of pre-1978 homes already know if their property contains lead-based paint and will readily disclose this information. If they don't know, it's essential to find out with a lead-based paint inspection, especially if you have or plan to have children.

Termite Inspection

While it's not always a legal requirement, some mortgage lenders or home insurance companies may require a termite inspection and clearance letter before approving funds or policies. Termite inspectors generally search for all kinds of wood-destroying insects (WDI) and organisms (WDO), such as termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, fungi, and more. If the inspection finds evidence of damage, it could lead to costly repairs and raise questions about the property's structural integrity. In severe cases, the property may even be deemed uninhabitable.

Composite Siding Inspection

Composite siding, also called LP (Lousiana Pacific) siding, OSB (oriented strand board), or hardboard, is engineered from wood fibers, flakes, or veneers bonded with resins, glues, or waxes. It was once a popular and more affordable option to traditional wood siding due to its wood-like appearance. However, homeowners filed class-action lawsuits against manufacturers after finding that composite siding can easily absorb moisture, causing it to swell and rot. If you're considering purchasing a property with composite siding, mainly if it was installed before 1996, it may need to be replaced to avoid moisture damage.

Stucco Siding Inspection

Stucco is a concrete-like siding material that's incredibly common in drier climates such as the southwestern United States. However, it can also be found in homes in the Pacific Northwest. Stucco is considered attractive, cheap, and durable, but it risks cracking over time, leading to moisture getting into the siding and causing water damage. If you're considering a home with a stucco exterior, you might want to have an inspection done to take moisture readings, determine the siding's condition, and check that it was installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.

On-Site Sewage/Septic System (OSS) Evaluation

If your future home uses an on-site sewage system such as a private or shared septic tank, you or the seller may be required to have the tank inspected and pumped prior to selling. During the inspection, a professional will usually check the tank, its lid, and other access ports for leaks, cracks, or other damage. They may also inspect the drain field, also known as the leaching field, to make sure that it's not saturated or clogged.

Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection

If your property has a private well attached, this inspection will ensure the well is 1. providing enough water for the house and 2. the water is safe to drink (potable). Water samples from the well will be sent to a lab to determine its potability.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection

Underground Storage Tanks, or USTs, are typically used to store oil for heating homes. USTs are predominantly made of metal and tend to rust and corrode over time. If a UST is too corroded, hazardous materials may leak out and contaminate the soil around it, as well as nearby aquifers that supply drinking water to surrounding communities. Similar to an on-site sewage/septic system (OSS) inspection, a UST inspection will involve checking the tank and its surroundings for signs of leaks and contamination.

Pool/Hot Tub Inspection

If your new home comes with a pool or hot tub, lucky you! Make sure these water fixtures are in good condition by having a professional inspect your pool or hot tub's equipment. Determines the overall condition and operability of a pool and/or hot tub's equipment. A pool inspection may also include checking the pool deck itself for any signs of deterioration or other noticeable defects.

Getting proper inspections on a future property is one of the best ways to make a wise purchase decision and protect your investment. The above is not an exhaustive list of all inspections that either exist or are necessary, but is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types.

I'm In Your Corner

When you’re in the market for a home, you need someone in your corner, someone who will help you find what you’re looking for and provide the information you need to make good decisions. Let me be the one to guide you through this process and help turn your home-buying dream into a reality!

Contact Me

© 2022 ERA Franchise Systems LLC. All rights reserved. ERA, ERA Real Estate Powered, ERA Distinctive Properties, and their respective logos are service marks owned by ERA Franchise Systems LLC. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by third parties are not provided by, affiliated with or related to ERA Franchise Systems LLC, or its affiliated companies. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees.